As aesthetically pleasing as tattoos are, they can be costly and require a lot of time, effort, and patience. Having a tattoo done is only half the job as the rest requires taking care of it and ensuring that it does not get infected.
Many people often rush this part and end up regretting it immediately. To make sure that this does not happen to you, here is a list of a few things you can do to see to it that your tattoo heals well.
Let it Breathe
Once the covering comes off, it must never be replaced. It is important for tattoos to breathe as much as possible, they then scab, and eventually heal. If you add another covering, that will only create moisture that makes the healing process a lot slower, and potentially cause an infection.
Clean it Well
When it comes to cleaning up your tattoo, never use hot water on the area. Lukewarm water is advised instead. Tattoos are much like wounds and require delicate care and water temperatures that are comfortable.
Choose the Right Products
There are many special ointments you can apply to your tattoo to help with the healing process, and it is important to choose the right ones. The same applies for creams, lotions, and sunscreen. Unscented products are gentle and less likely to wreak havoc on your skin.
Use Products in Moderation
When applying said creams and lotions etc. the most important thing to remember is to use very small amounts at a given time. Adding too much can suffocate the pores of the skin, and your tattoo will not be able to breathe. This creates room for infections and slows down the healing process.
Resist the Itch
Much like any other wound, a tattoo is likely to itch and scab when it is healing. Never remove the scab and by all means, do not scratch the tattoo. Both of these things leave your skin feeling raw, and can become more susceptible to infection.
Don’t Let It Soak in Water
Last but, not least, steer clear of taking excessive baths. Tattoos are not meant to be soaked in water until they heal and bathing only slows down the process of healing. Instead, consider taking more quick showers, keep the water at a lukewarm temperature and avoid lingering for lengthy periods of time. Again, tattoos need to breathe and being exposed to moisture will likely create the perfect place for harmful bacteria to grow and thrive.
Taking care of a new tattoo is a slow and steady process that requires your time and unwavering effort if it is to yield positive results. It is best to seek the advice of your artist when taking care of your tattoo and to never rush into washing it with heavy soaps or exposing it to sunlight. Sunlight should be avoided in general as it causes tattoos to fade and sunscreen is a must when going outside. Take your time, make an effort, and follow all the guidelines you get if you want to have a beautiful, infection-free tattoo.
