Once you make the decision to get a tattoo then you should also be committed to taking proper care of your tattoo. Taking care of your tattoo until it heals and beyond will help to preserve your tattoo. Surely you want the tattoo of your dreams to last, don't you? So following the tips below will help to make sure that your tattoo doesn’t begin to fade prematurely. Your tattoo will usually take approximately a month to fully heal. The tips below will help to make sure that the tattooed area heals properly without damaging the tattoo.
- Keep your tattoo covered. For the first 24 hours keep your tattoo covered with a bandage. Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight until it has healed.
- Do not touch. Do not touch the tattoo during the healing process. Do not pick at any scabs which form. If you can't keep yourself from picking at the scabs, try covering your tattoo with a bandage even after the first 24 hours.
- Wash the tattoo 4-5 times daily with an antibacterial soap. Dry the tattoo by patting it with a soft towel. Remember not to rub the area.
- Antibiotics. Use antibiotic ointment after washing to keep the area moist and free of infection.
- Ice pack. Use an ice pack if necessary to reduce any redness or swelling.
- Do not soak. Don't soak the tattooed area in water until it has healed. If you have a bathtub, you can't use it for 1 month.
Owning a tattoo is a bit like owning a car. Both need proper long term maintenance to last well. It’s okay to expose your tattoo to direct sunlight after it has fully healed but you should always use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 on your tattooed skin. The sunscreen not only protects your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun but also helps to keep your tattoo from fading. Your tattoo is a lifetime investment. Take proper care of your tattoo while it is healing and you will be able to enjoy your tattoo for many years to come.
