You can't do it after getting a tattoo. Caring for a tattoo in the first days. There are main stages of tattoo healing

Proper care of your fresh tattoo immediately after you get it will help your skin recover faster and your tattoo stay vibrant longer. Do not remove the bandage that your tattoo artist has placed on you for at least a few hours. After you remove it, wash the tattoo area with warm water and antibacterial soap, and then pat dry with a towel. Keep your skin evenly moisturized and clean, avoid exposing it to sunlight, and try not to scratch it, and then the tattooed area will heal perfectly.

Steps

Part 1

1. Take your tattoo artist's advice. Your tattoo artist will explain how you should care for your tattoo immediately after getting it, so try to follow their advice. Each tattoo artist dresses tattoos differently, so listen to the advice they give you to make sure the tattooed area heals properly.

   • Write down the expert's advice on a piece of paper or in your phone so you don't forget.

2. Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours. Once the artist gets the tattoo, they will clean the area, apply antibacterial ointment, and apply a bandage to the tattoo. Once you leave the tattoo parlor, resist the temptation to remove the bandage. It is designed to protect the tattoo from dirt and bacteria and should be left on for up to three hours before being removed.

   • Since different artists have different ways of applying new tattoos, ask yours when is the best time to remove the bandage. Some artists don't apply bandages at all - it all depends on the products and techniques they use.
   • Do not leave the bandage on longer than the technician recommends to reduce the risk of infection and the ink bleeding.

3. Wash your hands and then carefully remove the bandage. Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from becoming infected when you touch it. To make it easier to remove the bandage, moisten it with warm water, then the bandage will not stick to the skin. Remove the bandage slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your new tattoo.

   • Throw away the used dressing.

4. Wash the tattooed area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Instead of soaking your tattoo in water, place your hands together and wet it with warm water. Apply a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial soap to the tattooed area and gently rub the skin with your fingers to remove any traces of blood, plasma, or leaked ink. This will help prevent damage to the tattoo.

   • Do not use a washcloth or sponge to clean the tattooed area as they may contain bacteria. Do not use these hygiene products until the skin has completely healed.
   • Do not expose the area of ​​skin with a tattoo to running tap water, otherwise painful sensations cannot be avoided.

5. Allow the tattooed area to dry naturally or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. After cleaning your tattoo, it is best to let the skin dry naturally, but you can use a clean, dry paper towel to gently blot the tattoo until it is completely dry. Avoid rubbing your tattoo with a paper towel to avoid irritating your skin.

   • A regular towel can irritate your skin and its fibers can get stuck in it, so it's best to use only a paper towel for drying.

6. Apply an unscented antibacterial cream. Once your tattoo is completely dry, apply some moisturizer, preferably an all-natural tattoo care product. Apply a thin layer of product using patting movements until it is absorbed into the skin. If you are unsure about the best cream to use, ask your tattoo artist which will work best for your skin.

   • Aquaphor is a good choice and a recommended moisturizer option.
   • Do not use petroleum-based products such as Vaseline or Neomycin, as they are too thick and can clog pores.
   • Once the tattoo area is completely clean and moisturized, do not apply the bandage again.

   Part 2

   Help in fast healing of tattoo

   1. Wash and moisturize the tattoo area daily until the scabs disappear. It is recommended to wash the tattoo area 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and warm water until it is completely healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks (depending on the size and location of the tattoo).

      • While moisturizing is important, be careful not to overdo it with lotion or ointment; a thin layer is all you need.
      • Continue to use a mild, unscented soap when washing.

   2. Do not pick scabs from the tattoo area or scratch the skin. As the tattoo area begins to heal, it will begin to scab, and this is completely normal. Wait for the scabs to dry and come off on their own; do not speed up the process by manually removing them. Otherwise, light spots and indentations may remain on the tattoo.

      • Dry, flaky skin can be very itchy, but if you scratch it, you may accidentally remove scabs.
      • If you experience this problem, continue to use a moisturizing ointment to combat the itching.

   3. Protect the tattoo area from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the skin may blister and some tattoo colors may fade. For this reason, it is best to cover the tattoo with clothing and protect your skin from the sun for at least 3-4 weeks until the tattoo area is completely healed.

      • Once the tattoo area has healed, apply sunscreen to prevent it from fading.

   4. Try not to get your tattoo wet. Until the tattoo site is completely healed, do not swim in the pool, sea or ocean. Try not to get the tattooed area wet while you shower. Exposing your tattoo to a lot of water can wash away the ink a bit and ruin the appearance of the tattoo. Water may also contain dirt, bacteria, or harmful chemicals, which can lead to infection in the tattooed area.

      • Once the tattoo area has healed, you can resume bathing, but until the skin is completely healed, it's best to just lightly rinse it with water in the sink.

   5. Wear clean, loose clothing to avoid irritating the tattoo area. Try not to wear tight, tight clothing on the area of ​​your body where the tattoo was made, especially at first. Once your tattooed area has healed, excess ink will begin to release into the skin along with plasma, which can cause clothing to stick to the tattoo. After this, it will be painful to remove clothes, and this can also remove newly formed scabs.

      • If clothing is stuck to the tattoo area, don't pull! First, wet the area with water so that it can be removed without damaging the tattoo.
      • Wearing tight clothing will not allow your skin to receive enough oxygen, which is essential for the healing process.

   6. Wait for the tattoo area to heal before engaging in intense exercise. If the tattoo covers a large area or is located near joints (such as elbows and knees), healing may take longer, especially if you move the skin too much during physical activity. Movement will cause the skin to crack and irritate, which will slow down the healing process.

      • If you're a construction worker or a dancer whose job doesn't allow you to be physically active, you might want to get your tattoo right before you have a couple of days off so the skin has time to heal before you go back to work.
   • For the first few nights after getting a tattoo, it's best to use old (but clean) sheets in case your skin starts to ooze ichor.
   • Visit a tattoo parlor if, after you get your tattoo, it needs some work.
   • Wear only clean clothes and use new, clean towels, especially while your tattoo is healing.
   • Check the ingredients on your soap and lotion packaging to make sure they don't contain artificial fragrances or alcohol.
   • If your tattoo is in an area that is difficult to reach, you will likely need someone to help you care for it.

   Warnings

   • Do not wash the tattoo area with hot water!
   • Do not shave the area where the tattoo is until it is completely healed. If you shave around the area, be careful not to get any shaving cream on the tattooed area to avoid irritation.
   • Do not leave the bandage/plastic wrap on the tattooed area for more than 3 hours.

A tattoo made with meaning and by the hands of a true master will decorate your body for many years and become a unique touch to your image. But in order for the design to turn out truly bright and beautiful, the tattoo must be properly cared for.

Why is it so important to pay maximum attention to the tattoo in the first three days?

One way or another, you will have to take care of your tattoo for the rest of your life. For example, it is not recommended to expose the drawing to too much sunlight - this will cause it to fade faster. In addition, the tattoo needs to be renewed periodically - since it tends to fade simply with the passage of time.

But especially careful attention should be paid to the drawing in the first three days after visiting the tattoo parlor.

• Firstly, a fresh tattoo is a wound surface - an open damage to the skin. If there is a lack of care, an infection can get into the tissue - and then the healing process will slow down, bring a lot of unpleasant sensations, and the beauty of the tattoo will be in question.
• Secondly, in the first three days, the dye applied under the skin only “sets”, and the epithelium injured during the tattooing process heals and is restored. Both lack and excess of hygiene during this period will lead to the fact that the clear contours of the picture will blur, the pigment will lose most of its brightness, the picture will be deformed and become ugly. To avoid such troubles, you must carefully follow all recommendations for proper tattoo care.

In the normal course of healing, exactly three days are enough for the initial mild inflammation in the tissues to go away. After this time, the pronounced redness of the skin and severe pain should disappear.

Of course, you will have to wait at least two weeks until complete healing - and it is quite possible that then you will still need a slight correction of the pattern. This is completely normal, and most tattoo artists will perform re-treatments for free. And so that the correction does not turn into a global redoing of the entire work, we will tell you in more detail about how to care for your tattoo at first.

What to do immediately after getting a tattoo

So, you visited a tattoo parlor, chose the design you liked, and an experienced artist applied it to your body. Let us note right away that, of course, different tattooists have different levels of skill. But as a rule, this is expressed in the complexity of the drawings that the master is ready to undertake, in the harmony of proportions and other aesthetic parameters. But the appearance of the tattoo after it has healed is the responsibility of the client himself. In other words, if a bright and colorful design has faded, blurred and rubbed off in places two weeks after application, most likely the reason lies precisely in improper care, and not in the poor quality of the dye or the inexperience of the artist.

Immediately after finishing the work, the master will temporarily cover the fresh tattoo - as a rule, with ordinary cling film, sometimes with an absorbent bandage made of an elastic bandage. In the first case, the film will need to be removed no later than after four hours - otherwise the tattoo will begin to “reproach”, since the film does not allow air to pass through.

The cloth bandage can be worn for up to twelve hours at a time. But here it should be especially emphasized that we are talking about a special absorbent surface that does not stick or dry to wounds. If the master used a regular gauze bandage - which happens quite rarely - then it must be removed immediately upon returning home.

After you remove the bandage or film, the tattoo will need to be carefully washed. Don't be alarmed if you find some blood and lymph - as we already mentioned, a fresh tattoo is a wound, and these phenomena are quite normal. You need to wash the drawing with clean warm (or even slightly cool) water; you can also use baby soap or chlorhexidine solution.

It is strictly forbidden to treat fresh drawings with substances containing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, a wet tattoo should be gently blotted with a sterile towel - without rubbing movements.

Finally, after you have washed the skin and allowed it to dry completely, the tattooed area will need to be treated with ointment. Usually, for this purpose, it is recommended to buy special formulations designed specifically for caring for tattoos. If you don’t have such a product at hand, you can use Panthenol, Bepanten or baby cream for delicate skin. Do not forget that you also need to apply the ointment very carefully - do not rub it into the skin or press it, just spread the composition over the tattoo and remove the excess with a cotton pad or napkin.

Caring for the drawing in the first three days

Basic care in the first few days is approximately the same as in the first hours. The tattoo is in the active healing phase - therefore it must be regularly washed and treated with healing compounds.

How often should a fresh tattoo be washed? This depends on the speed of healing and how intensely the damaged skin secretes blood and lymph. Hygiene procedures should be carried out at least three times a day - but not more often than once every four hours. When washing, you must adhere to the same rules:

• The tattoo is washed with clean warm water without the use of alcohol-containing substances;
• Blotting is carried out very carefully and accurately, without rubbing the skin with a towel.

After each wash, the same healing ointment is applied to the drawing, the excess amount of which is simply removed - there is still no need to rub it in.

In the first two to three days, a thin crust will certainly form on the surface of the healing skin, which will cover the tattoo. What should you do with it? Almost nothing. It is strictly forbidden to tear it off, rub it or scratch it - this will not only increase the risk of infection, but also ruin the tattoo.

After some time, the crust will fall off by itself. During hygiene procedures, its small particles will lag behind the fresh skin spontaneously - so you can simply wash off the peeling crust naturally. if a small area of ​​the crust has nevertheless been torn off, treat the micro-abrasion in the usual way, and if this affects the final appearance of the design, agree with the tattoo artist about making a correction.

How to behave until complete healing

The first few days are considered the most critical and difficult - however, the process of complete healing lasts much longer, about two weeks. Mandatory correction of the final drawing is carried out only after a month or a month and a half.

Throughout this time, the tattoo also requires careful care. What rules must be followed to ensure that the drawing remains bright, clear and beautiful?

• As already mentioned, direct exposure to sunlight is very harmful for tattoos. Excess ultraviolet radiation negatively affects even old drawings - and can have a devastating effect on a fresh tattoo. Therefore, for the first few weeks, the design must be “hidden” from the sun, choosing clothes that completely cover the tattooed area.
• The drawing needs good ventilation. Therefore, even closed clothing should be quite loose - do not wear lightweight clothes with a high synthetic content, give preference to spacious clothes made from natural fabrics.
• Of course, while your tattoo is healing, you can and should wash yourself - but for a while, avoid the pool, long baths, and especially swimming in salty sea water. Limit hygiene procedures to showering- Moreover, it is advisable to cover the tattoo site with a film during washing or at least lubricate it with a thick protective cream. Of course, it is not recommended to rub the skin with a washcloth.

In addition, until complete healing, it is recommended to avoid going to the gym - or at least minimize sports activities. The fact is that during exercise you sweat - and even with good hygiene, this can lead to irritation of the skin at the tattoo site.

You will also need to stop drinking alcohol - it has a destructive effect on the dye injected under the skin by increasing blood pressure. It is good if during the healing period of the tattoo you do not take any medications - some of them, when coming into contact with the pigment, can cause allergies.

So, it's done!.. You just came from the tattoo parlor. Doubts and fears are behind you, and the desired design is on your body. While the first bandage made by a master has not yet been removed, it’s time to learn how to care for this fashionable acquisition. This article will help you understand the intricacies that contribute to the speedy healing and preservation of a tattoo.

As a rule, each artist has his own recipe for tattoo care. It should be remembered that a professionally done tattoo does not pose a health hazard and, accordingly, does not cause any complications. After the master has completed his part of the work, the equally important function of consolidating and preserving what has been done is assigned to the customer himself. This is understandable, because it depends on the healing process how long and how good the work will look. However, the general commandments of the tattooed beginner are simple and accessible.

The bandage applied by the artist after applying the tattoo should last from 3 to 12 hours, depending on the nature of the work. For some time, the skin around the design may be slightly sore and remain red. It is normal for ichor to be released at first. The main thing is to prevent dirt and infection from getting in. After the period set by the artist, you should remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with miramistin or warm water and soap with clean hands, then dry thoroughly (do not wipe, but blot). Remember that alcohol solutions should not be applied to a fresh drawing, as this may disrupt the healing process. Then you need to apply a thin layer of ointment recommended by the master (for example, “Bepanten” or “d-Panthenol”).

While the tattoo is healing, you should not scratch it, rip off the film, or pick it. Sunbathing during the recovery period is strictly prohibited. Baths, saunas, baths, swimming in the pool, solariums - you should abstain from all these joys during skin regeneration. It should be remembered that tattoos fade from direct sunlight: after sunbathing with a fresh tattoo, you may notice that it will fade by several tones.

Be sure to prevent dirt from getting in, but you should not tape or bandage the tattoo. It is recommended to wear loose clothing, preferably not silk or synthetics, to avoid possible allergic reactions. You should not subject yourself to heavy physical activity or sports training during the first 3 days; and it is also necessary to avoid drinking alcohol during this time.

During the first week, the tattoo looks loose and slightly swollen. Don't be alarmed - after the first layer peels off, a white scaly mark remains on the surface of the design, which will then also come off. Typically, the healing period is about five days, depending on the characteristics of the body and the pattern.

Many ladies are concerned about the question of how long after applying a tattoo they can use scrubs and peels on this area of ​​the body. It turns out that already 10 days after finishing work it is not forbidden to use all usual skin care products.

There are no limits to perfection - it is quite possible that after some time you will want to “finish” or redo the tattoo. This is quite realistic, especially since perfect work is not done in one session. A repeat visit to the specialist is scheduled 7-10 days after the first procedure to allow the wound to heal. If you don’t like the tattoo years after it was applied, you can correct the “mistake of youth” at any time by turning to a professional who will tattoo you a new design on top of the old one, more beautiful and more relevant than the previous one.

Tattoo correction

If it happens that after some time the tattoo “floats” or inflammation begins, you must immediately go to the artist who worked with you. The thing is that some people may develop an allergic reaction to some types of paint (cases are quite rare, approximately 1 in 1000). In addition, with any professional tattooing procedure, a small amount of microbes enters the body. However, a healthy person has a strong enough immune system to cope with this nuisance. In any case, if you have any questions or unforeseen difficulties, contact the specialist to find out together why this or that problem arose. However, after visiting a real professional, the risk of remaining dissatisfied is minimized (a specialized salon, sterile instruments and a clean workplace where all hygiene requirements are taken into account will guarantee that you will not fall into the hands of a charlatan).

It should be remembered that over time the effectiveness of a tattoo is lost - the skin becomes flabby and cellulite may appear. To avoid unpleasant metamorphoses with your favorite design, when choosing a place to apply a tattoo, it is better to focus on parts of the body where the skin does not stretch over time (shoulder blade, ankle).

As you can see, the well-known thesis that a tattoo is a magical synthesis of art and medicine, at the stage of recovery and care should be considered in a medical manner. Would anyone want to harm themselves through their own dishonesty, inattention or laziness?

Fulfilling these simple provisions is not so difficult, especially when your beauty and individuality are at stake. In addition, if you do not follow the above rules and get an undesirable result due to your own negligence, then there will definitely be no guarantee for the work: an experienced master will understand where his omission is and where it is the customer’s negligence.

Caring for your tattoo immediately after application

Immediately after applying the tattoo, a compress is applied and wrapped in cling film to avoid external contact with a contaminated environment and prevent accidental infection. The compress should be removed after 2-4 hours, depending on the rate of blood clotting. During this time, capillary bleeding almost completely stops at the tattoo site. If you remove the bandage before the specified time, then the ichor released from the capillaries quickly dries on the skin, which leads to the formation of a crust when peeled off (removed), which inevitably damages the pattern and the healing process itself is delayed for a longer period!

After removing the compress, immediately wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap. A warm (not hot) shower is ideal. Be sure to wash off any discharge at the tattoo site. Do not use aftershave creams and lotions containing alcohol.

Immediately after a shower, carefully blot the tattoo area with sterile material; cotton pads are ideal. Dry the tattoo area for 10-15 minutes, after which the tattoo can be lightly wiped with a cotton pad moistened with Miramistin or Chlorhexidine solution. It is necessary to wipe with movements from the center of the design to the edges, touching the undamaged area of ​​​​the skin along the periphery of the tattoo. It is better if you change cotton pads during the wiping process.

Next, the tattoo is lubricated with cream (Bepanten+/ Bepanten Plus), but you can use Solcoseryl ointment; creams containing Vitamins are very good, especially A, D, C, E, F; creams from this line are ideal: “D-Panthenol”, ointment "Original", cream "Ink Fixx", you can also use homeopathic "Boro-Plus". You can also resort to folk remedies - use natural sea buckthorn oil, which has a very high ability to regenerate damaged skin cells.

It is better if you choose one remedy that is most suitable for you. But in any case, you should not use the above remedies uncontrollably and too often. It is enough to apply creams and ointments in accordance with the attached instructions for use. Usually this is 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days. The entire healing process of a tattoo varies greatly, depending on the individual characteristics of the body. On average, a tattoo heals within 5-10 days.

Remember, that:

• 2-3 days after application, the tattoo becomes covered with a crust, which remains until the end of healing, approximately 7-10 days.
• Until the tattoo is completely healed, it is unacceptable to: expose the tattoo to the sun's rays, visit a solarium, play sports, visit a bathhouse or sauna, lie in a bathtub, or swim in ponds.
• Around the fifth day, itching may appear, the crust from the tattoo begins to gradually peel off, you should not scratch the tattoo site or rip off the crust. A compress from the Sinaflan solution will help relieve itching.

After the design has completely healed, the tattoo does not require any maintenance. If the design is made professionally, then over the years it almost does not change shape, does not blur, and the colors of the tattoo do not fade. The only exceptions are those cases when a person is gaining a lot of weight or losing weight, but even in such cases, the tattoo can always be corrected.

Tattoo care products

Astroderm healing cream

Manufacturer: VIS, Russia

An effective product created on the basis of natural extracts and vitamins. Active components allow you to speed up the healing process of minor skin damage (scratches, abrasions, minor cuts, household thermal and sunburn), avoid secondary wound infection and other complications, as well as restore the integrity of the skin and obtain a good cosmetic effect. The cream accelerates cell renewal processes and serves as an excellent prevention of the consequences of adverse effects on the skin of environmental factors (cold, wind, dampness).

Bepanten Plus
Colorless antiseptic cream, has a cooling effect
Manufacturer: Bayer, Germany

When applied to superficial wounds, it protects against infections, suppresses infectious processes and promotes healing. The cream contains chlorhexidine, which is an antiseptic (active against bacteria present on the skin or in wounds, suppresses infection). Accelerates the formation of new tissue and soothes pain thanks to its cooling effect. It is easy to apply and wash off, not greasy, and does not stick to clothes. Flaws: a bit expensive

Panthenol(Depantol, PanthenolD, D-Panthenol Goo, 911-Panthenol cream)
Manufacturers: many
Bepanten analogues. Ointment intended for external use. A drug that improves tissue regeneration. A synthetic derivative of lantothenic acid, which is a water-soluble B vitamin necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. The beneficial effect of the drug is manifested in reducing itching and improving skin healing processes in various dermatoses. The drug is approved for use without a prescription.

Boro plus cream (pink)
Manufacturer: India

Antiseptic cream "Boro" is made from natural products based on the rich experience of Indian medicine. Highly effective products with a pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effect protect against suppuration and frostbite, promote rapid healing of scratches, abrasions and cuts, superficial burns, insect bites, eliminate itching, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Antiseptic cream is a universal remedy that promotes healing, removal of ulcers and acne, treatment of herpes, cracked lips and dry skin diseases, softening and disinfection of skin after shaving.

La-cree cream
Manufacturer: Russia, Vertex

With herbal extracts. Reduces itching, burning, irritation. Relieves redness. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. Moisturizes and gently cares for the skin

Solcoseryl
Regeneration stimulator
Manufacturer: Solko Basel P.Z., Switzerland

It is a deproteinized hemodialysate obtained from the blood of dairy calves. Contains white petrolatum and cholesterol, due to which it activates the transport of oxygen and nutrients and facilitates their absorption by cells. Increases cell regeneration and stimulates intracellular energy metabolism. It is recommended to apply jelly (gel) to wounds with wet discharge, and ointment to dry wounds. Apply a thin layer to a cleaned wound 2 times a day.

Miramistin
Manufacturer: Infamed, Russia

It has a pronounced bactericidal effect against viruses and bacteria, and has an antifungal effect. Effectively prevents wound infection by activating regeneration processes. A colorless, transparent aqueous solution, odorless, forms foam on the surface when shaken.

Tatoo Goo
Tattoo Goo “Original” is specially created for the speedy healing of tattoos. Natural ingredients soften and soothe the skin by quickly absorbing and promoting healing, while also allowing the skin to breathe.

Ingredients: olive, sunflower and lavender oils, wax, wheat germ oil, tocopheryl acetate, rosemary extract, vitamins B and C. Gentle for sensitive skin and daily use. The lotion does not contain alcohol, petroleum, lanolin, mineral oils or fragrance.

Ink Fixx
Manufacturer: Dragon Inductries (USA)
With natural ingredients and vitamins A, C and D, it perfectly cares and protects the skin, created specifically for healing new and caring for old tattoos. They do not clog pores, keep colors bright for a long time, and do not leave stains or odors.

Bacitracin
Manufacturer: Clay-Park Labs, USA
Ointment. Antimicrobial drug for external use. Prescribed for minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It is used in the treatment and prevention of secondary infections of post-traumatic and post-surgical wound surfaces or for cosmetic procedures. Like all of the above drugs, it is used when prescribed by specialists. Remember that you must follow the precautions specified in the instructions.

1. Immediately after the session, the tattoo should be washed with clean, warm water and antibacterial soap. Then you need to wipe it with a napkin or paper towel. Then, apply skin regenerating ointment “Bepanten” or “D-Panthenol” to the tattoo site and apply a compress bandage.
   • After removing the bandage, let the skin breathe a little.
   • If the bandage is stuck, wet it with warm water and it will come off easily.
   • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage! Remove the bandage carefully, without damaging the healing skin.
   • Plastic dressings are allowed to be worn for no more than 2-3 hours, since polyethylene does not allow the skin to breathe.
   • Thick, non-stick bandages can be worn for about 24 hours.
   • Consult with your tattoo artist about how long to wear the bandage.
   • Wash your tattoo!
     • Use room temperature water and liquid soap to wash your skin and rinse off the soap.
     • Then wash the skin with antibacterial agents (chlorohexidine, miramistin).
     • Do not use boiling water or too cold water!
     • Avoid scouring pads or any other abrasive cleaning products.
     • Wash off the blood thoroughly to avoid scarring.
     • Be sure to rinse off the soap!

1. Gently blot the tattoo with a tissue or paper towel.
   • It’s better to let the skin dry on its own, it won’t take long, 5-10 minutes.
   • Do not rub the skin with a towel, wanting to quickly dry the wound!
   • Fabric towels often contain a lot of bacteria, so it is not recommended to use fabric.
   • A paper towel or toilet paper should be of high quality and soft. The main thing is that the paper does not stick.
   • Apply a thin layer of protective, skin-regenerating ointment over dry skin, using light finger movements.
     • There should be a little ointment or cream! Cover the area with damaged skin with a thin layer, no more.
     • Rub in the protective cream thoroughly.
     • We recommend using Bepanten or D-Panthenol ointment.
     • Avoid Aloe Vera cream and all ointments containing cortisone and alcohol.
   • Do not re-bandage your tattoo! In the fresh air the wound will heal faster.

We take care of a new tattoo for the first 2 - 3 weeks

1. Be sure to wash your tattoo daily!
   • Wash the tattoo area for at least 2 weeks.
   • Do rinsing 2 times a day, morning and evening.
   • Wash your tattoo as thoroughly as you did on the first day.
2. Apply protective lotion, ointment, or cream several times a day.
   • Make sure your skin is moisturized.
   • Lubricate the tattoo 4-6 times a day.
   • Follow the technique of applying the protective agent as in the first days.
3. Prefer loose-fitting cotton clothing.
   • Avoid synthetic fabrics.
   • Avoid wearing tight clothing, as wearing tight clothing during the healing period increases the likelihood that the tattoo will deteriorate.
4. Hide your fresh tattoo from the sun.
   • During the first weeks, protect the tattoo from sunlight to prevent the pigment from fading.
   • The sun dries out the skin, which has an adverse effect on an unhealed tattoo.
   • You should not use sunscreen as it is too greasy, but you can use it later once the tattoo has completely healed.
5. Don't soak your tattoo!
   • Long stays in the bath or pool will have to be postponed for several weeks, as the skin wrinkles from prolonged exposure to moisture, which will negatively affect the fresh tattoo.
   • Take short showers—no more than 10 minutes, or faster.
   • Baths, saunas, swimming pools, water with chlorine - all this is destructive for a newly filled tattoo.
6. The crust on the tattoo is a protective barrier, so don't worry.
   • If the skin is damp, then a thick crust may form, but this is not a problem.
   • Dry skin usually develops a thin crust - this is normal.
7. You should not scratch your tattoo, even if it itches! Be patient, don't touch!
   • If you scratch the tattoo, you will erase the drawing!
   • Scratching your tattoo opens the door for infections. The tattoo must not be allowed to fester. This could seriously ruin it.
   • Watch for inflammation. This rarely happens with proper care, but if it happens, see a doctor immediately.
   • A fever may develop.
   • If pus comes from under the skin and an unpleasant odor emanates, then this is inflammation, which can lead to melting of the soft tissues, and therefore the tattoo design.
8. Drink plenty of water.
   • 1.5-2 liters of water per day is the norm for a healthy body.
   • When the water balance is normal, the skin becomes more elastic and heals easier.

Long term tattoo care

1. Protect your tattoo from the sun.
   • Apply sunscreen to your tattoo whenever you go sunbathing.
   • Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the tattoo fades and fades. Of course, tattoos can be updated, but these are additional costs.
   • The sunscreen must have class (A) and (B) ultraviolet protection, an SPF value of 30 or higher, with moisture protection.
   • Apply the cream 15-20 minutes before going out into the sun so that it has time to absorb and dry.
2. Say “No” to solariums.
   • Ultraviolet solarium lamps are hundreds of times more intense than the sun, such a tan is harmful not only to the tattoo, but also to your health
3. Wipe off sweat from tattoos.
   • Wear clothes made from natural fabrics to reduce sweating.
   • Change your clothes more often. Don't wear wet, sweaty clothes.
   • Sweat contributes to irritation and degradation of tattoo colors.
4. If a rash appears, do not scratch it.
   • If you cannot determine the cause of the rash, consult your doctor.
5. Moisturize your tattoo with creams and lotions.
   • Don't forget to take care of your tattoo, moisturize it with creams, and it will be like new for a long time.
   • Do not use Vaseline-based oils or creams!

This is only half of the overall success. Much more important is further care, which requires sufficient attention. It is better to postpone all matters that will interfere with thorough procedures.

After completing his work, he applies a bandage that will prevent the penetration of infection and informs.

Stages preceding complete healing

• The initial stage of healing is characterized by the appearance of an open wound on the surface of the skin, which requires the most careful handling. It is recommended to remove the very first bandage applied by the artist after 20 hours, but it is worth doing this more often, since the tattoo actively bleeds at first and excessive absorption of biological fluids into the tissue can lead to its sticking, which may not have the best effect on the result. If the sensations are very painful, you can take a painkiller tablet. Although each person is different, the first stage takes about a week. This is the period when the likelihood of infection is extremely high, so caring for the tattoo in the first days after application is extremely important.
• The second stage is characterized by increased itching of the skin. The process of peeling off dried scabs occurs, which will make itself felt throughout the week. The skin will peel and become drier. This is a natural process and you should not interfere with it, as this threatens to lose the integrity of the picture in the final result. In order to eliminate itching and discomfort, you can use a special moisturizing ointment.
• During the final third stage, almost all the crusts peel off, but the tattoo site may look dry, the skin is thinner and more sensitive. The color of the pattern will be a little faded, but will fully manifest itself only after the outer layer of the skin is renewed.

Rules for caring for a fresh tattoo

Much has been said about what it should be like in the first days after application, but the most important thing lies in several actions.

It is recommended to remove the primary dressing, which was applied by the specialist, no earlier than after 2 hours. After this, you need to rinse it with warm water. It is advisable to use antibacterial soap rather than regular soap. Make sure that the water pressure is not too high, as there may be a risk of washing out the pigment. Do not rub the skin, but simply rinse gently with water and pat dry with a paper towel. For more delicate care, you can wait until it dries on its own or use a cold stream of air from a hairdryer.

Next, you can let the tattoo “breathe” by leaving it open for about 20 minutes, and then apply a product recommended by the artist, which will speed up healing and at the same time have antibacterial properties. Do not overuse the product, a thin layer will be enough.

Necessary restrictions

During the healing period, you should adhere to a certain number of restrictions, namely:

• Avoid cosmetics that contain oil, or avoid contact with the skin.
• Do not allow your skin to remain under water for a long time or sudden changes in temperature.
• Limit your tattoo's exposure to sunlight, or, as a last resort, use a high-protection cream.
• Clothes worn should not be tight.
• Temporarily give up various types of sports training.

What to do after the drawing has healed

The care process until complete healing lasts from 3 to 6 weeks. It is important to know what to do after a tattoo, or rather after it has completely healed. Subsequent care consists only of protection