To avoid ink rejection, some tattoo artists will do an allergy test with the color in question by applying a small amount to the skin. If it causes a reaction, it is not safe to use.

Keeping your new tattoo clean and free of germs is essential. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new tattoo. Then proceed to clean the area using the steps below: While your skin is in the first stage of healing, it is especially susceptible to infection from outside elements. This includes airborne bacteria, dirt, dust, pet dander, and environmental elements. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed. How often washing is necessary will vary depending on a person’s activity levels and environment. Always use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturizer when caring for a tattoo, as harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even damage freshly tattooed skin. We also have a blog section that is full of information about new products, what conventions we’re attending, our latest videos, competitions, and whatever interesting body art-related stories capture our attention.

What kind of cream should I use on a new tattoo?

Ryan Sweeney, DPT earned a doctorate in physical therapy at Duke University in 2013 and now works as an orthopedic clinical specialist and muscle activation technique specialist at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Overland Park, Kansas. We also have a guide to using kinesiology tape, with expert instructions for taping yourself up to deal with a handful of common running injuries, including plantar fasciitis and shin splints.

If your tattoo artist does not give you any direction, we always recommend removing the wrap after four to six hours. During the healing process, your body will try to seal its open wound by excreting a substance, called plasma, that will help this process. It is natural for our bodies to produce this healing element, which helps to break down dead tissue and rebuild new tissue. Make Killer InkTattoo your one stop shop for tattoo supplies, equipment and all other related tattoo lifestyle products. Our Range of Tattoo Supplies and Equipment The third stage of healing actually takes place below the skin after the open wound portion of the tattoo has closed up. At this point, the ink begins to settle into the layer of skin called the dermis. Your risk of infection has passed at this point in the healing, however, it is vital to keep the area well-moisturized to prevent any early blurring as the tattoo wraps up the final stage of healing. How Does An Infected Tattoo Look? Saniderm is a medical-grade, waterproof tattoo bandage that is breathable and used like a “second skin” to heal your tattoo.When your tattoo is first completed, it will appear very bright and start to look discolored and dull during the healing process. Your tattoo will start to scab as well. It’s important to take care of your tattoo during this process so that it doesn’t begin to scar. Signs of scaring may include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin. Moisturizing regularly in the months following will help keep the tattoo looking bright and clear. Protecting the tattoo from the sun with clothing while it is healing, and applying sunscreen after it has healed, is especially important in the first few months. Ink rejection or allergy During the second stage of healing, the skin becomes tight and itchy. During this portion of the healing, the top layers of skin that were traumatized throughout the tattoo loosen and begin to lift off, giving the skin a peeling appearance. To avoid this, you keep the tattoo well-moisturized and covered with a tattoo bandage throughout the healing process. This keeps the skin from scabbing and allows the body to heal without creating a pesky shell that could potentially pull out the ink. Stage 2 It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers only and not a cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.

If this is your first tattoo, you may be wondering what to expect as you begin the healing process. A tattoo wrap keeps bacteria out of your tattoo, ensures a hydrating environment to soothe swelling and irritation, and allows your tattoo the opportunity to rest directly after trauma. While there is a sweet point of tattoo wrap success, it’s important to always remember that more damage can be done to a tattoo by keeping a wrap on for too long than can be done to a tattoo by taking it off too early. After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour. When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe. Week one After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers.

Keep in mind that a tattoo, although beautiful, is an open wound. During the tattooing process, your skin experiences trauma and depending on placement, overall size, and your skin’s sensitivity, healing time will vary from person to person. Our experts recommend applying rubbing alcohol to the area to remove natural oils before taping up. Make sure the skin is not red or irritated before putting it on, especially if you are reapplying to a recently taped area. “You never want to take the top layer of skin off or irritate the skin or else you cannot re-tape until the skin has calmed down,” Wu said. The wrapping takes place immediately after the tattoo artist has finished applying the desired pattern to the skin. This process has two stages. Another perk—because it is breathable, you can wear Saniderm for several days at a time while your tattoo heals. This allows you to skip out on the frequent washing and ointment applying involved with traditional tattoo aftercare.