Caring for your Tattoo

Here at Speakeasy Tattoo in Los Angeles California we want to make sure you know how to preserve your living art as best as possible. After you go through all the pain of getting a tattoo, it will be worth your time and precautions. 

If your tattoo is wrapped in saran wrap, remove the warp about 4 hours after getting your tattoo. If your tattoo is wrapped in Saniderm make sure to take off the bandage 24 hours after getting your tattoo. Saniderm should be removed in the shower under running water. “If your tattoo exudes more plasma and blood than usual, you may find yourself having to change it earlier. This is common with heavy saturation and color work,” (Saniderm). 

After removing the bandage you want to keep it as clean as possible. Gently wash your tattoo with clean hands and unscented soap at least twice a day. Do not scrub. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo. Something unscented and thin will work fine. No sparkles or glitter until your tattoo is fully healed. You’ll want to moisturize at least twice a day and be careful not to over moisturize. 

Washing twice  a day should prevent the formation of scabs that cause the ink to fall off the skin. You should notice a protective barrier start to form. Do not scratch or pick at this barrier. If you see flakes of skin falling off do not worry this is perfectly normal. 

Do not take long showers or baths for about 2 weeks after getting your tattoo. This also includes swimming in a pool, the oceans, or anything else that might saturate your skin and cause your ink to fall out. 

Be sure to also avoid extraneous activity as sweating can cause new bacteria to be introduced into the healing area. 

Do all you can to avoid the sun during this healing process. The piece could fade due to sun exposure before it is done healing. Sunburns also prolong the healing process and could cause scabbing. Be sure to wear clothes that will protect your tattoo from the sun but are not too tight to the skin to allow your tattoo to heal properly. After your tattoo is healed be sure to use a high quality sunblock whenever in the sun. 

The longer you preserve your art the better it will hold up through the years!