Important Tattoo Care Tips
If you have just been inked then you are halfway to getting a great tattoo. Halfway because next comes the healing process. If you do not follow proper tattoo care steps you can end up damaging your tattoo and the result is a faded tattoo that will need to be re-inked eventually.
Usually your tattoo artist will give you some tips and advice and sometimes even an ointment or cream to use. You should listen to what your artist tells you to do, as he or she will know what is best for your skin and the tattoo. There are some general guidelines that form the basis for all types of tattoo care.
Bandages
Right after you get tattooed your artist will bandage the tattoo. You should keep the bandage on for about two hours at least. Don't get the tattoo wet in this time. It is crucial that the tattoo stay dry right after you get inked. Once it has been two hours wash the tattoo gently with a mild soap and water.
The soap you use is important; avoid anything with fragrances as this can irritate your skin. You also want to avoid using most anti-bacterial soaps that can be too harsh on your skin. The best soap would be a very mild anti-bacterial soap. In fact something used for babies would be ideal as it is very easy on the skin.
Ointment
You should pat dry, never rub, your tattoo with a paper towel rather than an ordinary towel that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If your tattoo artist has not given you an ointment or recommended one then you can buy cream specifically meant for tattoo care. Or you can buy over the counter products that will work just as well. You want a vitamin A and D enriched ointment that is free of any dye and fragrances.
Water
It's fine to have showers, it is fact an important part of tattoo care to take regular showers. You should shower twice a day and then apply ointment on your tattoo after that. Don't apply too much, just enough to lightly cover the piece.
You must not soak or submerge the tattoo for at least two or three weeks after it has just been inked. This means no swimming, soaking in the tub, hot tubs or any other activity that would lead to your tattoo being submerged for a long time.
Keeping your tattoo out of the sun for the first month is also another important step in tattoo care. You also want to make sure you use a sun block with at least SPF 30 from now on whenever you are about to expose your tattoos to the sun. This will stop the tattoos from fading.
