Tattoo Skin Care Products
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
Tattoo skin care products are intended to help your tattoo heal cleanly, and then to protect your ink and help it last a lifetime. There are brand-name products available, but many tattoo artists will recommend simple solutions on the shelves at any drugstore.
Caring for a New Tattoo
A brand new tattoo doesn't always look pretty. You can expect some slight bleeding the first day, and the area may ooze clear or blood-tinged fluid for the first few days. This is a natural reaction and doesn't necessarily require any treatment.
Different tattoo artists have different ideas about whether tattoo skin care products are necessary at this stage. You'll find that some recommend an antibacterial ointment, others suggest lotions or A&D ointment, and still others have favorite products made especially for tattoos. Your artist may warn you about products made with petroleum jelly because it has a reputation for "pulling out the ink" and ruining tattoos.
One problem with antibacterial ointments is that they can delay healing, leaving your tattooed skin raw and weepy for an extra few days. In addition, people with normal immune systems don't usually need antibacterial treatments. Tattoos can get infected, but it's not common. Most people can fight off any bacteria on their own.
Lotions and moisturizing ointments are meant to keep the tattoo from scabbing, which can damage the tattoo and lead to scars. Most tattoo artists will recommend a favorite product and tell you to use a small amount and rub it in gently. Avoid using large gobs, because ointments can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
If you do use an aftercare treatment in the first few days, be alert for allergic reactions. If the skin appears red, becomes painful, or develops bumps, stop using the product immediately. If the problem doesn't go away, check with your doctor to make sure you don't have an infection. Even the best antibacterial ointments won't prevent all infections.
Soap and Tattoos
You don't need any special tattoo skin care products to keep a new tattoo clean. Just choose a gentle soap without any strong fragrances or colors. Wash the tattoo carefully, using your fingertips or palm. Don't scrub too hard, and don't use a washcloth until the skin has fully healed (about two weeks).
Late-Stage Healing
As the tattoo heals, the skin may begin to flake off, sort of like a sunburn. Your tattoo artist will probably recommend that you stop using any ointment at this point. You may be told to switch to lotion, or your artist may recommend simply leaving it alone.
If you do choose a lotion, again be sure it's gentle, without colors or fragrances. Use it sparingly, just enough to keep the skin moist.
After the Tattoo Heals
The most important treatment, after your tattoo has healed, is sunscreen. The sun's ultraviolet rays can fade tattoo inks, turning a bright design into a washed-out mess. Choose a good-quality sunblock with an SPF of at least 30, and use it every day.
Keep in mind that sunblock won't block out all UV rays. In fact, no tattoo skin care products will keep out the sun completely. If you work outside or spend a lot of time in the sun, you might want to consider an opaque sunscreen, such as a zinc cream, or just cover the tattoo when you're outdoors.
Special Tattoo Skin Care Products
If you spend some time reading different artists' recommendations for aftercare, you'll find that different experts have different methods. Recommendations for over-the-counter products are common, but you'll also find artists who recommend specific brands of tattoo skin care products.
Most of these products were developed by tattoo artists or others affiliated with tattoo culture, and they all claim to help tattoos heal better than anything else available. Some are "all-natural," combining natural moisturizers and herbal extracts. Others have artificial ingredients but claim to be extra-gentle. Most of them appear to have been tested on actual tattoos, but not pitted against each other or against ordinary drugstore products.
Talk to your tattoo artist about his or her own aftercare regimen. Many artists will offer touch-up work for free if you have problems with healing, but only if you've taken good care of the tattoo. Whether or not you choose a special tattoo skin care product, it's a good idea to work with your artist in creating a skin care regimen for the best possible result.
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Comments
Tattoo Goo ROCKS! We use and recommend it in our Tattoo & Piercing Studio. We have (touch wood never heard of a bad reaction) The Goo salve is very soothing for those first few(very important) days- it also stops 'that' itch! - The Lotion, in the tube, is fantastic if you have old tattoos that are looking dull. It really does brighten em up! Its designed not to clog up your pores like usual skin creams and it has colour enhancers. Tattoo Goo also does the Uv protection sticks & sprays. SPf30 with fade protection- The sun can do a lot of damage to a new tattoo. Its easy to get hold of all of the Tattoo Goo products from Ebay & other online sites. They are reasonably priced too, considering how much a Tattoo costs and how much your ink will benefit- its a bit like painiting a masterpiece on a wood and not bothering to varnish it lol(?!kind of!) x
-- Contributed by: Devilettewat is really best to keep it from being infected o how long would it be before it heals
-- Contributed by: michelleUsed Tattoo Goo on first tat, had a reaction = BAD psoriosis (may just have been me as i know many people swear by it, including my bro)
But just had another tat, really chuffed.. Was told to use Bepanthen (nappy rash cream)... So far, so good. 2-3 days in now, no scab...
Sop i would recommend this!
-- Contributed by: IanThis page has been accessed 6,820 times. This page was last modified 16:54, 12 December 2007.
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