Tattoo Aftercare: Best practices for healing and maintaining tattoos

Good afternoon, Speakeasy Family! The weather is finally starting to cool down here in Los Angeles. Everyone knows that the fall season is tattoo appointment season! Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the journey continues once you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring that your new ink heals well and remains vibrant for years to come. Here, we outline the best practices for tattoo aftercare to help you take care of your body art.

1. Follow Your Artist's Instructions! Every tattoo artist has their preferred methods for aftercare, so listening to their recommendations is essential. They know how to best care for the ink they apply, considering factors like ink variables and your skin type.

2. Keep It Covered For the first few hours after getting your tattoo, your artist will typically cover it with a bandage or plastic wrap. This protects the area from bacteria and irritants. Follow your artist's guidance on when to remove the covering—usually within 2 to 6 hours.

3. Cleaning Your Tattoo Once you remove the bandage, it's time to clean your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to gently cleanse the area. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel; don't rub it, as this can irritate the skin.

4. Moisturizing After your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of a specialized tattoo aftercare ointment or a fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid using thick creams at first as these can suffocate the tattoo. Some popular options include Aquaphor or products specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. Reapply it as needed—typically two to three times daily—until the tattoo fully heals.

5. Avoid Scratching or Picking As your tattoo heals, it may scab or itch, but it's crucial to let the skin heal naturally. Avoid picking or scratching the area, as this can lead to scarring or fading of the ink.

6. Stay Out of the Sun Direct sunlight can fade your tattoo significantly over time. In the weeks following your tattoo, limit sun exposure and keep your tattoo covered with clothing or a high-SPF sunscreen when outside.

7. Avoid Water Soaking For the first few weeks, try to avoid soaking the tattoo in water. This means no baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs, as prolonged exposure to water can disrupt the healing process and introduce bacteria.

8. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Your overall health can affect how well your tattoo heals. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid excessive alcohol or smoking, as these habits can impact your skin's healing ability.

9. Recognize Warning Signs. It's crucial to monitor your tattoo as it heals. While some redness and swelling are normal, watch for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.

10. Long-Term Care Once your tattoo is healed, it's essential to maintain its quality. Regularly moisturizing the area and applying sunscreen will help keep the ink bright and your skin healthy in the long run.

Your new tattoo is a lifelong commitment, and taking proper care of it during the healing process is just as important as the choice of design or artist. By following these best practices for tattoo aftercare, you can ensure that your ink heals beautifully and remains a source of pride for years to come.

Happy healing! See you next Sunday!

-Sunny