The integrity and longevity of your tattoo is 30% the skills of your tattoo artist, and 70% how you take care of it as it heals and beyond.
I want to equip you to best take care of your tattoo so that it stays bright, lasts long, and looks rad.
Remove the second skin bandage after 1-2 days
When you get a tattoo done at Breakthru Tattoo, I often utilize something called "second skin." Other names for it are Saniderm, Derm Shield, or waterproof bandage. All wounds eventually need to breathe to heal properly. The second skin clear bandage is great for those first 1-2 days of healing, allowing the “natural juices” or plasma of your fresh tattoo to help it heal. Sometimes, it even helps prevent the scabbing face entirely; I've had clients whose tattoos 80% healed within a week when using second skin!
Wash the tattoo with mild antibacterial soap
If you're a first time client with Breakthru Tattoo, chances you received a gift bag with a small bottle of antibacterial soap. Other soaps that are great for washing your new tattoo is Dial unscented soap or Softsoap antibacterial soap. Take care to remove all traces of blood and plasma when you wash it. Do not scrub your tattoo! Pat it dry with a clean soft cloth and leave it alone for about 20 minutes so that it dries.
Healing Balm
I create my own healing tattoo balm that's all natural and great for the skin and new tattoos. It has medical grade essential oils with healing properties that should improve the healing process for your tattoo. When your tattoo dries from washing it, apply a very thin coat of the healing balm, or aquaphor. A little goes a long way, so you want to make sure not to apply too much, as it can lead to trapped germs in your tattoo and potentially create chance of infections.
Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. This will be for the next three days.
Moisturize
It's imperative that you keep your tattoo moisturized. When the tattoo is kept moisturized, it doesn't have a chance to form a scab and instead forms a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn, BUT DON'T peel it yourself! Peeling it can lead to ink being pulled out.
avoid long showers or swimming
Yes, it's important to keep your tattoo clean, however long showers or baths must be avoided while your tattoo heals. Prolonged soaking can loosen scabs if any have formed. This includes swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.
don't scratch or pick!
Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it's healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. Just remember not to pick or scratch no matter what!
NO SUN
Whether the tattoo is new or old, if you want it to look nice and heal properly, keep it out of the sun. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and could cause it to form a horrendous scab resulting in fading before it is even healed. It will also take much longer to heal completely and promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high-quality sunblock. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing. Wait until it is fully healed before going into the sun.
Following all of these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result with minimal complications and your tattoo will stay looking bright and bold for many years to come.
Comentarios