How To Care For Your Tattoos
Do you love having tattoos but you’re always getting conflicting advice on how to best care for your tattoo? Same. That doesn’t mean all suggestions are either right or wrong. I believe that it all depends on the person and how their skin reacts to certain tattoos, in which area and other factors such as the colours used.
There are various ways to care for your tattoo and it all depends on your circumstances. Myself, I react from colour tattoos and have to have antibiotics so they don’t become infected and scared. Take a look at this article on how to stop your tattoos from getting infected.
How To Care For Your Tattoo
If you’re looking at how to properly care for your tattoo, there are many options. That being said, you should always consult with your tattoo artist and if things don’t heal properly then it’s important to book an appointment with your doctor so that you can get treatment like antibiotics to stop infections.
There are common steps to take which can be found below;
- No Itching
- Do Not Get It Dirty
- Wear appropriate clothing depending on where the tattoo is located.
It’s also important to take care of yourself after having a tattoo. There are mental health factors that should be taken into account. Take a look at this Getting Over Post Tattoo Blues And Taking Care Of Your Mental Health article for more help and information.
How To Care For A New Tattoo On Your Back?
Having a tattoo on your back can be one of the most trickiest to have a tattoo, this is due to the amount of bleeding and a lot of people will have tattoos on their back in several sessions as it can get difficult to tattoo with the blood.
If you have a tattoo on your back, take a look below for some of the ways to care for a back tattoo;
- Itching: Do not itch the tattoo. As the tattoo is on the back you might be tempted to use something to scratch your back but you must avoid this.
- Clothing: Do not wear heavy clothing that can scratch or irritate your tattoo. Wearing harsh clothing can scratch the tattoo and cause it to become infected.
- Sun: Make sure once your tattoo has healed a bit you use sun cream when the tattoo is exposed. As this may cause it to become infected.
How To Care For A New Tattoo On Your Foot?
If you have a tattoo on your foot it’s going to hurt. However, there are other complications with foot tattoos. It is important to care for these tattoos with diligence.
- Footwear: If possible wear footwear such as flip flops while the tattoo is healing. Shoes and socks can damage the tattoo, causing it to become infected and scared. Once the tattoo has healed you’ll be able to go back to normal footwear.
- Sun: If you are wearing flip flops in the sun then it’s important to use sun cream on the tattoo. Tattoo artists will be able to recommend a sun cream that works okay with tattoos.
- Water: Don’t go into the ocean or swimming pools when having a foot tattoo. This is good advice for all tattoos but even walking in the ocean can cause issues for your tattoo.
How To Care For A New Tattoo On Your Wrist
Having a tattoo on your wrist means it’s much more exposed to the elements which can cause it to become infected if not cared for properly. Take a look at the suggestions below to stop any complications to your new wrist tattoo.
- Clothes: Make sure you wear clothes that don’t irritate your wrist tattoo and do not wear heavy clothes.
- Jewellery: Avoid wearing Jewellery like bracelets or watches until the tattoo is fully healed and the protective wear is taken off. This can take a couple of weeks.
- Clean: Keep the tattoo and the area clean. Avoid washing up and getting it wet or dirty.
How To Care For A Tattoo On Your Hand
The hand can be a tricky and painful place to get a tattoo it can even be more difficult to keep clean to reduce infections.
- Handwear: Avoid wearing gloves, rings and anything else on the hand so that the tattoo does not get scratched or damaged.
- Clean: Make sure you don’t wash your hands too frequent and avoid washing up and other activities such as gardening when the tattoo can get dirty.
- Protection: Leave the protective layer that the tattoo artist provides you on the tattoo until it’s ready to be taken off.
How To Care For A Tattoo On Your Leg
Have a tattoo on your leg? That’s great! Now it’s time to care for it and make sure it doesn’t get infected. As someone who’s had tattoos on their leg I know all about keeping it clean and tidy. Horror story, a bus drove past in the pouring rain and covered me head to toe in rain water which lead to my tattoo being infected, so keep away from dirty rain water and busses in the rain!
Take a look at these easy steps below to keep your tattoo safe and cared for!
- Covering: Make sure you keep it wrapped up and covered for as long as possible. This is important if you’re out and about and it’s raining as rain water can lead to infections.
- Creams: Make sure you use the proper creams on the tattoo once you take the wrapping off to keep it protected and healing.
- Scratching: DO NOT SCRATCH IT! Scratching can lead to infections and scaring that will make your tattoo patchy and the scars last.
- Clothing: Make sure you’re wearing light clothing. Jeans and similar trousers are bound to rub against the tattoo and slow down the healing process. If heavy clothing takes the scabs off, it can scar.
How To Care For A Tattoo On Your Thigh
Having a thigh tattoo can be great, painful and a pain to care for due to it’s location. Not only are thigh tattoos popular but they also take the most time and can be the most painful. Take a look at some of the steps below for caring for your thigh tattoo.
- Clothing: Ensure you’re using light clothing. It might also be an idea to take a day or two off work and just lounge around without trousers on.
- Leave Alone: Make sure you leave your tattoo alone. It might itchy but it’s one of the worst areas to get infected so don’t scratch or irritate the skin.
- Protection: Ensure you use the right protection on your tattoo. If needed speak to your tattooist or GP on how to best protect your thigh tattoo.
Have you ever had any issues with a thigh tattoo?
How To Care For Your Eyebrow Tattoo
Eyebrow tattoos are very tricky to take care of and can take even longer to heal than other tattoos and this is due to a range of different reasons. If you are looking to have eyebrow tattoos make sure you take the right steps to ensure they heal properly and don’t get infected!
- Sun: Make sure you keep out of direct sunlight. Due to your face getting a lot of sun they can get hot and infected. If you are worried and have to go out, wear a hat!
- Water: As eyebrow tattoos are more difficult to keep covered it’s important you stay out of the rain, ocean or swimming pools as the water can damage the tattoo.
- Make Up: It’s also important not to use make up on your eyebrows while the tattoo is still healing as it can cause it to get infected and scar.
Products To Help Care For Tattoos
If you’re looking for various products to use on your tattoos you need to ensure that they are compatible with your skin before you use them. I can easily suggest the best products to heal tattoos that work for me but they might not work for all.
If you’re using tattoo healing products and they start to irritate your skin, stop using them. Clean the area and consult your tattooist or doctor.
Take a look below at some of the products I’ve used on my tattoos after I’ve had them done to ensure they heal better and don’t get infected.
Balmonds Skin Salvation
Balmonds worked wonders when I had my back tattoo. I didn’t use them right away but waited a couple of days and then applied a thin layer over the tattoo. It helps with itching and healing, but the lack of itching was the blessing.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo and want some cream that works well and isn’t as expensive as some of the creams on the market, I’d suggest taking a look at Balmonds. They worked wonders for me and hopefully they’ll work for you too. Plus, no disgusting chemical smell unlike other brands!
Why Use Tattoo Healing Products?
Tattoo healing products are beneficial for several reasons:
- Promote Healing: Tattoo healing products contain ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and moisturisers that aid in the skin’s natural healing process. They can help soothe the skin, reduce redness and irritation, and prevent infection.
- Prevent Infection: Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent infections that can occur during the initial healing period of a tattoo. Tattoo healing products often contain antibacterial or antimicrobial properties that protect the tattooed area from harmful bacteria.
- Reduce Discomfort: Tattoos can cause discomfort during the healing process, including itching, tightness, and tenderness. Healing products can provide relief from these symptoms, keeping the skin moisturised and comfortable.
- Preserve Colour: High-quality tattoo healing products can help preserve the vibrancy and longevity of the tattoo’s colours. Ingredients like antioxidants and SPF can protect the tattoo from fading due to sun exposure.
- Minimise Scarring: Proper care during the healing process can minimise the risk of scarring and ensure that the tattoo heals evenly and smoothly. Healing products keep the skin hydrated and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
How To Care For Your Tattoo After Laser Removal
Caring for your skin after laser tattoo removal is crucial for proper healing and minimizing potential complications. Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Keep the Area Clean: Wash the treated area gently with mild soap and water twice a day to keep it clean. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.
- Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: After cleansing, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or a healing cream recommended by your laser technician. This helps prevent infection and soothes the skin.
- Protect from Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight, as it can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation and slow down the healing process. Wear protective clothing or apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outside.
- Avoid Scratching or Picking: Itching is common during the healing process, but scratching or picking at the treated area can lead to scarring and skin damage. Instead, gently pat the area if it becomes itchy.
- Keep the Area Moisturised: Use a fragrance-free moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and prevent excessive dryness. Moisturising helps promote faster healing and reduces the risk of scarring.
- Follow Post-Treatment Instructions: Your laser technician will provide specific post-treatment instructions tailored to your skin type and the type of laser used. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and minimise complications.
- Avoid Swimming and Excessive Sweating: Refrain from swimming or engaging in activities that cause excessive sweating until the treated area has fully healed. Sweat and chlorine can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your laser technician to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications promptly.
By following these guidelines and adhering to your laser technician’s instructions, you can ensure proper care and optimal healing after laser tattoo removal. If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, contact your healthcare provider or laser technician for advice
