When you get a new tattoo, proper care is crucial to ensure it heals healthily and remains long-lasting. Tattoo care not only protects your skin health but also keeps the colors and details of your tattoo vibrant for years. So, how is new tattoo care done? Let's examine it step by step.
How to Care for a Permanent Tattoo Step by Step?
Right after the tattoo is done, the stretch film applied by the tattoo artist should be removed in about 2-3 hours. This period is sufficient to let the skin breathe and start the healing process.
After removing the stretch film, the tattoo area should be gently wetted with warm water and cleaned gently with a fragrance-free, alcohol-free soap. During this stage, avoid scrubbing and only wash gently with your fingertips.
The cleaned tattoo area should be dried by gently pressing with a sterile paper towel or a soft cloth without rubbing. Rubbing can damage the skin.
After drying, a moisturizing cream that is natural in content and supports the skin barrier should be applied in a thin layer over the tattoo. This process can be repeated several times throughout the day.
In the first few weeks, the tattoo should be protected from direct sunlight, salty sea water, chlorinated pools, and excessive sweating. It's also important to wear clothing soft enough not to irritate the area.
Care Tips for a First Tattoo
The care process can be a bit confusing for first-time tattoo bearers. However, with the right information and a regular care routine, it is possible to get through this process smoothly. Here are some important tips specifically for first-time tattoo owners:
Don't panic: Itching, redness, and slight crusting are part of the natural healing process of the tattoo. These symptoms usually decrease within a few days.
Pay attention to cleanliness: You should gently clean your tattoo at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, and then moisturize with an appropriate moisturizer.
Stick to sterile conditions: You should not touch the tattoo area with unwashed hands, and avoid friction with items like towels or clothes.
Don't neglect your care routine: Regular care practices help keep your tattoo vibrant and reduce the risk of complications. Neglecting care even for a few days can negatively affect the healing process.
Consider your tattoo artist's recommendations: Tattoo artists can provide special care advice based on the ink and techniques they use. Following these personalized directions, along with general information, can make a huge difference.
Avoid scratching: When scabs begin to peel, it's very important not to touch them. Forcefully removing scabs can damage the tattoo and leave scars.
Protect from the sun: You should not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight until healing is complete. If necessary, protect it with clothing or use a suitable protective product recommended by a doctor.
How is the Care for Small Tattoos Done?
Small tattoos, because they cover less area, usually have a faster healing process. However, this does not mean that they require less attention in terms of care. Small tattoos should be handled with the same sensitivity as large tattoos.
Small tattoos are usually done on thinner and more sensitive skin areas such as the wrist, nape, or behind the ear. Because the skin in these areas is more delicate, irritation and redness can occur more easily.
Cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection steps should be applied in exactly the same way. Especially in the first 48 hours, cleanliness and protection are very important.
Even though the amount of creams applied on small tattoos is less, the area should be regularly monitored.
Clothing choice should be considered, and contact with tight or rubbing fabrics over the tattooed area should be prevented.
Additionally, a small tattoo means less crusting; therefore, the shedding process may be shorter but should be handled with the same sensitivity.
How is the Care for Large Tattoos Different?
Large tattoos, due to being applied over a wider area, require a longer and more attentive healing process. It is likely to experience common swelling, more crusting, and delayed healing of the tattoo.
Wider surfaces require more moisturizing, and therefore the amount of care products should be increased.
Cleaning large tattoo areas with soap should be done more carefully, and equal coverage of the entire tattoo should be ensured.
Crusting and itching are usually more pronounced. This can test a person's patience more, but it's crucial to be patient during this process and not scratch or peel the crusts.
Since large tattoos may come into contact with clothes more, loose and cotton clothes should be preferred.
Additionally, temporary changes in color tones may be observed in large tattoos during the healing process. This is normal, and as proper care is applied, the tattoo will set over time.
Care Recommendations for Red Tattoos
Red pigments can contain components that cause allergic reactions in some people due to their chemical structures. Therefore, red tattoos require more sensitivity compared to other colors. If symptoms such as itching, swelling, or prolonged redness are observed, immediate intervention should be made.
Hypoallergenic products that do not contain parabens, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances should be preferred.
The tattoo area should be carefully monitored daily in the first weeks; if abnormal swelling, excessive redness, or discharge is observed, a dermatologist should be consulted without delay.
Using products with natural ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier (e.g., creams containing aloe vera extract) may be beneficial.
In case of itching, the tattoo should not be scratched with nails; a cold compress can be applied to the area.
Sun protection is additionally important for these types of tattoos; direct contact with the sun should be avoided until the tattoo is fully healed.
How Should the Care for Colored Tattoos Be?
Colored tattoos, having a more sensitive structure compared to black tattoos, require special care to prevent the pigments from fading over time. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the colors to dull, so the tattoo area should be protected from UV rays throughout the healing process. During this process, fragrance-free and allergen-free moisturizing creams that strengthen the skin barrier and support color pigments should be used.
How Should Tattoo Care Be in Winter Months?
Cold weather as it dries the skin can cause the tattoo to become irritated more quickly in winter. Therefore, moisturizing should be done more frequently and the tattoo area should not be exposed to extreme cold.
What Creams and Oils Are Used in Tattoo Care?
Product categories that can be preferred for new tattoo care include:
Moisturizing Creams
Medically formulated moisturizers for sensitive skin that do not contain perfumes, alcohol, or colorants help maintain the tattoo's moisture balance. These products support the skin's elasticity and speed up the healing process.
Natural Oils
Cold-pressed and additive-free natural oils (e.g., coconut oil or olive oil) are highlighted for their antibacterial properties. They soften the skin and reduce itching.
Products Forming a Barrier on the Skin
Products that create a protective layer over the skin without completely closing the pores should be preferred for the first days of use. These products act as a temporary barrier against environmental pollutants.
When choosing products, it's important to always read the ingredient labels and avoid allergens or irritating substances.
When and How Should You Shower After Getting a Tattoo?
You should absolutely avoid taking a bath for the first 24 hours after getting a tattoo. During this time, the skin is still very sensitive, and contact with water can affect the color of the tattoo and increase the risk of infection.
After the first day, you can shower; however, there are some important points to note. The shower should be kept short, and water should not be directly pressurized over the tattoo. Warm water is preferable, and hot water should be avoided. During soap use, unscented, alcohol-free, and non-irritating products specially formulated for the tattoo area should be used. After the shower, the area should be blotted dry with a soft towel and an appropriate moisturizer applied.
When Should Stretch Film Be Removed in Tattoo Care?
Stretch film should generally be removed 2 to 4 hours after the tattoo is done. This time is sufficient for the tattooed area to overcome the initial shock and to be protected from external factors. However, if this time is exceeded, the skin cannot breathe properly, and accumulated moisture under the film creates a suitable environment for bacteria to multiply. This situation can significantly increase the risk of infection. After removing the stretch film, allowing the skin to breathe is critical for the healthy start of the healing process. If your tattoo artist recommended a different time, pay attention to that advice because, for some special techniques, it may need to be kept closed overnight for protection.
How Long Does Tattoo Care Last?
The initial healing process of a new tattoo usually lasts between 2 to 3 weeks, depending on personal factors. But full healing can take 1 to 2 months, depending on factors such as skin type, the area where the tattoo is applied, and the care routine followed. During this time, it’s essential to maintain regular care to prevent infection, ensure a healthy crusting process, and preserve the colors’ permanence. The moisture balance of the skin should be maintained, the tattoo area should be protected from traumas, and the cleaning stages should not be neglected.
What Happens If Tattoo Care Is Not Done?
If neglected, the health and aesthetic appearance of the tattoo can be seriously compromised. In addition to an increased risk of infection, permanent skin damage may occur. Here are the major issues that can arise:
An infection can develop in the tattoo area due to the proliferation of bacteria and germs. If these infections are not treated, they can result in the use of antibiotics or even the removal of the tattoo.
Without adequate protection of the color pigments, the tones of the tattoo may fade over time and lose their vibrancy.
During the healing process, excessive crusting, premature removal of crusts, or dryness can lead to distortions in the patterns.
Tissue irritation, cracking, or permanent scars due to excessive itching may occur.
To prevent these adverse effects, it is crucial to maintain regular care, pay attention to hygiene rules, and ensure the skin's required moisture is provided.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes in Tattoo Care?
Mistakes made during the tattoo care process can permanently affect the appearance of the tattoo. Therefore, the following common mistakes should be avoided:
Not removing the stretch film for a long time: Even though the stretch film serves a protective function, keeping it on for too long prevents the skin from breathing and increases the risk of infection. It should be removed within 2-4 hours at most.
Exposing it to the sun: Exposure to the sun can cause fading of colors and skin irritation. It should especially be protected from direct sunlight in the first few weeks.
Contact with sea/pool water: Salty or chlorinated water can irritate healing skin and adversely affect tattoo pigments. It also increases the risk of infection.
Using the wrong cream: Creams containing perfume, alcohol, or colorants can cause irritation, allergies, and prolong the healing process. Only products suitable for tattoo care, clean in content, should be used.
Scratching the tattoo or peeling crusts: The crusts formed during the healing process should fall off naturally. Forcibly removing them can cause distortion of the design or scarring.
Insufficient moisturizing: Drying of the tattoo can lead to cracks in the skin. This not only spoils the appearance of the tattoo but can also be painful. Regular moisturizing should not be neglected.
Wearing tight and irritating clothing: Fabrics that rub against the tattoo area can cause irritation, redness, and premature removal of crusts. Loose and soft clothing should be preferred during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tattoo Care
How long does tattoo care take?
Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks, but full healing can take 4-8 weeks. This period can vary based on the size of the tattoo, the area it is on, and the person’s skin type. With regular care and cleanliness, this process can be more comfortable.
What products should be preferred in tattoo care?
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, medically formulated products that support the skin barrier are recommended. When choosing a product, it should be dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic.
What kind of soap should be used in tattoo care?
Fragrance-free, antibacterial, and glycerin-free soaps should be preferred. These types of soaps clean without irritating the skin and support the healing process.
When can you go out in the sun during tattoo care?
The tattoo should be protected from the sun for at least 3-4 weeks. After that, using a high-protection factor sunscreen can help protect against skin damage and color fading.