Among the many decisions and thoughts that go into getting a new tattoo; what design to get, the location, what tattoo shop and artist is best, many neglect to consider what happens after the tattoo process and in the first stages of healing, weeks after the tattoo application. Though every step is important to weigh carefully, how to heal a tattoo is actually one of the more critical parts of the process. If a tattoo is not cared for in the right way, it can ruin all of the careful thought and effort that was put into the event prior and become the opposite of what you had in mind.
Since new tattoos are open wounds, caring for them is not only essential to its aesthetic but also your health. Many experience infection, swelling, inflammation or other symptoms due to negligence or lack of proper information. Taking care of your new tattoo is a pretty simple and straightforward process. Keeping the area clean and moisturized is paramount to success. All tattoo aftercare products are not made alike though. H2Ocean’s Ultimate Tattoo Care kit is ideal for all aftercare needs. While providing nourishment and moisture to your skin, this one of a kind all natural water based aftercare system will heal your new tattoo fast and keep it bright and beautiful for many years to come. Designed to encourage faster healing, all products in the kit can also treat sensitive skin.
How To Heal A Tattoo
Caring for a new tattoo from the moment of ink injection up until full recovery is vital for healing. Playing it safe after getting a new tattoo is a smart thing to do, considering the risks of allergic reactions, infections, irritation, burning, and swelling. In fact, responsible tattoo aftercare is essential to prevent infection and enhance color vibrancy of the tattoo. Heal a tattoo in three simple steps:
- Make sure your tattoo is wrapped in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage
- Gently wash tattoo area twice a day with lukewarm water and antimicrobial soap and pat dry
- Regularly apply antimicrobial ointment to keep area moisturized
Tattoo Aftercare Procedures
Repeat these steps for 2-4 weeks after getting a tattoo. Staying out of the sun or covering the area with sun-protective clothing will also help heal the tattoo. Continuously hydrating and moisturizing the tattoo as a daily routine can also help preserve a crispy appearance. When it comes to tattoo aftercare, never use a washcloth because these are perfect breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Call your tattoo artist or medical professional immediately if there are signs of infection, swelling, or any other problems.
What To Avoid To Heal A Tattoo
A layer of antimicrobial ointment creates a protective barrier, incubating the skin’s own moisture to create an ideal healing environment. In order to heal a tattoo, avoid itching or picking at the skin. Scabs or peeling skin could cause an itchy feeling but are normal for a healing tattoo. Scratching the area or wearing tight clothing could induce scabs to fall off too soon, fading the tattoo. In addition, light showers are fine but avoid soaking the new tattoo in water, like going swimming. Moreover, scathing hot water could damage the skin and cause tattoo light spots.
Results of Tattoo Aftercare
If tattoo aftercare is done properly, the outer layers of the skin should heal by the second or third week. Since deeper layers could take three to four months to heal, vigilance is required to thoroughly heal a tattoo. Extra precautions like not sleeping on a new tattoo, only taking quick showers, and avoiding strenuous physical exercises can improve tattoo aftercare. Nearing the end of the third month, the new tattoo will start to look as bright and vivid as the artist had intended.
H2Ocean Tattoo Aftercare
Since 2001, H2Ocean has been the world leader in tattoo and body piercing aftercare. H2Ocean’s ointment based, and water based products heal your new tattoo or body piercing faster because we use unrefined mineral enriched sea salt hand harvested from the world’s most diverse ecosystem – the Red Sea. H2Ocean offers everything you need to safely and naturally heal your body modifications. From pain relieving and Vegan products, to a sunscreen specifically formulated to protect your new ink, we’ve got you covered.