If you’re in San Diego, CA, and looking for the best tattoo aftercare tips, we’ve got you covered.
We know getting a tattoo is a weighty decision, so we want to ensure your new ink looks as good as possible. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or are trying to maintain your existing one, our tips will keep it healthy and happy!
What to Use After a Tattoo
Following a good aftercare routine is crucial when you get a fresh tattoo. First, wash your tattoo with mild soap and water at least two days after getting it done. Then, gently pat it dry with a clean towel.
After washing, apply an ointment or lotion provided by your tattoo artist. Applying it up to three times a day will keep the area moist and prevent scabbing. You can also use a moisturizer if the ointment feels too heavy or greasy.
Make sure you have an aftercare ointment geared to tattoos. These products will have ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, which protect against damaging UV rays and promote healing.
Second, verify that the ointment doesn’t contain alcohol or chemical dyes. Alcohol can dry out your skin, while chemical dyes can damage your tattoo.
6 Essential Tips for Tattoo Aftercare in San Diego, CA
Tattoo aftercare is vital to getting the tattoo you’ve always wanted. It ensures your new piece of body art looks great for years.
Be Gentle with Your Tattoo
Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo. Wash it gently with warm water and mild soap every day, at least twice a day. Avoid using washcloths on your tattoo to keep the ink from fading or flaking off.
Do not get the tattoo wet for at least two days after application. Be especially careful not to let water run over it while you’re showering.
Massage the area around your tattoo once a day with light pressure for about 15 minutes. Doing so will help the ink sink even deeper into your skin and make it heal faster.
Keep It Clean
Your hands carry germs that can irritate your new tattoo, so do not touch it while it’s healing. The only exception is when you’re applying lotion to it as part of aftercare.
When touching your tattoo, wash your hands first. Use antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer if you don’t have ready access to water.
Keep It Moisturized
After washing, apply a small amount of lotion or ointment to keep your skin from drying out while it heals. The exact amount you use depends on the size of the tattoo. Don’t put anything too greasy on your skin, as you don’t want to trap any dirt in the wound.
Cover It While You Sleep
Always cover your tattoo when sleeping, especially if your skin is sensitive or prone to allergies. Air must not get trapped under your bandage and cause irritation or infection.
Keep It Away from Direct Sunlight
Stay out of the sun for two weeks after you get your tattoo. The sun can fade the ink and cause it to look dull or dry. If you have to go outside, wear sunscreen at SPF 30 or higher on your tattooed area or cover it up with clothing.
Avoid tanning beds until your tattoo has completely healed.
Keep an Eye out for Signs of Infection
If your skin becomes red and swollen or pus leaks from your tattoo, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms indicate an infection that needs treatment right away.
Diligently follow these aftercare tips throughout the healing process for the best tattoo results. Soon enough, you’ll have a fantastic piece of art on display for all to see!
Beauty and Ink is your trusted source for high-quality tattoos in San Diego. We’ve been serving the area for over ten years, and our tattoo artists have a combined experience of over 20 years. All our artists are licensed by the state of California and are members of the Tattoo Artist Guild.
We believe everyone deserves to look good, feel good, and live a beautiful life. Our mission is to help you achieve these goals through our outstanding customer service, meticulous attention to detail, high-quality artwork, and tattoo aftercare instructions.
We are proud to offer the following services:
- Tattooing
- Piercing
- Body Jewelry
- Waxing
- Skin treatments
Call (619) 951-9916 to learn more about tattoo aftercare in San Diego, CA, and schedule a free consultation.
