Taking care of a new tattoo is important to prevent skin infections and ensure proper healing. Here are some tips on what to put on a tattoo to heal:
- Leave the bandage on for a few hours or as instructed by your artist to prevent bacteria from getting into your skin and to protect the tattoo from rubbing onto your clothes and getting irritated.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering. Then gently wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat your skin dry with a soft cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or anesthetic gel to the tattoo and then cover the area in a bandage or plastic wrap. Your artist should apply this after the tattoo is done.
- Remove the bandage after 24 hours and gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water. Be sure to pat dry.
- Apply a small amount of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer to the tattoo. You can keep the covering off at this point to let your skin breathe.
- Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized by applying a mild and non-scented lotion or moisturizer after washing it. Well-hydrated skin is healthy skin, and faster healing is possible with healthy skin.
- Avoid wearing clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage) .
It is important to note that different artists may recommend different aftercare routines, so it is best to follow the instructions given by your artist.
