How to Care for Your Tattoo

by Cinya Burton
Published Mar 14, 2012

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Google+

These days, so many Beauties are sporting ink masterpieces. But keeping the artwork fresh means treating the area with extra TLC. Even if you want to cover or remove an old design, it’s important to understand how treatments and products could effect your surface. We chatted with New York City-based dermatologist Jeannette Graf M.D., about the steps you can take to ensure your beautiful ink doesn't turn into a messy mistake.

LOVE IT!

After you’ve been freshly inked, it’s important to take care of the skin for proper healing. "A good tattoo artist will give proper post-procedure instructions, but you’re usually instructed to remove your bandage after a few hours and apply antibiotic ointment." explains Dr. Graf. Be sure to leave the bandage on for at least two hours and then wash the area. "Use your hand to clean the area with a mild, unscented antibacterial soap and water—avoid rubbing the skin dry and pat gently instead," says Dr. Graf. Next, apply a thick coat of vitamin A and D enriched ointment, which will keep the surface moist and protect against infection. After about a week, you can switch to a dye-free, fragrance-free lotion such as Lubriderm or Eucerin. Since you shouldn’t completely submerge your ink in water, avoid baths and swimming pools and stick to showers for two to three weeks. Another important tip? "Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing to avoid rubbing and irritation," says Dr. Graf. Avoid elastics, which can pull and spread the fresh ink.

When you first get a tattoo you’ll notice the skin will begin to flake, peel, and maybe even scab. Do not scratch or pick! This is a normal part of the healing process and will only last a few days. Try to avoid direct sun-exposure for two weeks after getting your new tattoo because the UV rays can fade your new ink. After the initial 14-day shade-a-thon, always apply at least an SPF 30 when you are out and about.

LOATHE IT!

Tattoos are meant to be permanent, so saying buh-bye to your body art isn't a painless process. Tattoos get dull and fade over time on their own but they do not disappear so you need to consider removal options. "Fade creams are unlikely to work and if you’re serious about having a tattoo removed, then laser option is your best bet," advises Dr. Graf. "Before laser was available dermatologists used dermabrasion to slough off the color—unfortunately it left severe scarring. The best options for your skin today are the Q-switched ruby and Nd YAG lasers.” Just like sun rays can fade your tattoo, these laser emit wavelengths of light in short pulses that deconstruct the pigment with low risk of scarring. But be warned: Each zap is unpleasant and the sessions can be pricey as more than one treatment is usually needed. If you’re looking for a less drastic daily alternative, there are a number of camouflage makeups which can mask tattoos well. "The formulas are waterproof, making them perfect options for swimming and sweating," says Dr. Graf, who recommends Covermark and Dermablend products.

Recognized as one the most distinguished dermatologists in the country, Dr. Graf is well known for her lifestyle and nutritional approach to skin care. A former fellow of NIH, Dr. Graf is consistently featured in national publications and scientific journals for her dermatology, skin science and anti-aging expertise. She is the author of the best-selling book, Stop Aging, Start Living, in which she recognizes the impact of pH balance on the way we look and feel.

More to Love

Comments

or to add a comment.

Apr 04, 2012

Connie B.

My partner has a sleeve done, and he is looking to finish his other sleeve. He uses a product called 'Protat' for the first few weeks, and then every day puts on SPF 70+ sunscreen. I don't know whether he is just being pedantic? Even on a rainy, cloudy day, he will slather on loads of the stuff! Is that really necessary?

Sep 16, 2012

Shaila H.

maybe not an SPF of 70, anything above a 50 really doesn't do any better, and they are just trying to get more money out of you. The changes to SPF guidelines now are now reflective of this. Clouds to not block UV rays, a sunscreen is great care for any skin that is exposed to the outside or only have extremely thin clothing over top. the added moisture also helps take care of your tattoo.

Mar 15, 2012

Stephanie P.

Take this from someone who has 70% of their body tattooed (and Husband is even more tattooed than I am!) NO A & D ointment as after care! It will clog your pores badly!!!! The artist applies that right after the tattoo is done and that is the only time you should use it. It brings the blood to the surface and aids the healing process. After you wash the tattoo off for the first time, let it dry and then apply a light layer of Aquaphor then dab it off after a few minutes. Do this for the next 3 days a couple of times a day. Make sure that your tattoo stays as dry and clean as possible, but not so dry that it starts hurting. And you don't want the tattoo to be too moist, or else it will start flaking off and this is a no-no so soon after having it done. When you're done with the Aquaphor, a white, non perfumey lotion is what you should use. I like St. Ives replenishing lotion. Again, light layer. I usually do this for about a week until the last of the scabs have flaked off. Applying lotion everyday to your skin not only makes your skin look nice, it also makes your tattoo look brand new even after you've had it for years.

Mar 15, 2012

Shannon H.

I have 4 tattoos (soon to be 5!) and I can say from experience that tattoo aftercare is basically required if you want your tattoo to heal and not get infected. I know a lot of people with tattoos who wished they took better care of them, and I definitely don't want to make that mistake. Most of my artists have given me the same instructions, but I generally use the same products on my healing tattoos. I can say that I absolutely love all of my tattoos and my artists that did them. I can't imagine getting any of them removed especially at this point. I would suggest that anyone who is thinking of getting their first tattoo should really put a lot of thought into it and get it done at a good shop because you're more likely to enjoy it over time.

Mar 15, 2012

Amanda L.

I agree sunscreen helps keep the color. also I think even before getting the tattoo preparing the skin and keeping it in ideal shape helps, and do a little research and find out what inks are being used by the artist. I have had some crap tats that faded and one I had a reaction to the ink and it swelled and scarred (lots of white inks in cheaper brands have issues). Now I make sure that a higher quality ink is used to start out with and I can really see the difference.

Mar 15, 2012

Angel D.

I have 5 tattoos and i only really took care of the one and you can really see the difference. Now I have to go back and get everyone touched up. and if you go out into the sun or tanning in a bed make sure you put sun block on them=). it makes suck a differences=)

Mar 15, 2012

Shaila H.

My second tattoo healed flat very fast (a week and a half for a fairly large piece), near the third week though my skin started to peel a bit, and I found using a very mild AHA moisturizer made this only last a few days and it was perfectly intact.

Mar 15, 2012

Linda R.

Just got my calf done and I'm in love with it. Still a little swollen but I've been taking good care of it. Can't wait for my next session.

Mar 15, 2012

Stiletta M.

as a tattoo artist, NEVER! apply a thick coat of A&D ointment. EVER!!!!!! by doing that you are locking in any bacteria that may be on the skin and not allowing the tattoo to breathe. when your ink is fresh, your artist may apply a heavy coat and bandage it, its to keep it moist. but once you wash it the first time ( within a few hours) dont reapply A&D and dont rebandage.
for the first few days, after gently washing with anti-bacterial soap (using your fingertips), pat dry and apply a very thin layer of neosporin, wear loose clothing over the area, and allow your tattoo to breathe. after the first 2 or 3 days, keep tattoo well moisturized using Aquaphor. never let tattoo dry out and never pick at it. if scabs start to form, its a sign you are adequately moisturizing. dont pick!!!!! :)

Mar 15, 2012

Shaila H.

Every Artist has slightly different beliefs on aftercare, I've had multiple tattoo's done and my best healing was done following the general guidelines similar to the one listed above. If you wash with and antibiotic cleanser, trapping bacteria should not be a problem. I was advised not to do a thick coat of A&D (instead a thin one more often, making sure the skin was always slightly shiny from it. Neosporin can cause adverse reactions (I have several friends who have had work damaged because of it, all from different artists).
I am not saying you are wrong, just that there are varying opinions for many reasons. People should follow the advice given to them by their artist since there is no black and white answer on the subject.

Mar 15, 2012

Linsey W.

THANK YOU. I tried to post this but it won't let me. Let your new tattoos breathe, you need to apply a very THIN coat of anything that is petroleum based as to avoid pore clogging and weeping (which will remove pigment). Thick coats on ointment will only attracted dirt and dust to your tattoo (as well as cause the weeping and color loss I mentioned). Antibiotic ointments can prevent infection, but if you practice good hygiene and dont have a “dirty” job, it really shouldn't be necessary to use one.

Mar 15, 2012

Charnell C.

I love tattoos, I love looking at others' masterpieces and I plan on getting 4 more before I'm done. I have 3 right now. :)

Mar 14, 2012

Maya J.

I won't ever get a tattoo, it's just not my thing. My mom has some and so does her sister but my dad doesn't have any and won't let me get one. That's ok though because I don't really want one either, just a personal choice. I have absolutely nothing against tattoos or people with them!