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Let’s be honest: a tattoo is a painful and rather traumatic procedure. Help the skin recover as soon as possible after the manipulations of the master. We will tell you how to care for a tattoo in the first days after application right now.
What you need to know before getting a tattoo
Here’s what he has to tell you:
how to prepare the skin for the procedure;
when can the film be removed after drawing the pattern;
how to care for a tattoo in the first 10-14 days after stuffing, while the healing process is in progress;
and how to properly care for the tattoo in the future.
Even a small tattoo is stressful for the skin. Therefore, follow all the recommendations of the master.
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Stages of applying a tattoo
It all depends on the area that the drawing will take, but usually the stuffing process requires at least 1 hour.
Before starting the process, the master disinfects the skin.
To reduce pain (and they will be, no matter what they write on the forums), the skin can be treated with an anesthetic.
After stuffing the tattoo, a disinfectant gel is applied to the skin, a soothing compress, and then the treated area is covered with a film so as not to injure it.
Any tattoo, even a small one, is stressful for the skin.
Basic rules for tattoo care
Follow certain rules for caring for a tattoo after application. This will increase the percentage of the likelihood that the rehabilitation process will proceed without complications.
On the day of tattooing and until the damaged area is completely restored, give up alcohol. Let the skin calmly recover, and not spend energy fighting the dehydration that occurs after alcohol.
After removing the film, treat the skin with bactericidal and healing preparations, which include vitamins E and F, thermal water. Look for fragrance-free products suitable for sensitive skin.
In the first days after tattooing, do not use soap. And certainly you will not need scrubs and peels. For cleansing, use a gel, or better – a cream-gel.
- During the shower, do not rub soap and a washcloth on the place where the tattoo was applied. It is better to cover this area with a film to avoid contact with water altogether.
To keep the pattern bright, protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation – use a cream with a broad spectrum of protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Features of tattoo care on different parts of the body
Usually, the care of a tattoo after removing the healing film does not depend on the place of application. But there are some things to consider.
Arms
If the tattoo is on your arm, try to protect it from UV exposure. Treat and wash the injured area with special products. Avoid contact with household chemicals and any actions that can create unnecessary stress on the damaged area.
Legs
If the tattoo is on your leg, try not to wear too tight jeans for the first few days so as not to create unnecessary friction.
Back
A tattoo on the back requires the choice of certain clothes. In the first days, when the tattoo is still fresh, it is necessary to give preference to soft, light natural fabrics. The ideal choice is natural silk.
Wherever the tattoo is located, in the first days the skin is inflamed, so it must be treated accordingly – carefully.
What not to do after getting a tattoo
Tattoo artists do not recommend in the first few weeks:
take sunbaths and visit the solarium;
swim in the pool and any open water bodies;
play sports and any activity associated with increased sweating;
go to the bath or sauna;
wear tight-fitting clothing, as well as clothing made of wool.
Treat the skin with care so that the rehabilitation process after stuffing proceeds without complications.
How to care for a tattoo on the first day after application
Usually, immediately after applying a fresh tattoo, the skin does not look very good: it swells, turns red. This is fine. Help her get through this difficult time. How to properly care for a tattoo in the first few hours? Very simple:
Do not touch the damaged area.
Avoid contact with water.
It is worth worrying in the following cases.
The temperature persists for several days after tattooing.
Pain intensifies.
The swelling extends beyond the tattoo area.
In any of these situations – no self-treatment. You need to see a doctor for help as soon as possible.
How to care for a tattoo
First 3 days
Tattoo care in the first days after application should be especially careful. Each time after treating the skin with an antiseptic, apply a hypoallergenic healing ointment or cream to the tattoo area.
First 2-3 weeks
The skin began to recover – you will notice this by the crusts that form on the damaged surface. Do not pick the sores, let them go off on their own, otherwise traces may remain. Moisturizing the skin is the basis of tattoo care during this period and the main aid in skin restoration. Only in this way is it capable of intensive regeneration.
During the entire recovery period until complete healing, apply moisturizing and nourishing oil-based balms. Your task is to moisturize the skin well so that it recovers faster.
Tattoo care later
The design will look brighter if you take proper care of the tattoo even after all the damage has passed. Use products with vitamins E and F, oils, aloe extract, rhamnose, squalane. Do not actively rub the jewelry on the skin with scrubs and other exfoliants. But softening care is recommended for the rest of your life.
How to care for a temporary tattoo
For those who do not want to fill a permanent tattoo, there is a lightweight option – a temporary tattoo. The imitation is glued to the skin and can last at least 7 days. It is not difficult to take care of this type of tattoo: in order for the drawing to last longer, the main thing is to expose the area to water, scrubs, and alcohol-containing products as little as possible.
Overview of post-tattoo skin care products
These balms and body creams will speed up healing.
Anti-Spot Repair Soothing, Cicaplast Baume B5, SPF 50, La Roche-Posay
Restores the skin with signs of damage, has a high degree of UV protection, brings a feeling of comfort.
Melting body milk with bifido complex and oat milk, Garnier
Soothes and hydrates irritated skin. Bifidobacteria contribute to the healing and restoration of the skin. Oat milk relieves discomfort and softens it.
Sublime Sun Extra Protection Body Milk, SPF 50, L’Oréal Paris
Suitable for skin care with an already healed tattoo. Protects from ultraviolet radiation, moisturizes during sun exposure.