A complete guide to tattoo care
Aftercare 101
The first 6 months, after getting a tattoo, are very important, and the way you pay attention to important aspects will also reflect the quality of the tattoo you will have. So, don't neglect some essential things, which are very important in the healing process and keep in mind that this healing process differs from one person to another, from the area where it is done and its size.
First of all, we need to understand how the healing process works, how long it lasts and what it entails.
What happens after you leave the artist's salon
How long does the foil stay on the tattoo?
The foil will stay on the tattooed area from a few hours to a few days, depending on the product specifications and the artist's recommendation.
As a rule, this will be used for 3-4 days and will be removed under a stream of lukewarm water .
In this process, a food film can be used, but it is recommended to use a special tattoo film, which is flexible and elastic, allows the covered skin to breathe, thus speeding up healing. The special foil is a professional solution and offers many advantages compared to the food one.
The protective film has a double role
On the one hand, it protects the fresh tattoo from the external environment (dust, lint, bacteria), and on the other hand, it prevents clothes or bedding from being stained with excess ink or lymph.
The healing process in 3 stages
1. Removal of plasma
Through the skin, in the area of the tattoo, a substance called lymph will be removed. If not removed, it will peel and damage the tattoo. So pay close attention to how the tattoo is taken care of in this first part. The first stage lasts about a week.
2. Itching and peeling
In the next stage, the skin becomes dry and itches. There are signs that the skin is starting to heal. At this stage it is very important to avoid scratching. This stage lasts approximately 2 weeks.
3. The appearance of the tattoo
In the third stage, the skin is almost healed, and the tattoo looks wonderful. There are no more peels and the exfoliated skin has fallen off. This stage lasts about a week.
These 3 stages generally last about a month, but attention must also be paid in the next few months.
When can we say that a tattoo is complete and the skin totally healed?
Healing time varies from person to person. Usually between 3-6 months.
How to take care of your tattoo
First of all, the tattoo area must be clean and the skin moisturized.
Washing and replacing the cream should not take more than 5 minutes and should take place every time the cream layer has entered the skin or is dirty. In general, this process is carried out, in the first month, several times a day.
Washing off the tattoo
Washing the tattoo is done by gently massaging the tattooed area under a stream of lukewarm water. It is recommended to use an antibacterial soap.
Drying the tattoo
After each wash, dry the area by gently dabbing with a tissue.
Applying the cream
A thin layer of cream is applied to the entire tattooed area, only when the skin is dry and clean.
Do not apply a thick layer of cream! The skin can no longer breathe, and the healing process becomes more difficult.
The cream must be removed by repeated washing with water and antibacterial soap, because all kinds of impurities and dust can be deposited during the day.
During healing, the skin removes a substance called lymph that must be removed because it can form a crust, which can reduce the touch.
Restrictions after tattooing - other important aspects
Hydration
It is a very important aspect. We respect the minimum 2 l of water per day.
Careful!
At the contact surface. Clean sheets, clean clothes, etc.
Do not forget!
The biggest enemy of the tattoo, after healing, is the sun. Use sunscreen and stay away from the sun's rays.
What you are not allowed to:
It is not recommended to expose the tattooed area to the sun, especially during the summer. The sun's rays can damage the tattoo.
It is not recommended to enter the water, swimming pool.
It is not recommended to scratch that area.
Other frequently asked questions
I took off the foil and all the ink came out of the skin. It's normal?
Yes, in the first days it is normal to remove the excess ink.
My skin is changing like a snake, is this normal?
Yes, during the healing process, the tattooed skin will go through phases of exfoliation and regeneration. It's normal to notice that the skin is changing, but make sure you don't pull off the peels, as this can affect the healing and final look of the tattoo.
The tattooed area is slightly swollen and inflamed, is this normal?
Yes, in that area, the skin is injured and needs a healing period.
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