Choosing a professional tattoo artist is only the first step to ensuring that you have a truly beautiful tattoo that you can be proud of. How you take care of your tattoo is just as important, if not more so, than getting it. Even best tattoo may be damaged poor care behind her. Recommendations vary from artist to artist, but here's an overview of what you should do to keep your tattoos looking nice and new.
The first stage of tattoo care
Leave the bandage on for 2 to 24 hours. Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will apply antibacterial ointments and cover the tattoo with a bandage. Once you've left the tattoo parlor, try to resist the temptation to open your headband to show off your new tattoos to your friends. Keep the bandage in place to protect your tattoo from airborne bacteria that can penetrate broken skin. The dressing should be left in place for at least two hours before being removed.
Thick, absorbent, non-stick ABD dressings are the most common type of dressing used by tattoo artists. They are very effective as they allow the tattoo to breathe.
There are many tattoo artists who strongly believe in wrapping a new tattoo in plastic wrap, while there are many who believe it is the worst thing you can do for your tattoo.
Proponents of plastic film believe that this best way to wrap your new tattoo as it is easy to apply and remove without sticking to the skin. It also forms an effective shield that blocks any bacteria.
Those who oppose plastic wrap do so because it prevents the tattoo from getting oxygen, and oxygen is necessary for healing. It also moisturizes and raises the temperature of the skin, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Whatever type of coating your tattoo artist uses, be sure to follow his/her advice carefully. Both types of dressing have been used successfully in the past.
Second stage of tattoo care
Carefully remove the bandage. There is still some debate about how long the bandage should be left on the tattoo. Most artists agree that you should keep your tattoos covered for a minimum of two hours before removing, but a maximum of between 4 and 24 hours is recommended. Tattoos covered with plastic wrap are an exception; plastic wrap should never be left on a new tattoo for more than two hours.
In reality, the time will vary depending on the size and placement of the tattoo. In most cases, it is best to follow your tattoo artist's recommendations, but you should also use your own judgment and common sense.
The third stage of tattoo care
Gently rinse the tattoo. Most artists recommend warm water and a mild soap or unscented antibacterial or antimicrobial liquid. Use your hands to gently rub the tattoo, removing any traces of blood, plasma, or ink leakage. Do not use washcloth or sponge to clean the tattoo as they may contain bacteria.
Do not keep tattoos directly under water. You need to wash it indirectly, by spraying water over the tattoo with your own hands. The running water from the tap may be too harsh for your new tattoo.
Once you have thoroughly washed your tattoo, you should gently dry it with a dry paper towel. Do not rub your tattoo as this may cause irritation. Once the excess moisture has been removed, you should leave the tattoo to dry for 20 minutes. You should allow your tattoo to breathe every time you wash.
The fourth stage of tattoo care
Apply ointment. Once your tattoo is completely dry and the skin begins to feel tight, you can apply some ointment such as D-panthenol. Be sure to only apply a very thin layer, which is just enough to make the tattoo shine while it soaks into the skin. It is very important that you do not apply too much ointment or else you will end up suffocating your tattoo and stimulating the growth of bacteria.
You should continue to apply the ointment after each tattoo wash for approximately 3 to 5 days, or until the tattoo begins to peel. At this point, you can switch to regular, unscented lotion.
Avoid using petroleum-based cleansers such as Vaseline as they are too heavy and can clog pores.
promotes healing and has good moisturizing properties.
Fifth stage of tattoo care
Continue to wash and moisturize your tattoo 3 to 5 times a day. You should continue to wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water until it is completely healed. This can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. You should wash your tattoo approximately three times a day, although you should wash more often if the tattoo is on your hand, wrist, foot, or any other area that is more vulnerable to germs.
If everything is done correctly, after a few weeks you can expect your tattoo to truly be as beautiful as in the picture.
PROHIBITED:
- Take hot baths, visit the sauna, swimming pool, solarium during the healing period;
- Expose the tattoo to sunlight for 2-3 weeks;
- Use medications not specified in the recommendation;
- Use alcohol-containing preparations.
Reading time: 6 minutes. Published 08/22/2018
Tattooing on hand
Care. Tattoos are not uncommon these days. Involvement in some layer of informal get-together, or in people united by a certain past and way of life, as was the case quite recently.
Today tattoos can be seen quite often and completely different people, of all ages and professions.
Finding a tattoo artist is not a problem, otherwise everything depends on your imagination.
But before you take such an important step, it’s a good idea to learn how to care for your tattoo. Unless, of course, you want to enjoy quality drawing throughout your life.
The first steps in care are taken by the master himself, and he will almost certainly give you recommendations on further actions. And the first advice is to listen and remember his instructions.
Tattoo care immediately after application
Upon completion of the work, the tattoo is lubricated with an antibacterial agent, such as Baneocin. The application site is wrapped with cling film or a disposable absorbent diaper.
Here each master has his own preferences. In the first hours, cling film will not harm the fresh tattoo. Both the first and second options will protect against dust and dirt getting into a fresh wound.
In the case of the film, when you arrive home, you should remove it so that the skin does not dry out and make a new compress. If the specialist has made a compress with a diaper, you can wear it until the evening.
Tattoo treatment is carried out as follows:
- The application area is thoroughly washed with the palm of your hand using liquid antibacterial soap.
- Soap without absorbent particles and preferably without fragrances, in slightly warm water. The use of washcloths is strictly prohibited.
- Like any other devices that can injure the skin. Try to rinse off the released ichor well, the skin should be as smooth as possible.
- After washing, blot the tattoo with a disposable paper towel or napkin, gently and without rubbing.
A regular towel will not work, because... even after washing, a lot of bacteria remain in them, and the fibers from it will inevitably stick to the skin. You can simply dry it in the open air.
How to care in the first days
Means that can ruin the quality of the drawing. Forget about using such products as: peroxide, levomekol, salvage ointment and the like.
During the healing period, your friends are panthenol-containing products:
- Bepanten,
- Depanthenol,
- Dexpanthenol.
There are special creams and ointments of various brands designed specifically to care for tattoos. You can find them in specialized online stores or in a tattoo parlor.
You need to apply the product you choose carefully, in a thin layer. You should not overdo it with the ointment, it can have the opposite effect. But, make sure that the entire surface is moistened.
After applying the cream, a disposable diaper is applied to the tattoo and secured with a band-aid.
This stage of care promotes skin regeneration and speedy healing. Not long ago, special films for tattoos appeared on the market; they speed up and facilitate the healing process.
Tattoo under film
This film is applied once, starts the healing process, and prevents the entry of microbes. In addition, the skin breathes in it. After 5 days, the film is removed, and you get a healed tattoo without any effort.
Tattoo care in the following weeks
Washing the wound and changing the compress is carried out approximately 3-5 times a day, for one to two weeks, depending on how quickly the healing proceeds.
Until complete healing, which takes about a month, the tattoo site must be constantly moisturized, because the skin will inevitably dry out.
The first stage of healing will be the formation of swelling and pain, and ichor will appear on the tattoo for about the first 3 days. This is when it is most important to monitor the processing.
At the second stage, the tattoo begins to gradually heal, the skin tightens and dries. All this time we continue to treat with ointment.
The third stage is the formation of a thin crust, which begins to peel off and sometimes come off with the top layer of paint.
Don't be afraid that the paint will come out, top layer The skin always peels off along with a small amount of paint. All this time, do not forget to moisturize the skin with ointment.
Some inconveniences may arise when caring for a tattoo in hard-to-reach places, for example. Here you will need the help of loved ones or friends.
What can't be done
For the first two weeks, it is contraindicated to visit the bathhouse, hot baths (you should take a warm shower, but no more than 10 minutes) excessive physical activity and playing sports.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least the first three days. Exposure to the sun is also prohibited, but if this cannot be avoided, protect the tattoo as much as possible from exposure to sunlight.
Scratching the wound, but it will itch, is also categorically not allowed. Just like picking at the scab on a tattoo, tearing off and exfoliating the skin.
This will most likely ruin the entire drawing. A tattoo almost always itches during healing; this problem can be solved by lightly patting the area with the tattoo.
Tattoo aftercare in formation
When the tattoo has stopped peeling, the surface has become smooth, there is no swelling or pain - you can consider that the healing process has been successful.
Tattoo needs correction
But even after the tattoo has healed, it still needs to be protected from exposure to UV rays and smeared with cream with a maximum SPF factor, otherwise the paint will begin to fade quickly.
If the tattoo has a relief after healing, this is not a cause for concern, some areas may still have this appearance, and over time it will disappear.
Of course, this should not be accompanied by pain, itching, or discharge of pus; in this case, there is a direct path to the doctor.
What are the consequences of not following the rules?
Failure to follow these rules will not only damage the drawing, but will also cause significant health problems.
The tattoo is starting to at least blur. Gaps appear, excessive amounts of paint come out, scars may form and correction will be required.
Not proper care for the tattoo
If you don't care properly, it's easy to get an infection. In this case, you can definitely say goodbye to the tattoo and fight for your health.
All these rules will not bring you much inconvenience, but they will save you from subsequent problems.
There is nothing complicated in this, but the result will be a tattoo that does not require corrections, provides aesthetic pleasure and will delight you throughout your life.
Video on the topic
You can find a lot of information on how to care for a tattoo, but for some reason many people neglect the advice of tattoo artists, believing that the worst is over. You need to remember that proper tattoo protection can not only extend the life of your tattoo, but also keep it in such a form that you will never cease to be proud of it. Caring for a tattoo is no less important information than knowing the origin, meaning or meaning of the tattoo itself.
It should be understood that a professionally created tattoo does not cause any complications and does not pose any health hazard. However, tattoo care is essential, especially during the healing stage.
Information about how to care for a tattoo should, as a rule, always be provided by the artist who gives you the tattoo, however, there are so many opinions, so each artist has his own recipe for tattoo care.
How to care for a tattoo
How to care for a tattoo? - this is the first question that should be discussed with the master, even before the process of applying a tattoo begins, because for proper healing It will require some effort, which may possibly disrupt your normal rhythm of life. Having learned how to care for a tattoo, you can choose a more convenient time to apply it (possibly a vacation).
Immediately after completing the tattoo, an antibacterial protective agent is applied to the affected area. tattoo cream and apply a bandage (usually cellophane film). The bandage prevents the fluid from drying out and leaving the wound at first and the formation of a crust, which promotes the fastest healing and does not allow the paint to come out along with the ichor.
Typically, the bandage is not removed for 3-12 hours, depending on the nature of the work and the level of skin trauma. After removing the bandage, the tattoo should be washed with “miramistin” or with warm water and soap, then (without wiping, but after getting wet!), after drying, apply a thin layer recommended by the artist tattoo cream. The cream should be applied daily, 3-6 times (especially the first three days), after removing the old cream with a damp cloth soaked in miramistin.
Tattoo care it also implies a careful attitude in which dirt should be avoided on the surface of an unhealed tattoo.
Bandage or cover a tattoo, believing that it is tattoo protection, in no case is it possible, since the wound must breathe. It is recommended to wear loose, roomy clothing that does not cause mechanical damage to the tattoo due to friction. To avoid allergic reactions, it is advisable to exclude synthetics and silk.
Despite the fact that the tattoo may itch and itch during healing, look swollen and reddened, you should not pick it, soak it or tear off the film.
During the first three days, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption and heavy physical activity. Baths, baths, saunas, swimming pools, solariums are the worst enemies when healing a tattoo, and you need to avoid them for a while. It is recommended to use a short shower, after lubricating the tattoo with thick baby cream or Vaseline, which prevents water from penetrating into the wound. After a shower, cream or Vaseline is gently removed with a damp cloth and applied as recommended by the specialist. tattoo cream.
After 10 days (with normal healing), you can freely use your usual cosmetics, creams and even scrubs.
Tattoo care should be carried out throughout life, remembering that the sun's rays have a detrimental effect on it. Before going to the beach or solarium, it is recommended tattoo protection in the form of a regular sun protection cream. Otherwise, the tattoo may fade, fade, and an update will be required much earlier. due date. The more powerful tattoo protection, the longer your tattoo will have its original appearance.
Tattoo care cream
Regeneration stimulator
Manufacturer: Solko Basel P.Z., Switzerland
It is a deproteinized hemodialysate obtained from the blood of dairy calves. Contains white petrolatum and cholesterol, due to which it activates the transport of oxygen and nutrients and facilitates their absorption by cells. Increases cell regeneration and stimulates intracellular energy metabolism. It is recommended to apply jelly (gel) to wounds with wet discharge, and ointment to dry wounds. Apply a thin layer to a cleaned wound 2 times a day.
Colorless antiseptic cream with a cooling effect.
Manufacturer: Roche, Switzerland
When applied to superficial wounds, it protects against infections, suppresses infectious processes and promotes healing. The cream contains chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic (active against bacteria present on the skin or in wounds, suppresses infection). Accelerates the formation of new tissue and soothes pain thanks to its cooling effect. It is easy to apply and wash off, not greasy, and does not stick to clothes.
Manufacturer: Infamed, Russia
It has a pronounced bactericidal effect against viruses and bacteria, and has an antifungal effect. Effectively prevents wound infection by activating regeneration processes. A colorless, transparent aqueous solution, odorless, forms foam on the surface when shaken.
Manufacturer: JADRAN Co., Croatia
Ointment intended for external use. A drug that improves tissue regeneration. A synthetic derivative of lantothenic acid, which is a water-soluble B vitamin necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Favorable action The drug manifests itself in reducing itching and improving skin healing processes in various dermatoses. The drug is approved for use without a prescription.
Tattoo Goo "Original", specially created for speedy healing tattoos. Natural ingredients soften and soothe the skin by quickly absorbing and promoting healing, as well as allowing the skin to breathe.
Ingredients: olive, sunflower and lavender oils, wax, wheat germ oil, tocopheryl acetate, rosemary extract, vitamins B and C. Soft for sensitive skin and daily use. The lotion does not contain alcohol, petroleum, lanolin, mineral oils or fragrance.
Manufacturer: Dragon Inductries (USA)
With natural ingredients and vitamins A, C and D, it perfectly cares and protects the skin, created specifically for healing new and caring for old tattoos. Doesn't clog pores for a long time Keep colors bright and do not leave stains or odors.
Manufacturer: Clay-Park Labs, USA
Ointment. Antimicrobial drug for external use. Prescribed for minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It is used in the treatment and prevention of secondary infections of post-traumatic and post-surgical wound surfaces or cosmetic procedures. Like all of the above drugs, it is used when prescribed by specialists. Remember that you must follow the precautions specified in the instructions.
A huge role in quality performance artistic work has the experience and professionalism of the artist, but there is another, important factor - proper tattoo care! Just getting a tattoo done correctly is not enough. Only he guarantees preservation in original form clarity of lines and brightness of work.
Disregard for rules and improper care over a tattoo in the first days leads to a loss of quality of the design, which requires mandatory correction. Do not forget that a fresh tattoo is a kind of small wound on skin, therefore it is very important to follow all the recommendations of the master. Proper care guarantees not only the preservation of the tattoo, but also the most important thing - the safety of your health!
Our studio uses only high-quality and hypoallergenic pigments, so a hypersensitive reaction to paint is excluded. For people prone to allergies, a tattoo will not be a contraindication. However, you should understand that if your skin is too sensitive or you have any skin diseases, it is recommended to consult your doctor.
The best innovative tattoo care!
Suprasorb F film is a unique, quick and easy tattoo care for busy and active people! This is a reliable solution thanks to which you will get the maximum fast healing and amazing results with minimal effort!
The transparent and weightless film suprasorb F is like a second skin and reliably protects the body from all known infections. It has a beneficial effect on the tattoo healing process and makes it comfortable and fast.
Why choose suprasorb F:
- Immediately after applying the tattoo and subsequent skin treatment, the master applies a film that must be worn for three to five days.
- Caring for a tattoo no longer requires absolutely any manipulation. There is no need to change the bandage daily and wash the surface of the skin, which greatly facilitates care and healing. For working and busy people, this is a definite advantage.
- The film is removed independently and very simply - you just need to steam the skin and carefully remove it.
- After removing the film, the tattoo must be washed with antibacterial soap and lubricated with cream. It is recommended to apply the healing cream 1-2 times a day until the tattoo is completely healed.
Standard after tattoo care:
- Immediately after finishing the work, the master treats the surface of the skin with a special disinfecting solution.
- Apply cream and apply a bandage with a disposable absorbent diaper. In this case, we recommend using a special heile heile tattoo cream (made in Germany), which contains many special components that have a high skin regeneration effect.
- The above-described tattoo care in the first days should be repeated independently, every 3 to 4 hours, avoiding the formation of a “crust”.
- Starting from the 5th day, the tattoo must be washed with mild antibacterial soap and lubricated with cream 1 – 2 times a day until complete healing.
If the tattoo has stopped shining and peeling, this means that it has completely healed and no further care is required. During the first week and a half, you should avoid steaming, visiting a bathhouse, sauna, solarium, swimming in open water, or staying in water for a long time. You should make adjustments to your wardrobe for this period: you need to exclude direct contact with synthetic and woolen clothing (it is best to give preference to cotton fabrics).
Take proper care of your tattoo, because this is what determines its quality and attractiveness!
Below you can read a list of recommendations and tips for care in the first days after application, the next 2-3 weeks and long-term care of your favorite tattoo, as well as a list of frequently asked questions regarding general nuances of correct attitude to tattoos and their care.
Care in the first days after application
- Immediately after the session, the tattoo should be washed with clean, warm water and antibacterial soap. Then you need to wipe it with a napkin or paper towel. Then, apply skin regenerating ointment “Bepanten” or “D-Panthenol” to the tattoo site and apply a compress bandage.
- After removing the bandage, let the skin breathe a little.
- If the bandage is stuck, wet it with warm water and it will come off easily.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage! Remove the bandage carefully, without damaging the healing skin.
- Plastic dressings are allowed to be worn for no more than 2-3 hours, since polyethylene does not allow the skin to breathe.
- Thick, non-stick bandages can be worn for about 24 hours.
- Consult with your tattoo artist about how long to wear the bandage.
- Wash your tattoo!
- By water room temperature And liquid soap Rinse your skin and rinse off the soap.
- Then wash the skin with antibacterial agents (chlorohexidine, miramistin).
- Do not use boiling water or too cold water!
- Avoid scouring pads or any other abrasive cleaning products.
- Wash off the blood thoroughly to avoid scarring.
- Be sure to rinse off the soap!
- Gently blot the tattoo with a tissue or paper towel.
- It’s better to let the skin dry on its own, it won’t take long, 5-10 minutes.
- Do not rub the skin with a towel, wanting to quickly dry the wound!
- Fabric towels often contain a lot of bacteria, so it is not recommended to use fabric.
- Paper towel or toilet paper, must be of high quality and soft. The main thing is that the paper does not stick.
- Apply a thin layer of protective, skin-regenerating ointment over dry skin, using light finger movements.
- There should be a little ointment or cream! Cover the area with damaged skin with a thin layer, no more.
- Rub in thoroughly protective cream.
- We recommend using Bepanten or D-Panthenol ointment.
- Avoid Aloe Vera cream and all ointments containing cortisone and alcohol.
- Don't re-bandage your tattoo! In the fresh air the wound will heal faster.
We take care of a new tattoo for the first 2 - 3 weeks
- Be sure to wash your tattoo daily!
- Wash the tattoo area for at least 2 weeks.
- Do rinsing 2 times a day, morning and evening.
- Wash your tattoo as thoroughly as you did on the first day.
- Apply protective lotion, ointment, or cream several times a day.
- Make sure your skin is moisturized.
- Lubricate the tattoo 4-6 times a day.
- Follow the technique of applying the protective agent as in the first days.
- Prefer loose-fitting cotton clothing.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Do not wear tight clothing, as wearing tight clothing during the healing period increases the likelihood that the tattoo will deteriorate.
- Hide your fresh tattoo from the sun.
- During the first weeks, protect the tattoo from sunlight to prevent the pigment from fading.
- The sun dries out the skin, which has an adverse effect on an unhealed tattoo.
- You shouldn't use sunscreen as it is too greasy, but you can use it later once the tattoo has completely healed.
- Don't soak your tattoo!
- Long stays in the bath or pool will have to be postponed for several weeks, as the skin wrinkles from prolonged exposure to moisture, which will negatively affect the fresh tattoo.
- Take short showers—no more than 10 minutes, or faster.
- Baths, saunas, swimming pools, water with chlorine - all this is destructive for a newly filled tattoo.
- The crust on the tattoo is a protective barrier, so don't worry.
- If the skin is damp, then a thick crust may form, but this is not a problem.
- Dry skin usually develops a thin crust - this is normal.
- You should not scratch your tattoo, even if it itches! Be patient, don't touch!
- If you scratch the tattoo, you will erase the drawing!
- Scratching your tattoo opens the door for infections. The tattoo must not be allowed to fester. This could seriously ruin it.
- Watch for inflammation. This rarely happens with proper care, but if it happens, see a doctor immediately.
- A fever may develop.
- If pus comes from under the skin and emanates bad smell, then this is inflammation, which is fraught with the melting of soft tissues, and therefore the tattoo design.
- Drink large number water.
- 1.5-2 liters of water per day is the norm for the health of the body.
- When water balance Normally, the skin becomes more elastic and heals easier
Long term tattoo care
- Protect your tattoo from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen to your tattoo whenever you go sunbathing.
- Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the tattoo fades and fades. Of course, tattoos can be updated, but these are additional costs.
- The sunscreen must have class (A) and (B) ultraviolet protection, an SPF value of 30 or higher, with moisture protection.
- Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going out into the sun so that it has time to absorb and dry.
- Say “No” to solariums.
- Ultraviolet solarium lamps are hundreds of times more intense than the sun, such a tan is harmful not only to the tattoo, but also to your health
- Wipe off sweat from tattoos.
- Wear clothes made from natural fabrics to reduce sweating.
- Change your clothes more often. Don't wear wet, sweaty clothes.
- Sweat contributes to irritation and degradation of tattoo colors.
- If a rash appears, do not scratch it.
- If you cannot determine the cause of the rash, consult your doctor.
- Moisturize your tattoo with creams and lotions.
- Don't forget to take care of your tattoo, moisturize it with creams, and it will be like new for a long time.
- Do not use Vaseline-based oils or creams!
