Tattoo Care Instructions
(When you go home after getting a fresh tattoo...)
Artical By. C.A.
The last thing anyone wants is for the ink of their fresh tattoo to come out, or for it to dry up and scar. Please follow these simple instructions and you'll be good to go.
Take the bandage off once you get home.
Wash with warm water and antibacterial or liquid or unscented soap.
Once it is dry and clean, apply a thin coat of Aquaphor. Aquaphor can be found in the lotion aisle of any drugstore and is made by Eurerin.
After washing and drying the tattoo, use a very thin coat of Aquaphor. Apply the Aquaphor twice a day.
Use the Aquaphor for the first five days and then switch to a fragrance free lotion.
For the first two weeks...
NO Swimming or soaking. Showering is fine but no bathing.
NO Tanning and keep your tattoo out of the sun. After two weeks, if you decide to tan, you should wear an SPF 50 product.
DO NOT pick or scratch your tattoo as this can cause permanent damage to your tattoo.
DO NOT let other people touch your healing tattoo.
Soap and Tattoos
You don't need any special tattoo skin care products to keep a new tattoo clean. Just choose a gentle soap without any strong fragrances or colors. Wash the tattoo carefully, using your fingertips or palm. Don't scrub too hard, and don't use a washcloth until the skin has fully healed (about two weeks).
As the tattoo heals, the skin may begin to flake off, sort of like a sunburn. Your tattoo artist will probably recommend that you stop using any ointment at this point. You may be told to switch to lotion, or your artist may recommend simply leaving it alone.
If you do choose a lotion, again be sure it's gentle, without colors or fragrances. Use it sparingly, just enough to keep the skin moist
The most important treatment, after your tattoo has healed, is sunscreen. The sun's ultraviolet rays can fade tattoo inks, turning a bright design into a washed-out mess. Choose a good-quality with an SPF of at least 30, and use it every day.
Keep in mind that sunblock won't block out all UV rays. In fact, no tattoo skin care products will keep out the sun completely. If you work outside or spend a lot of time in the sun, you might want to consider an opaque sunscreen, such as a zinc cream, or just cover the tattoo when you're outdoors.
