New tattoo care: 7 essential steps for proper healing

All About Caring for Your New Tattoo

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Now it’s important to take good care of your new body art so it heals well and stays beautiful for a long time. Proper care of your new tattoo is essential to prevent infections and achieve the best result. Read on for everything you need to know about caring for your fresh ink.

The First 24 Hours After Getting It

Immediately after getting it, the tattoo artist will apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your new tattoo and cover it with a bandage or foil. Try to keep this on as much as possible during the first 24 hours. After 3-4 hours, carefully remove the top bandage and gently dab away any excess wound fluid and ink with a clean tissue. Touch the tattoo as little as possible to avoid contamination.

Showering is allowed, but avoid baths, swimming, or the sauna. Do not let water run directly on the tattoo and gently pat it dry afterward. Wear clean, loose clothing made of natural materials like cotton to minimize irritation. Sleep the first night on clean sheets.

The First Few Weeks: Letting Your Tattoo Heal

The first few days, the tattoo will still be red, swollen, and sensitive. This is normal. The epidermis begins to heal slowly and may itch or feel tight. Do not scratch! The skin will become drier and may start to flake and peel. Let this happen naturally and do not scratch or pull at the flakes.

Wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Then apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the skin hydrated. Do this for about 2 weeks until the tattoo is fully healed.

Prevent Infections

• Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo
• Avoid the sun and eventually use sunscreen
• Stay out of pools, baths, and saunas until the tattoo is completely healed
• Do not wear tight clothing over the tattoo
• Do not use harsh brushes or scrubs

Tattoo Care Products

There are many special tattoo care products such as tattoo ointments, tattoo balms, wound sprays, and skin care creams. These can help promote healing and keep the tattoo looking good. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you do not use products you are allergic to.

In principle, a standard petroleum jelly like Eucerin is also fine to apply to your tattoo. Too much cream or ointment can clog pores, so always use a thin layer. Aloe Vera gel or tea tree oil can have a cooling effect and relieve any itching.

Watch for These Warning Signs

Contact your tattoo artist or doctor if your tattoo remains painful, red, or swollen for a very long time, if pus comes out, or if you develop a fever. These can be signs of an allergic reaction or infection. Follow the advice of a professional in that case.

As long as you don’t experience any unusual complications, your new tattoo should heal nicely within 2-4 weeks. The colors will become brighter and the skin will be less sensitive. Now it’s important to continue caring for your tattoo properly to keep the colors beautiful.

Keeping Your Tattoo Beautiful and Lasting Longer

Once your tattoo is healed, you can do a few things to keep it looking good for as long as possible:

• Hydrate the skin daily with a nourishing, fragrance-free body lotion
• Use a high-factor sunscreen (at least SPF30)
• Avoid tanning beds
• Do not rub the tattoo with harsh brushes or scrubs

With the right care and a little love, you can enjoy your unique tattoo for many years. Want to try out how a tattoo looks on you first? Check out the collection of temporary tattoos from tattforaweek to find your ideal tattoo design without any commitment!