If you want a great-looking tattoo that will endure the test of time, you must practice excellent tattoo aftercare. Cleaning your tattoo properly and successfully during the healing process is one of the most crucial steps to follow.
In order to avoid infection and encourage quick and effective healing during the aftercare period, we’ll show you how to clean a tattoo thoroughly and properly in this article by Pearl Lemon Tattoos.
The Importance Of Washing Your Tattoo
You may have noticed the emphasis on washing your new tattoo after reading through various tattoo aftercare recommendations. Consistently and correctly washing your tattoo will distinguish between a quick-healing, attractive tattoo and an infected one. Washing your tattoo is also necessary to eliminate blood, plasma, and ink.
It’s nothing to be afraid of to have a bleeding, ink-filled tattoo, but it does need to be cleaned. Plasma is both necessary for scabbing and what causes it, so if it isn’t removed, you risk developing large, thick, dry scabs as well as scarring. In reality, a fresh tattoo is a controlled wound, and you should manage it accordingly.
How To Shower After Getting A New Tattoo
It can be difficult to sleep, walk outside, or shower after receiving a new tattoo, especially if it’s a large one. After receiving a new tattoo, you need to be especially cautious when taking your first shower. Some tattoo artists advise waiting a full day before doing so. And even then, it is not recommended to let water directly on the tattoo. Your tattoo should be healed and fully safe for showers after around two weeks.
Here’s How Often You Should Clean Your New Tattoo
For at least the first two weeks, most tattoo artists advise washing your tattoo with professional detergent or soap and water 2-3 times daily. To keep it clean all day, we advise doing it in the morning and at night. Moisturising is another important factor of aftercare because washing your tattoo too often could cause your skin to dry out.
How To Clean A New Tattoo: First Wash
Your first wash after getting inked is undoubtedly the most significant wash you’re ever likely to perform in your tattooed life. Although there are numerous ways to clean a fresh tattoo, following the instructions below will guarantee that the region is clear of any hazardous bacteria and that your tattoo will heal as quickly and painlessly as possible.
1. Wash Your Hands
Why care about cleaning your tattoo when all you’re going to do is aggravate it by rubbing unwashed hands over it? Before even gently touching your tattoo, ALWAYS make sure you properly wash your hands with a good antibacterial soap.
Once your hands are completely clean, turn on a faucet and let the water flow until it is lukewarm. The skin will be quite sensitive, and you don’t want the water any warmer than this because it could hurt and harm it.
2. Wet The Area
Once your hands are completely clean, turn on a faucet and let the water flow until it is lukewarm. The skin will be quite sensitive, and the warm water could hurt, so you don’t want it to be any warmer. Moreover, warm water can make your pores more permeable, which may allow ink to come off the skin.
DO NOT place the tattoo immediately under the faucet. Pour the water gently over the tattooed region after forming a cup with your hands. Your hand should gently rub the water in circular patterns around the tattoo until it is thoroughly moist.
DO NOT do this for an extended period of time since too much water can saturate the area and clog your pores, potentially causing the carefully implanted ink to disperse out of the area.
3. Add Soap
Use your fingers or palm to gently wipe a mild, fragrance-free, alcohol-free soap onto the area once it has been wet. Avoid cleaning the area with previously used washcloths or towels because they are likely to crawl with bacteria and germs. For at least the first month, only use your hands to wash and dry your tattoo.
Although you don’t want to scrub the area too vigorously with the soap, you want to check that after cleaning your tattoo, it no longer feels sticky or slippery (from extra plasma). After using the soap, if your tattoo feels clean, you’ve probably done enough.
4. Rinse
Keep them where they are, and don’t try to rub any hardened or adhered particles of ink or blood away from the area. When you next clean the area, they will naturally fall off over the coming days.
5. Dry
After cleaning is finished, you should make sure the surface dries as quickly as possible. Either let the tattoo naturally air-dry or gently massage a paper towel into the area. If you decide to use a paper towel, keep in mind to gently dab the affected region and to take caution while removing the paper from the skin because it can stay just a little bit.
When you dry the area over the first few days, you can notice patches of extra ink appearing on the paper. This is entirely normal and won’t harm your tattoo as long as you’re nice about it.
6. Apply Lotion
Use a lotion or ointment to moisturise the area and promote healing once the tattoo has completely dried.
You will only need to apply a very small amount of lotion to the area, just enough to cover it with a very thin layer and give the tattoo a slightly shiny appearance. A lotion buildup may hinder the area from receiving enough oxygen, slowing the healing process.
Conclusion
Keeping your tattoo clean is the number one approach to help prevent infection. Nothing could be worse than spending more than a week’s rent on new ink just to have it damaged by some nasty bacteria.
FAQ
What soap should I use to wash my tattoo?
Use mild soap like Dove, Ivory or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It’s best to avoid very hot water. Be sure to remove all the Vaseline – it usually takes 4 to 6 or more times to wash and rinse the tattoo before it is gone. Pat dry with a fresh, clean towel.
What lotion to avoid after a tattoo?
For the first day or two, use an ointment like A+D Original Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment or the product recommended by your tattoo artist to help the tattoo heal. It’s best to avoid products that are 100 per cent petroleum-based, like Vaseline.
What happens if you don’t moisturise your tattoo?
Not taking extra care of your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring. And if you’re concerned that dry healing won’t work for you, feel free to use a safe, chemical-free moisturiser to prevent any reactions or interactions with your skin or the tattoo ink. If you’re not sure, trust your tattoo artist.
