How to Care for Your New Tattoo

If you are like millions of other people, you probably just got your first tattoo. Finally, that intricate design or personal phrase you’ve wanted inked on your body is a permanent reality. However, there’s a lot you have to do once you have gotten a new tattoo. One of the most important things is to properly care for it. Here are ways to care for your new tattoo.

Listen to Your Tattoo Artist

Always listen to any advice your tattoo artist gives you. They may give you a pamphlet or leaflet with information on how to care for your tat after you leave their studio. Read it and take the advice. Always carefully listen to the instructions your tattoo artist gives you while you’re face-to-face with them as well.

Wash it After a Few Hours

Within the first two to five hours after you get your new tattoo, it will be covered up for protection. However, after the period of time during which your tattoo artist recommends you to keep it covered, remove the dressing and wash it. You should always wash your tattoo gently using lukewarm water and a mild liquid soap.

It’s important to know that once you remove the dressing, you might notice fluid seeping from your tattoo. This is not abnormal and you shouldn’t panic upon seeing it. It’s a combination of blood and excess ink. It’s also normal to feel sore and for the skin to be warm to the touch.

Use Moisturizing Topical Cream

After washing your tattoo, you should apply an unscented moisturizing topical cream to it. Your tattoo artist may have recommended a specific type. However, you can also use one of the award-winning cbdMD topicals to moisturize it. Afterward, you can either cover it with gauze for protection or forgo covering to allow it to breathe. Generally, this depends on the advice your artist has given you. You should repeat the cleansing steps around three to five times per day.

Keep it Clean and Dry

Over the course of the next month, you should keep your tattoo clean and dry. Avoid soaking it during this time. In other words, you should skip taking baths, going for a dip in a pool or soaking in a hot tub. Instead, stick to showers for the first month after getting your new ink. If the tattoo is in a spot where your clothing will rub against it, cover the area with gauze.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

You should also avoid direct sunlight while caring for your new tattoo. If you cannot absolutely avoid being out in the sun and your ink exposed, be sure to use a good sunscreen with a high SPF to protect it. Colorful tats that are healed can fade in the sun — needless to say, this is something you want to avoid.

Be Patient

It’s important to be patient with the healing process. The time it takes a tattoo to heal depends on various factors, including its size, design and more. Continue to follow your aftercare instructions as given to you by your artist and keep your ink moisturized and clean. Steer clear of any skin products that are abrasive as well.

Avoid Scratching

Unfortunately, the skin around the tattoo may itch. However, you should avoid scratching it. Lightly tap or slap the area instead. Itching should subside after a few weeks, but if you have symptoms that persist or worsen, you might have an infection. In that situation, you should go back to your tattoo artist as soon as possible.

When you follow these steps, you will be happy to enjoy your great new tattoo for years to come.