When can you swim with a tattoo? How to care for a tattoo in the first days until complete healing

The quality of a tattoo depends half on the artist and half on you. Proper care preserves bright colors And straight lines, the drawing remains juicy and clear longer. Next we talk about two ways to care for a fresh tattoo and why

The quality of a tattoo depends half on the artist and half on you. Proper care preserves bright colors and straight lines, the design remains juicy and clear longer. Next, we talk about two ways to care for a fresh tattoo, why film is a bad idea, and what not to do after the session.

How they looked after you before

Somehow, here's how:) The tattoos were smeared with Vaseline and covered with cling film - the skin was rotten, the pigment did not come out, the smell was also not the most pleasant. This beauty could fester, leading to scars. All the instructions contained the phrase “do not rip off the scabs!”: they actually appeared, falling off with the pigment. Now, crusting or peeling is a sign of poor healing, the tattoo should be moisturized and soft. If the artist recommends cling film to you, we recommend that you contact a more professional person who follows the latest innovations in the tattoo industry.

There are stories when guys used aftershave cream and “Rescuer” - in the latter case, “Rescuer” saved everything, including paint. The tattoo came out completely :) If you want a high-quality drawing, heal according to the instructions above.

Caring for a tattoo in the first days

Tattoo culture has moved away from care using cling film and strange creams quite a long time ago, about 10 years ago. Previously, the drawing dried out, crusts formed, and the chances of successful healing decreased.

Now there are two ways to preserve a tattoo so that it remains bright, clear, heals without gaps and requires almost no correction.

Method 1. Ointment and disposable diapers

Disposable diaper
This is the best thing that humanity has come up with for tattoo care. It protects the drawing from dirt and dust - like cling film. But if the skin breathes under the film, then under the diaper it breathes. The fabric also absorbs unaccustomed pigment: it is easier to wash the skin, and “snot” from lymph and paint does not form.
Choose the cheapest diapers: the composition is the same, but they cost half as much famous brands. They are sold in children's department any supermarket.

3-4 hours after the session remove the diaper and wash the tattoo with soap and warm water. Apply cream and cover with a new diaper. Before applying the cream, you can blot the drawing with chlorhexidine to disinfect the wounds.

First 4 days repeat the same every five to six hours. If you got a tattoo in the summer, change the diaper every three to four hours. There is no need to get up at night, just repeat the care before and after sleep. During the first few days, the diaper absorbs pigment - this is normal, don’t be alarmed, it won’t take away any excess. :)

In 5 days The tattoo becomes lighter - this is the body’s usual protection. Don't be alarmed either, after healing the color will appear again. You don't have to cover it with a diaper, just ointment and rinsing for a week is enough.

Method 2. Special healing film

This is a breathable film under which the tattoo heals itself. There is no need to constantly wash, change diapers, or carry cream with you. 5-6 days - and you’re done, the tattoo has healed. The film is made with hypoallergenic glue, sticks tightly to the skin and does its job. You can wash yourself carefully and go about your normal activities.

On the first day after the session The tattoo under the film looks as it is.

On the second day The tattoo site is getting warmer. An ichor is formed under the film, mixed with unaccustomed pigment. It looks like floating dark goo, see first photo below. That's how it should be.

On the third or fourth day the liquid evaporates, the film seems to crack, and the skin tightens a little. This is fine.

On the fifth or sixth day It's time to remove the film. Not on dry skin, definitely on steamed skin! Will do hot bath(20 minutes). This is enough to steam the film and be patient. Take your time and gently pull the film from all ends. Looks like snakes molting :) If it doesn't go well, get out of the bath and dry it with a hairdryer. Removal takes 15-20 minutes. After this, rinse the tattoo and apply any moisturizer. If you feel dry during the week, continue to apply.

The author of the article healed tattoos using both methods. I liked the first one better:) The healing film came off with difficulty, and the sensation was not pleasant. But who cares: positive feedback there is a lot of healing film, no need to think about where, how and what to rinse with. Try it and find yours!

Permanent tattoo care

Smear the drawing Sun protective cream with SPF 50 every time you go outside. If you swim, renew the cream every time after.

The first two to three weeks. Swim in rivers, lakes and seas, visit baths, saunas, swimming pools and solariums.

An unhealed tattoo should not be scratched. No way. This will harm the drawing, it will heal worse, and not all of the paint will take root. But she itches! :) Try patting it or gently running the side of the pencil without the lead - it will become easier.

When you know that proper tattoo care is easy, it’s easier to decide. See the portfolio of our masters, choose yours and sign up for a free consultation.

Why is it necessary to take care of your tattoo? The process of applying a tattoo involves driving paint under the skin, which is immediately injured, and the fresh design at first looks like one continuous wound. Therefore, before complete healing, it is necessary to undergo a period of rehabilitation, otherwise there may be serious complications. Having decided to put an image on the body, it is important for every person to know how to care for a tattoo.

And in order for the drawing to remain clear and bright, its care must be competent and correct. If you approach the recovery process responsibly, it will take place without harm to your health, and the tattoo will delight you with its beauty. long years.

There cannot be an exact answer to the question of how long a tattoo takes to heal, since it depends on the structure of the skin and the body’s immunity. Some people only need a few days to recover, while others need much more time. In addition, the location of the tattoo matters: for example, on the ankle the healing process takes longer than on the arm, but it is necessary to take care of a fresh tattoo regardless of its application.

About a couple of days after the session, a crust appears on the drawing as a result of the formation of ichor. Many people make a mistake and rip it off, which is absolutely not allowed. Yes, the injured area on the skin itches and peels, which is why tattoo care is so important. And if the healing process goes correctly, the crust will soon disappear on its own. On average, recovery takes from 7 to 10 days.

Depending on the structure of the skin, tattoo correction is often required after healing, and you need to be prepared for the fact that the recovery time will increase. And to make the tattoo itchy less, it should be lubricated with healing agents that will reduce discomfort. The skin will gradually stop itching, the redness around the design will disappear, and the healing stages of the tattoo will pass with minimal discomfort.

We will look at the rules for caring for a tattoo, from the moment of tattooing to complete healing, but for now we will focus on the general rules.

• A fresh image on the skin must be covered with film immediately after application.
• It is best to apply ointments to a tattoo for healing. "Etonius" or "Bepanten".
• The drawing should be washed warm water, carefully blotting away the moisture with a napkin.
• Twice a day you need to gently wipe the tattoo with a cotton swab dipped in chamomile infusion.
• It is recommended to keep the fresh drawing open so that it dries faster.

Caring for a new tattoo: what not to do

In order for the image on the body to heal quickly and not lose its colors, you need not only proper care of the tattoo, but also strict adherence to important nuances. What's prohibited?

• Don't rub the drawing washcloth and towel for the first few days.
• The use of soap is also prohibited, only gentle treatment of the skin with water.
• It is not recommended to drink alcohol after getting a tattoo, this will slow down the healing process.
• It is advisable not to wear synthetic clothing to avoid allergic reactions.
• During the first week, you are prohibited from visiting the solarium., sauna, beach and swim in the pool.
• A fresh tattoo should be hidden from the bright sun so that the colors do not fade or fade.
• Under no circumstances should you scratch off the crust on a tattoo., otherwise the image will “spread”.

How to care for a tattoo immediately after application

So, you got a brand new tattoo, what should you do on the same day?

1. After the session, the master will wrap the fresh image in cling film for healing - this is necessary to protect the injured area of ​​skin from contact with external environment. Check with your specialist when you should change the bandage (usually after 2-3 hours).
2. How to properly care for a tattoo? First of all, you need to carefully change the film, after rinsing the tattoo with warm water with the addition of baby soap. You only need to rinse with your palm, without using a sponge, so as not to damage the wound.
3. Next, the area of ​​skin needs to be blotted from moisture. paper napkins or cotton pad(but in no case, not with a towel - it can injure the fresh layer). After this, leave the skin to dry for 15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Carefully apply tattoo healing ointment to the drawing (it is advisable not to use cream or smear the tattoo with Vaseline - they do not penetrate the skin well). Then place cling film over the fresh image again. Repeat this procedure before going to bed.

How to care for a tattoo in the first days

In the days following the session it is necessary careful care for a fresh tattoo.

1. On the second day The film must be changed several more times, remembering to carefully rinse the design with water and treat the tattoo with ointment for healing. Try not to disturb the injured area by tight clothing; wear loose clothes.
2. On the third day There is no longer any need to use film - the tattoo should heal naturally, and continue to paint over the drawing. You can get your tattoo wet, but it’s better not to wash in the bathroom yet, but to take a shower, but not with soap, but with a soft gel.
3. How to care for a tattoo in the first days? Be sure to apply healing ointment to the image at least four times a day (make sure it does not contain alcohol). There is no need to rub in, just gently smear the tattoo with your fingertip.
4. Don't be alarmed if you see paint leaking- This natural process. But if you notice severe painful redness or suspicious swelling, go to the doctor immediately. These signs may be the first symptoms of inflammation.

How to care for your tattoo in the following weeks

Tattoo healing time usually does not exceed 2-3 weeks until complete recovery.

1. A few days after the session, a crust appears on the tattoo, which must be continued to be treated with ointment. You cannot tear it off, so as not to injure the already injured skin. After some time, the crust will dry out and fall off.
2. After about a week, the area where the drawing was applied begins to itch– these are the consequences of tattoos that need to be endured. If the tattoo itches, it means the recovery process has begun. But you can’t comb it, at most you can clap it with your palm.
3. Then, around the second week, the itching gives way to peeling– skin renewal occurs. At this stage, you can no longer use the healing ointment and replace it with baby cream, applying a small amount of on the skin. The peeling will soon go away.
4. When asked how long it takes for a tattoo on a leg to heal, the answer is clear: longer than in other places. Especially if the drawing requires correction, then recovery may take more than a month, and you need to monitor the condition of the tattoo until it heals.

How to care for a tattoo after its restoration

Even after going through all the stages of tattoo healing, you need to continue to take care of it.

1. If the tattoo was applied on summer time, then even after it has healed, you should apply sunscreen to your body before going outside. This is necessary so that under the influence sun rays the drawing has not lost its brightness.
2. If you got a tattoo in cool weather, try to ensure that your clothes do not fit too tightly to your body. The design may change color due to constant friction or sweat, so wear loose clothing and continue to keep your tattoo moisturized.
3. Can I drink alcohol? It doesn't matter how long a tattoo takes to heal, after it's applied there will be some time DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL! The fact is that it increases blood pressure, which is why the paint injected under the skin is destroyed, and it is better not to take alcohol.
4. You should also exercise with caution. Even after the tattoo has completely healed, it is possible that physical exercise will negatively affect the design - as a result of exercise, you sweat, which can lead to irritation of the tattooed area.

What to do if the tattoo does not heal

Unfortunately, there are cases when a tattoo does not heal for a long time, becomes inflamed and disturbs bad symptoms. This can happen either due to individual characteristics body, or due to improper care. What measures need to be taken?

1. You should hold the area of ​​the body with the pattern on it for as long as possible. outdoors so that the skin “breathes”. Clothes only hinder the restoration of the pattern.
2. Be sure to treat the damaged area with an antiseptic. For example, with a solution of “Chlorhexidine”: moisten a cotton swab and gently wipe the tattoo, this will relieve inflammation.
3. After applying the solution, any healing and anti-inflammatory ointment should be applied to the image. Carry out this procedure at least 2-3 times a day.
4. How to smear a tattoo for fast healing? After everything unpleasant symptoms left, you should treat the image for some time with the ointment that you initially used immediately after applying the tattoo - "Etonium" or "Bepanthen".

Signs of complete healing of a tattoo

Whether the drawing has been completely restored or not can be determined by the following signs.

• The pattern looks absolutely natural, the redness has completely disappeared from the skin.
• The crust dried out and fell off naturally, and the tattoo stopped itching.
• There is no swelling, no thin film after the crust, no peeling in the picture.

If you experience absolutely no discomfort, your tattoo has healed.

Video on how to care for a tattoo

The topic of tattoo healing is a hackneyed one, but new questions still arise about how to care for a tattoo. The answers to them must be found out before the start of the session in order to avoid infection or loss of brightness of the pattern.If you are just thinking about what to put on your body, be sure to read this article. In order to understand exactly what needs to be done and how, and whether you are ready for it.

Why you need to know how to care for a tattoo

The main and most important rule tattoo care is conscientious. Regardless of the salon, the size of the design, you should always take care of the tattoo.

Note. The process of tattooing itself is damage to the protective epithelium. The needle with ink penetrates under the top layer of skin, after which it begins to actively peel off.

Do you remember how you pinched your scratched knees as a child? The skin on them became tight with a film, or worse, a crust, and later began to become rough and itchy. If you accidentally tear off the top layer of the wound, then under the crust you will find tender skin that has not yet healed. There was a possibility of scar formation. This is approximately how things are with a new tattoo.

It is in the first days after tattooing that you need to pay attention to the condition of the skin. If it is taken with a film or, even worse, a crust, then the probability of removing the latter along with the paint is very high. There is a risk of suppuration.

Important! If pus forms, a visit to the doctor cannot be avoided, but beautiful tattoo need to be forgotten for a long time for a long time, if not forever. That is why it is necessary to adhere to certain rules!

Caring for a tattoo in the first days after application

To get an excellent drawing you need experienced master and, of course, a good healing cream. There are a lot of the latter in the world, but most often the masters advise which one is better, since they have already encountered the healing process more than once.

For the first couple of days, ichor will collect over the tattoo. This is the epidermis actively trying to expel everything foreign from the body.

The ichor appears almost immediately after the tattoo is applied. If you do not wrap the area of ​​skin and do not lubricate it, then after some time the ichor will dry out and simply stick to the tissue that will be adjacent to it. Tearing off this area of ​​skin will be very difficult and painful.

Therefore, certain actions should be taken to help avoid skin injury.

Algorithm of actions after a tattoo session

• wash your hands with antibacterial soap;
• carefully remove the bandage;
• Rinse the tattoo area carefully without pressing;
• blot with a napkin or let dry on your own;
• apply healing cream;
• make a bandage out of a diaper, which is secured with tape or film.

If the bandage is secured with film, it should not be done very tightly. The tattoo must breathe, but the film, due to its properties, does not allow this to happen. The diaper will not only help the pores open, but will also absorb some of the paint that will stand out. In addition, the remains of cream, paint and ichor can ruin clothes.

Some experts allow you to walk without a bandage at home, after a shower and in clean and loose clothes. This will promote healing.

Before going outside, be sure to apply a bandage. Because not only dust, but also exhaust gases can have a detrimental effect on a tattoo.

Care actions in the first days should be continued for a week. This will help the skin recover and completely avoid infection. In addition, if you wear such a compress, the skin will not dry out, so the paint will adhere better and will not fade too much.

A week after getting the tattoo, you should stop applying the bandage. For the next 7 days, you need to wash and lubricate the tattoo on average three to four times a day. Bandaging should be avoided. During the late healing period, the body must breathe fully. If you block the access of oxygen, the skin will begin to dry out and flake off.

Features of tattoo healing

The most important period after getting a tattoo is the first three to four days. At this time, you should pay maximum attention to the skin and pattern, otherwise the result will be much worse than expected.

In the first few days, the tattoo is covered with a film. Thanks to the use of healing cream, it remains very thin. If the film is thick and rough, the drawing will be slightly distorted, and some of the paint will go away with it. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor dry skin; during this period it should remain soft enough.

After active healing, a thin film of skin over the tattoo begins to peel off. This is a natural process that should not be scary. As a result of the fact that ink was applied under the skin, its integrity was violated. In this regard, it is completely natural that the top layer of skin will die. Don't be afraid when it starts.

Moreover, there is no need to call the specialist with cries for help and accusations that the skin is peeling off. You just need to wait until the epidermis layer is restored naturally.

When the film begins to actively fall off, there is no need to tear it off under any circumstances. This will compromise the skin's natural defenses and lead to uneven healing. Remember knees and prematurely torn scabs from wounds. Many of them turned into scars and remained forever.

A couple of days after application, the tattoo begins to actively itch. This is perhaps the most difficult period that must be endured steadfastly. You should never scratch a tattoo. In the best case scenario, an area of ​​skin will simply be affected, and the paint will not adhere properly there. At worst, the wound becomes infected from bacteria from the hands and festers.

After the top layer of skin peels off, the tattoo will become much paler than at first. You shouldn't be afraid of this either:

• firstly, the epidermis was partially renewed, but the basic ink remained at a deeper level;
• secondly, if the artist did everything correctly, then after 3-4 days the tattoo will take on the required color.

Note! Tattoo artists specifically make the colors much more expressive when applied, so that after removing the film, the design acquires the required shade.

At proper operation masters, the pallor of the tattoo will go away in a few days, the skin will continue to renew itself and the colors will fully regain their brightness. That is why it is worth knowing how to properly care for a tattoo.Without a sequence of a specific set of actions, the result can be not only pale, but also painful. It is worth remembering the suppuration that occurs when improper care.

The prohibitions for the first days after tattooing, in addition to those listed above, are as follows:

• you cannot visit the bathhouse/sauna;
• hit the tattoo site;
• it is necessary to avoid going to the gym;
• do not drink alcohol;
• Avoid sunbathing and visiting the pool and sea.

If all the prohibitions are understandable, then the contraindications to alcohol are a little confusing for a beginner. This fact can be explained simply. When you drink alcohol, your blood pressure rises and your body begins to actively eliminate it. This also happens through the pores. In our case, the area of ​​skin with a tattoo is very vulnerable, so sweat can negatively affect the healing process.

Avoiding the sun is necessary to once again do not overdry the skin. Besides, dark shade body makes the tattoo much less bright. The sun's rays kill the richness of the pigment used in ink. This is why tan lovers have to have their tattoos corrected much more often than those who avoid ultraviolet radiation.

A reliable sunscreen remains your salvation from the sun. It must be used according to the instructions or even a little more often. Such simple steps will keep the tattoo bright and attractive longer.

How to care for a tattoo: to summarize

Tattoos require attention, so you can't just get them and forget them. If you do not properly care for the drawing in the first few days, the result will be obvious.

First of all, wounds may form. They will be minor, but healing will slow down. A feature of such wounds will be their centering at the end. This is where it is formed White spot, not covered with paint. This is the dermis that should be inked with tattoo ink. If healing is improper, this does not happen; the dermis is completely renewed, leaving a white spot in the center of the wound.

If you correctly understand how to care for a tattoo, you can not only avoid complications, but also enjoy an excellent design for a long time that will not require correction. It all depends on desire and consciousness.

But if you ignore advice on tattoo care, you can get suppuration, injury and a destroyed tattoo.

A tattoo made with meaning and by the hands of a true master will decorate your body for many years and become a unique touch to your image. But in order for the design to turn out truly bright and beautiful, the tattoo must be properly cared for.

Why is it so important to pay maximum attention to the tattoo in the first three days?

One way or another, you will have to take care of your tattoo for the rest of your life. For example, it is not recommended to expose the drawing to too much sunlight - this will cause it to fade faster. In addition, the tattoo needs to be renewed periodically - since it tends to fade simply with the passage of time.

But especially careful attention should be paid to the drawing in the first three days after visiting the tattoo parlor.

• Firstly, fresh tattoo is a wound surface - an open damage to the skin. If there is a lack of care, an infection can get into the tissue - and then the healing process will slow down, which will bring a lot discomfort, and the beauty of the tattoo will be in question.
• Secondly, in the first three days, the dye applied under the skin only “sets”, and the epithelium injured during the tattooing process heals and is restored. Both lack and excess of hygiene during this period will lead to the fact that the clear contours of the picture will blur, the pigment will lose most of its brightness, the picture will be deformed and become ugly. To avoid such troubles, you must carefully follow all recommendations for proper care about the tattoo.

In the normal course of healing, exactly three days are enough for the initial mild inflammation in the tissues to go away. After this time, the pronounced redness of the skin and severe pain should disappear.

Of course, you will have to wait at least two weeks until complete healing - and it is quite possible that then you will still need a slight correction of the pattern. This is completely normal, and most tattoo artists will perform re-treatments for free. And so that the correction does not turn into a global redoing of the entire work, we will tell you in more detail about how to care for your tattoo at first.

What to do immediately after getting a tattoo

So, you visited a tattoo parlor, chose the design you liked, and an experienced artist applied it to your body. Let us note right away that, of course, different tattooists have different levels of skill. But as a rule, this is expressed in the complexity of the drawings that the master is ready to undertake, in the harmony of proportions and other aesthetic parameters. But the appearance of the tattoo after it has healed is the responsibility of the client himself. In other words, if a bright and colorful design has faded, blurred, and been erased in places two weeks after application, most likely the reason lies precisely in improper care, and not in the poor quality of the dye or the inexperience of the artist.

Immediately after finishing the work, the artist will temporarily cover the fresh tattoo - as a rule, with ordinary cling film, sometimes with an absorbent bandage made of an elastic bandage. In the first case, the film will need to be removed no later than after four hours - otherwise the tattoo will begin to “reproach”, since the film does not allow air to pass through.

The cloth bandage can be worn for up to twelve hours at a time. But here it should be especially emphasized that we're talking about specifically about a special absorbent surface that does not stick or dry to wounds. If the master used a regular gauze bandage - which happens quite rarely - then it must be removed immediately upon returning home.

After you remove the bandage or film, the tattoo will need to be carefully washed. Don't be alarmed if you find some blood and lymph - as we already mentioned, a fresh tattoo is a wound, and these phenomena are quite normal. You need to wash the drawing with clean warm (or even slightly cool) water; you can also use baby soap or chlorhexidine solution.

It is strictly forbidden to treat fresh drawings with substances containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, a wet tattoo should be carefully blotted with a sterile towel - without rubbing movements.

Finally, after you have washed the skin and allowed it to dry completely, the tattooed area will need to be treated with ointment. Usually, for this purpose, it is recommended to buy special formulations designed specifically for caring for tattoos. If such a remedy is not at hand, you can use Panthenol, Bepanten or baby cream for delicate skin. Do not forget that you also need to apply the ointment very carefully - do not rub it into the skin or press it, just spread the composition over the tattoo and remove the excess with a cotton pad or napkin.

Caring for the drawing in the first three days

Basic care in the first few days is approximately the same as in the first hours. The tattoo is in the active healing phase - therefore it must be regularly washed and treated with healing compounds.

How often should a fresh tattoo be washed? This depends on the speed of healing and how intensely the damaged skin secretes blood and lymph. Hygiene procedures should be carried out at least three times a day - but not more often than once every four hours. When washing, you must adhere to the same rules:

• The tattoo is washed with clean warm water without the use of alcohol-containing substances;
• Blotting is carried out very carefully and accurately, without rubbing the skin with a towel.

After each wash, the same healing ointment is applied to the drawing, the excess amount of which is simply removed - there is still no need to rub it in.

In the first two to three days, a thin crust will certainly form on the surface of the healing skin, which will cover the tattoo. What should you do with it? Almost nothing. It is strictly forbidden to tear it off, rub it or scratch it - this will not only increase the risk of infection, but also ruin the tattoo.

After some time, the crust will fall off by itself. During hygiene procedures, its small particles will lag behind the fresh skin spontaneously - so you can simply wash off the peeling crust naturally. if a small area of ​​the crust has nevertheless been torn off, treat the micro-abrasion in the usual way, and if this affects the final appearance drawing, agree with the tattoo artist about making a correction.

How to behave until complete healing

The first few days are considered the most critical and difficult - however, the process of complete healing lasts much longer, about two weeks. Mandatory correction of the final drawing is carried out only after a month or a month and a half.

Throughout this time, the tattoo also requires careful care. What rules must be followed to ensure that the drawing remains bright, clear and beautiful?

• As already mentioned, direct exposure to sunlight is very harmful for tattoos. Excess ultraviolet radiation negatively affects even old drawings - and can have a devastating effect on a fresh tattoo. Therefore, for the first few weeks, the design must be “hidden” from the sun, choosing clothes that completely cover the tattooed area.
• The drawing needs good ventilation. Therefore even closed clothing should be quite loose - do not wear lightweight clothes with a high synthetic content, give preference to spacious things made from natural fabrics.
• Of course, while your tattoo is healing, you can and should wash yourself - but for a while, avoid the pool, long baths, and especially salt baths. sea ​​water. Limit hygiene procedures taking a shower- Moreover, it is advisable to cover the tattoo site with a film during washing or at least lubricate it with a thick protective cream. Of course, it is not recommended to rub the skin with a washcloth.

In addition, until complete healing, it is recommended to avoid going to the gym - or at least minimize sports activities. The point is that during physical exercise You sweat - and even with good hygiene, this can lead to irritation of the skin at the tattoo site.

You will also need to stop drinking alcohol - it has a destructive effect on the dye injected under the skin by increasing blood pressure. It is good if during the healing period of the tattoo you do not take any medications - some of them, when coming into contact with the pigment, can cause allergies.

A suitable tattoo is great option self-expression. After a session in the salon, you should take measures that will help preserve the color of the design and protect the skin from permanent damage. Proper care is especially important both in the first few weeks and the rest of the time. If you've recently gotten a new tattoo, be sure to regularly wash and moisturize the tattooed area and protect it from overexposure. sunlight until the skin heals.

Steps

Part 1

1. Discuss care with the specialist. When the tattoo is ready, do not rush to leave the salon to discuss care tips with the artist. The general instructions will be quite general, but you may be given specific recommendations for a specific skin area and pattern type. The specialist can also recommend soaps or lotions from specific manufacturers.

   • Some salons even sell special kits. Find out about this from the master.
   • As a rule, a respected artist will initiate a conversation about tattoo care. Otherwise, don't be afraid to ask, “How should I care for my tattoo?”

2. Do not remove the bandage for at least 5 hours. Good master will tie up the drawing when it is ready. There is no consensus on how long the brace should be worn, but it is generally accepted that five hours is a safe minimum.

   • Ask this question to the artist who tattooed you.
   • A tight, absorbent, non-adhesive dressing can usually be left overnight or for 24 hours. It's always better to wear a bandage for longer than to wash your tattoo in inappropriate conditions, so don't be afraid to walk around with a bandage for a while.
   • The thin bandage made of gauze and polyethylene should be removed after a few hours. Gauze can become too saturated, and polyethylene does not allow the skin to breathe. Leave this bandage on for a couple of hours so that the wound heals at least a little, then remove and continue care.

3. Remove the bandage with clean hands. Wash your hands in warm water with germicidal soap to remove the bandage and touch the tattoo for the first time. Be very careful not to accidentally damage the skin.

   • There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo once you remove the first bandage. In the first few days, small droplets of blood and discharge may be observed. A new bandage is not needed.

4. Gently rinse the tattoo with your fingers. Remove the bandage and immediately wash the tattoo and surrounding skin with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Rinse first soap suds, and then gently dry the tattoo with a clean paper towel.

   • The water should not be hot or cold. Water at room temperature is best.
   • Use only mild soap. Soap without fragrance, dyes and aggressive components is perfect.
   • Do not use a tissue, washcloth, or sponge to clean your tattoo. Such materials will scratch easily delicate skin, and may also contain bacteria that cause infection.
   • Thoroughly wash off any drops of blood. If dried blood is left, it may crust over over time.

5. Apply a thin layer of mild moisturizer. Using your fingers, apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment to dry tattooed skin. After this, do not wipe the skin area so that the product is absorbed and dried, and the skin does not become irritated.

   • Ointment and lotion without odor, which does not cause allergies, are excellent as a moisturizer. Lotions dry out faster, but some people may experience some crusty skin from the ointment as it heals.
   • Apply sufficient quantity moisturizer to cover the entire tattoo with a clear layer. The skin should not look dirty or damp.

6. Do not cover the tattoo or wear clothing loose fit. When you remove the bandage, the skin on the tattoo will begin to dry out and heal. It is very important that the tattoo remains uncovered during this time. As a last resort, wear loose clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabric.

   • For the first couple of days, the tattoo will bleed clear plasma and excess ink. At this time, it is better to choose such clothes and bed sheets, which you don’t mind getting dirty.

7. Do not scratch the tattoo or remove the scab. After a couple of days, scales or a hard crust will begin to appear on the tattoo, which may itch or tighten. Do not scratch your skin, no matter how itchy, until the tattoo is completely healed.

   • For uncontrollable itching, gently pat the skin with an open palm. Imagine that you want to kill an annoying mosquito. This will help relieve the itching a little.
   • Do not peel off the crust to avoid infection and damage to the design. You can also damage the design if you scratch the skin while it is peeling.

8. Limit exposure to sunlight until the skin heals. It is best that the drawing is always protected from the sun and does not fade. This is especially important for new tattoos. Wearing loose-fitting clothing or a non-allergenic, fragrance-free sunscreen (SPF 50 or more) will help protect your new tattoo.

   • Don't stay in the sun for too long, even with clothes or sunscreen on if you have new tattoo. The best way prevent drying and fading - reduce exposure to sunlight as much as possible until the skin heals.

9. Try to get your tattoo wet as little as possible. A quick shower of no more than 15 minutes once a day is fine, but make sure that the tattoo is not constantly wet. Do not swim in a pool, take a bath, or take long showers until the scab comes off and the skin is completely healed.

   • With prolonged exposure to water, the skin tissue can gain moisture. As a result, the ink may wash out or fade.
   • Temporarily do not swim in the pool and sea, do not take a jacuzzi or sauna. Chlorine water, like salt water, is especially dangerous for tattoos.

10. Watch for signs of infections. Thanks to proper care infections are rare, but the possibility still remains. At the first suspicion, consult a doctor immediately. Signs of infections:

    • prolonged redness, pain and inflammation of the tattooed skin area;
    • wounds that ooze a thick yellow or white liquid;
    • muscle pain;
    • dense, high, red blisters and wounds;
    • fever;
    • nausea and vomiting.