As I work in the aftercare industry, I see a lot of requests come through our emails asking for tattoo aftercare advice. Here are a few tips to help keep your new tat in good shape:
~Tattoos are actually minor surgery and it is to be expected that you will have some bleeding that should cease within a few hours. The best way to remove the bandage, should there be any resistance, is to just soak it in cold water until it releases. The last thing you want to do is tug at the site and cause further bleeding! Treat this area very very gently and only with total cleanliness during the healing process. That means of course hands and any clothing or even bedding that touches the site needs to be clean, and if you sweat on the area, at least rinse it off to keep the site as clean as possible.
~When your skin begins the peeling process, do NOT pick at it. Likewise, when you experience itching or scabbing - leave it alone, your body is healing the site and it will look great soon! Using aftercare will keep the area moisturized during this time and thereby should reduce these issues.
~Try your absolute best to completely avoid exposing your new tattoo to the sun for at least the first month. Sun exposure causes fading of the colors of your tattoo when it burns the delicate tattood area! After the healing process (usually 3-4 weeks), use sunscreen on your tattoo. The easiest method that works great is to outline it with a cheap tube of Chapstick containing sunscreen, then just fill it in with the same. Remember to reapply if the skin gets wet or at least every few hours during sun exposure. Small tattoos are easily protected by placing a bandage over them, but then no one will see your new tat! As much as it is tempting to want to show off your new work of art, try your best to keep it covered from direct sunlight, most importantly during healing time - your ink should remain vibrant for a long time to come.
~Never apply products containing alcohol or citrus products during this crucial healing time -- they dry and can actually burn the tender skin you want to keep moist! Also, don't use Vaseline or petroleum based products as they have been found to clog pores and draw out the ink - as a result, pimples or bumps may occur.
~Don't use really hot water in your shower, also stay away from soaking in tubs, saunas, Jaccuzis or swimming during the healing process.
~The most important things to keep in mind while your tattoo heals, are protection and cleanliness of the site. If you have severe itching or pain or the area begins to appear infected, contact your tattoo artist or physician right away. Tattoo healing isn't a rough experience. With today's sanitary guidelines, most shops are kept extremely clean and use only sterile, safe equipment. Most of us breeze through the healing process, resulting in a great work of art to show off for the rest of our lives!
Medical questions should be addressed by your doctor. These tips are meant as general information and are based on our opinions only as we are not licensed medical professionals. Questions about Raven Tattoo Care products may be sent to us through our site or by email at contact @ raventattoocare.com - or go to the source and ask your professional Tattoo Artist!
In the tattoo industry
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