Tattoo Aftercare
Care for your tattoo over time
To make you tattoo stand the tear of time it is recommended to ALWAYS stay away from the sun and UV light, using a sunblock when in the sun (only on fully healed tattoos). This is because the UV breaks down the ink pigments which makes it easier for the body to absorb them, leading to a more faded tattoo over time.
It is also good to keep moisturising your tattoo even after the healing process, for longevity. You can use a regular lotion, oil or butter as you prefer, the main thing is to keep your skin moisturised.
Plastic is on
Avoid heavy exercise for the first 3-5 days. Light exercise such as walking, yoga or stretching works well. Sweat and a Gym environment can lead to bacteria entering the new wound. You also want your body to focus its healing on the tattoo, rather than newly broken muscle fibers.
Tegaderm ("second skin", plastic film) is recommended to be worn for 3-4 days. It can stay on up to a week or fall off on the first day, depending on the type of tattoo and the persons skin type. If the plastic comes off and exposes part of the tattoo, it's best to take it all off and start the ”wash and moisturise routine”.
You can take short showers with the plastic on.
Take the plastic off
The easiest way to do this is in the shower, pull the plastic along the skin and start from the top so that water can run over the exposed skin. Wash thoroughly with mild (perfume free) or antibacterial soap. Air dry or dab it dry with paper towels NOT toilet paper.
Plastic is off
For the first 3 weeks, avoid sun, swimming and sauna.
The first night when the plastic has been removed, you should change to new and fresh bedclothes. Please wear a covering, dark piece of clothing when you go to bed in case the tattoo releases more plasma or ink during the night.
After washing, the tattoo should be moisturized with a thin layer of fatty ointment. Classic ointments used are Bepanthen and Helosan. These contain vaseline and are not tested specifically for tattoos and do not contain any healing vitamins. If you want to be on the safer side, you can buy creams online that are specifically designed for healing tattoos, e.g. Hustle Butter, Tiger Spit or Hornet.
Wash and moisturize in the morning and evening for at least 2 weeks after the tattoo session. After that, it can be done as needed or once a day for another 2 weeks.
Extra moisturizing may be needed during the day, since clothing can absorb a little of the ointment, or if you have naturally dry skin. Then you ALWAYS wash your hands before applying a new layer of ointment on the tattoo.
What to expect from a healing tattoo
After 1-2 weeks the upper skin layer (epidermis) will scab, this is completely normal as it will reveal the fresh tattoo in the second skin layer (dermis). Make sure not to scratch the tattoo when it starts itching!
If ink has faded after the healing period (lines disappear or full-coverage areas are blotchy), please contact me within 3 months for a free touch-up.