How to Take Care of a New Tattoo

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Are you considering getting a tattoo? There has been a massive uptick in the popularity of tattoos in recent years. Statistics from 2019 show 35% of adults in the US have at least one tattoo. As the amount of people with tattoos increases, the perception of body ink has changed too. In the past, people with tattoos were often viewed with suspicion, but now they are becoming increasingly socially acceptable and a means of self-expression.

If you plan to get your first tattoo, you may be struggling to decide on a design you like. But, as well as choosing a design, you will need to consider the best way to look after your new ink. Taking care of your new tattoo right from the start is crucial. The better you take care of it, the less chance you have of it becoming infected, and the more likely it will stay looking great for many years to come. Without proper care, the ink may start to fade, and this is especially the case if you have a design featuring fine lines. Here is how you can help take great care of your new tattoo:

Keep it Clean

Keeping your tattoo clean is essential to prevent an infection from developing. Your tattoo artist will clean the skin surface before getting to work using a specialist tattoo soap to remove bacteria and excess oils from your skin. You will also need to keep your tattoo clean in the days and weeks following this while the wound is still fresh. Your tattoo artist may advise you to wait a few days before getting your tattoo wet in the shower or bath. Your tattoo artist may advise you to clean it a couple of times each day with tattoo aftercare products to keep it free from infection. Don’t forget to clean carefully and avoid scrubbing the skin.

Follow Advice

Different tattoo artists use different inks and coverings, so you need to check with your tattoo artist to find out what they use. Your tattoo melbourne artist will advise you directly on how to look after your tattoo immediately after it has been done, as this will depend on the covering they use. Some coverings will only need to be kept on for several hours, whereas others need to cover your tattoo for a few days. To keep your tattoo free from infection and healing correctly, you need to make sure you don’t remove the covering sooner than you should.

Protect it From the Sun

Everyone knows how crucial it is to wear sunscreen to stay protected from powerful UV rays to prevent sun damage. But, if you have a tattoo, you will also need to keep that protected from the sun. In the weeks after getting your tattoo, it is a good idea to keep your new ink out of the sun entirely by keeping it covered. Once your tattoo has healed up, it is advisable to wear SPF to protect the vulnerable skin and keep your tattoo looking great.