Tattoo ointment how long

So it's important to listen to your tattoo artist's suggestions when it comes to washing and cleaning the area — which usually means avoiding rubbing it with anything abrasive, like a loofah or sponge. You really don't want to scratch the area or rub off scabs, since that can cause your tattoo to fade or smudge.

But that doesn't mean you need to avoid washing your skin altogether. Or, hop in the shower. After a shower, it's not uncommon for folks with a new tattoo to dry off like they always do — by rubbing a towel vigorously over their skin.

But this is another thing you'll want to avoid. Of course, once the tattoo is fully healed, you can dry off however you like. While you might think it's helpful to coat your tattoo in ointment to help it heal, doing so can actually be harmful. To help it heal correctly, "you should continue applying the ointment after each time you wash the tattoo and only after it has completely dried; at least twice a day, for three to five days or until the tattoo starts to peel.

Then, you can switch to a regular, fragrance-free lotion. Speaking of peeling , don't give into the urge to scratch or pick at your tattoo — no matter how tempting or itchy that peeling skin may be. As Palomino says, "Your tattoo will begin to scab and the scabs should be allowed to fall off Do not try to help the process along by picking at the scabs.

If you do, it "may cause the scabs to fall off prematurely, leaving holes or light spots on your tattoo," he says. So do your best to avoid picking at the area, and instead relieve the dryness or itching by patting the tattoo with the palm of your hand, Palomino says, or gently rubbing on fragrance-free lotion.

If you want your tattoo to stay looking great, stay out of the sun as much as possible when you first get your tattoo. To prevent that from happening, "always keep your tattoo covered and away from the sun and avoid getting sunburned for at least three to four weeks, until the initial healing is complete," Palomino says. Over moisturizing or under moisturizing can crack your skin.

A void this kind of scabbing through proper washing and moisturizing of your tattoo. Read also: Is tattoo cracking normal? A thin layer of your ointment or lotion to the tattoo area to avoid over moisturizing should be enough, as your tattoo needs to breathe as well. Example of thin layer applied:.

Example of over moisturized tattoo:. This is counterproductive, and will only delay the healing process. Moisturizing your tattoo helps reduce skin irritation, itching , and scabbing. Dry healing is highly counterproductive, and we strongly recommend you follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions.

Following the right advice, you will have healthier and nicer-looking tattoos. This is because they follow proper aftercare routines religiously. Even after your tattoo has healed completely, it is still important to take care of it. Naturally your skin constantly repairs itself and r eplaces dead cells with new ones, and you want to make sure those new cells are tended to properly.

Use a non-irritating, oil free lotion to look after your tattoo after it has healed. Lack of moisturizer can show wear and tear on your tattoo, which will mask its radiance. Always wear tattoo-friendly sunscreen , and make sure you cover your tattoo. Do not scratch or peel off the skin after it has healed. It is generally recommended to moisturize for 2 weeks to one month after the tattoo has healed. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove.

Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being secreted from the surface or the skin. Before you start, make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, moisture beads or scrubs. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo, but please be mindful that your tattoo is a wound and when unwrapped, it is prone to dirt and bacteria which may cause infection.

Avoid direct contact with any surface. Apply the Aquaphor or Bacitracin times a day Remember, keep it light! If you have extremely sensitive skin, the lotion may cause breakouts. If this happens, just reduce the number of your daily lotion application. After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will eventually dissipate.