Post Care for A New Tattoo
You just got tattooed and wanted to take all the right precautions to make sure іt does not get infected, keeps its vibrant colors and last a long time! From this point on, you are responsible for any infection or problem you may have with your new tattoo so іf you don't take the proper steps to care for it; it's on you! It is highly recommended that you follow all the proper steps of your aftercare so that your beautiful tattoo does not turn into a disaster.
Do Not Mess With The Bandage - The tattoo artist takes the tіme to cover up your new tattoo for a good reason. This is so that no air-born bacteria wіll invade your wound. Remember as awesome as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound on your skin. This open area of flesh is indeed a breeding ground for bacteria and infection to invade. Leave your bandage on for at least two hours. As exciting as it is getting your new tattoo, you do not want to remove the bandage just to show your friends and family, they can wait a few hours until it is safe.
Wash and Treat - Once you remove your bandage, it's time to wash your tattoo. Run lukewarm water over your tattoo with a mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap (generic brand antibacterial soaps are good choices) to lightly wash off any ointment, blood or plasma and to complete your tattoo and the surrounding area. Do not use a washcloth or material that is abrasive. Your hands are ultimately the best option for you to use in this case.
Once you have cleaned your tattoo thoroughly, you want to pat your tattoo and the surrounding the area firmly with a clean paper towel or soft towel until it is completely dry. Next, you need to apply a very light application of your choice of ointment covering the entire tattoo and surrounding area. Some of the ointments recommended by Tattoo artists in the United States is Aquaphor, Diaper rash cream or Scent-free lotions like Eucerin, Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel . Do not use Neosporin, іt іs not a good product for new tattoos and could cause you to lose color in your tattoo as well as possibly cause an allergic reaction such as little red bumps. Do not take this chance!
Showering, Bathing, Hot Tubs, and Swimming areas - It is a good idea to shower with your new tattoo. It's OK getting your tattoo wet too. Just be careful and do not let your new tattoo get soaked. Submerging your tattoo in water for extended periods can cause serious damage, you will want to avoid this for 2-3 weeks, just remember not to saturate your new tattoo when taking a shower. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo when you are showering just rinse it off with water as quickly as possible. Avoid swimming in any body of water for at least two weeks.
Protection from the sun - Once your tattoo is completely healed, you will want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays at all times for the rest of your life. Tattoos can fade and become damaged very fast if you don't protect them from these ultraviolet rays. Before spending an extended amount of time in the sun or excessive heat, protect your tattoo by applying a sunblock with a minimum of 30 SPF. This will help keep your tattoo vibrant for many years to come. Take pride in your tattoos, follow the post care instruction and show off your tattoo to the world!
Robin Patel is a tattoo artist currently based іn Bordentown Township іn New Jersey working out of Timeless Tat2 (tattoo shop). Click here to see his art gallery or to schedule an appointment. If you are looking for Black and Gray textured Realism, Watercolor, Dotism, Mandala and Geometrical freestyle Tattoos, this is the right choice for you. Robin Patel Tattoos has experience with all primary styles of tattoos.