TATTOO AFTERCARE
TATTOO AFTERCARE
For the first day or two, use a petroleum-based ointment like Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy, CeraVe Healing Ointment, to help the tattoo heal.
Cosmetic grade petroleum jelly is non comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores and cause infection. But just apply a thin layer.
Putting on too thick of a layer won’t allow your skin to breathe.
After about two days, you can switch to a regular moisturizer, such as:
• Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Lotion
• Aveeno Hydration Moisturizing Lotion
• Curel Ultra Healing Intensive Lotion
• Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
• L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain additives, such as colored dye, that could dry out your skin.
When do I start applying tattoo lotion?
When your tattoo bandage is first removed it’s best to use a tattoo soap and warm water to clean it, however some tattooists recommend an antimicrobial ointment.
After 3 days is generally the best time to start incorporating tattoo lotion into your aftercare routine.
Remember, even after applying lotion you could have the type of body that wants to scab regardless.
No matter what you do, you simply won’t be able to prevent it, so stay the course and keep your skin supple and moisturized.
Can you use coconut oil for tattoo aftercare?
Polynesian people have long used coconut oil on their tattoos.
They apply it after the tattoo heals to make the design shine.
Some websites claim that coconut oil keeps the skin under your tattoo moist and protects against infection.
Yet there’s no scientific evidence that it works.
Check with your doctor before putting coconut oil or any other unproven products on your tattoo.
Potential side effects and complications
For the first few days after you get your tattoo, your skin may be red, itchy, and sore.
You may notice excess ink, along with blood and fluid, leaking from your skin. This is normal.
If you begin experiencing symptoms of any of the following complications, see your doctor: Infection
A tattoo that isn’t properly cared for can get infected. Infected skin will be red, warm, and painful. It may also leak pus.
If the equipment or ink your artist used was contaminated, you could get a blood-borne infection such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV.
There have also been reports of other infections, like non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections, being transmitted through tattoos.
Allergic reaction
If you’re sensitive to the ink your artist used, you may develop a red, itchy skin reaction at the site. Red, green, yellow, and blue dyes are the most likely to cause a reaction.
Scarring
Damage from the needle, or from picking at the tattoo, can cause your body to produce scar tissue. Scars can be permanent.
Long-term tattoo aftercare tips
Once your tattoo has healed, you move into maintenance mode. Though you don’t have to specifically care for it after three or four months, there are things you can do to prevent the ink from degrading. You should
• Keep it clean. Wash your skin daily with a gentle, unscented soap.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized.
• Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won’t fade your tattoo. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can damage the art.
• Avoid excess weight gain or loss. You could stretch out or distort the tattoo.
What do I do when my tattoo itches?
If you are experiencing intense itching, there are a few things you can do to relieve it.
You can try a different tattoo aftercare lotion or balm.
You can also take an over the counter antihistamine to help reduce skin irritation, swelling and redness.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Tattoo Aftercare:
1. Antimicrobial Aftercare Lotion:
* Fresh tattoos are essentially open wounds, making them highly susceptible to infection. Coconut oil is known for its natural antimicrobial properties, primarily due to its high levels of lauric acid, a compound effective against microbes. Additionally, it contains capric and caprylic acids, which further reduce the risk of infection, ensuring the tattooed skin heals properly.
2. Quality Moisturizer:
* Coconut oil's high fat content makes it an excellent moisturizer. These fatty acids protect sensitive skin and retain moisture, preventing fresh tattoos from drying out and becoming flaky. It is also enriched with Vitamin E, a super-hydrator, making it beneficial for chronically dry skin and conditions like eczema.
3. Anti-Inflammatory:
* Coconut oil's natural anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation during the healing phase. The proteins in coconut oil promote natural healing of damaged tissue, increasing antioxidants and improving overall skin health. Its naturally occurring collagen aids in reducing healing time and enhancing skin health.
4. Hypo-Allergenic:
* For those with specific allergies, traditional tattoo aftercare creams might contain artificial compounds that cause reactions. Coconut oil, being all-natural, is safe for sensitive skin and those with common skin allergies. It can be applied as an unscented lotion, ointment, or combined with shea butter.
5. Vegan-Friendly Healing Tattoo Salve:
* Organic and virgin coconut oils are popular in the vegan-friendly tattoo aftercare market, often sold as unedited, 100% vegan, and organic moisturizers. Coconut oil is an all-natural option, suitable for sensitive skin and those with allergies to artificial compounds.
How to Apply Coconut Oil to a Fresh Tattoo:
1. Patch Test:
* Despite the low risk of allergic reactions, start with a small test area. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the area and let it sit for 24 hours. If no adverse effects occur, it is safe to use as an aftercare cream.
2. Application:
* Clean the tattooed area with antibacterial soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
* Apply a small amount of coconut oil, adding more as needed. Virgin coconut oil can be quite potent, so it’s better to start with a little and apply more if necessary to avoid an oily mess.
* Organic coconut oil can be applied as often as needed without adverse effects.
* Depending on the size of the tattoo, a bandage might not be necessary.
By following these guidelines, coconut oil can provide effective, natural aftercare for tattoos, promoting healing while preventing infection and maintaining skin moisture.