Tattoo Aftercare: Preserving the Beauty of the Work

Posted on 20 July 2023.

To all of you who share a passion for ink, a warm welcome! It gives us great pleasure to delve into a subject that is not only near and dear to us, but also absolutely necessary for protecting the aesthetic value of your inked works of art. Today, we are going to talk about the important art of tattoo aftercare, which is a practice that ensures your tattoos will continue to look beautiful, have significance, and be absolutely timeless.

It's something we've all heard before a tattoo is more than simply a piece of artwork; it's an investment in one's ability to express oneself and their individuality. Taking care of your tattoo in the same way that a painter would protect their work by varnishing the canvas assures that it will last longer and look better. Let's get into the helpful advice and recommendations that will ensure your tattoos continue to appear as breathtaking as the day they were first etched onto your flesh.

Tattoo Aftercare: Preserving the Beauty of the Work

1. Hydration, Hydration, and More Hydration:

Just as a painter would never work on a dry canvas, your tattoo, while it is in the process of healing, demands the appropriate amount of hydration. This preliminary stage, which typically lasts for around two weeks, is essential for laying the groundwork for the appearance of your tattoo. Treating your skin to the luxury of hydration will make the process of healing go much more smoothly. Choose a mild moisturiser that doesn't have any added fragrance and apply it in many, thin layers several times a day. However, moderation is essential, and you should avoid over-saturating your skin with the product. This practise not only reduces the risk of scabbing, but it also helps keep the colour of your ink vibrant.

2. Sun-Kissed, But Not Sun-Damaged:

Despite the fact that Manchester is not exactly a tropical paradise, the city does have its fair share of bright sunny days. And while we're all for basking in the sun's warmth, it's important to remember to protect your tattoo from the sun's potentially damaging rays. The result of being exposed to UV light, which can cause colours to fade and become distorted, is not at all what we want to happen. Even if it looks like there will be cloud cover, you should still use sunscreen to protect your skin. The use of a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) functions as a barrier and helps to ensure that the colour of the ink does not fade.

3. Stay away from soaking and focus on cleaning:

Your fresh tattoo is not yet prepared for experiences in water, despite the fact that the idea of a relaxing soak or a swim in the pool may sound appealing. Prolonged contact with water might cause your skin to thin, which may also adversely affect the condition of your tattoo. Instead, make the switch to a moderate cleansing routine that involves utilising lukewarm water and a mild soap. As you clean it, treat your tattoo with the same care you'd give to a fragile piece of artwork; that is, be considerate, sensitive, and gentle. Your tattoo should be dried with a clean, soft towel, and you should avoid any abrasive motions while doing so.

4. Avoid Itching and Scratching by Taking These Steps:

Remember that patience is a virtue, even though the itchiness that often comes along with the healing process can be extremely frustrating. Scratching your tattoo may provide you with momentary comfort, but it can cause permanent harm to the ink if you do it too often. Kindness towards your skin will get you much further. To alleviate the discomfort, lightly tap the area that is itchy, or apply a cloth that is clean and damp to it in a gentle manner. Your tattoo, as well as your sanity, will be grateful to you.

5. Awareness of Clothing and Its Effect on Friction:

Your selection of clothing is important when it comes to the aftercare of your tattoo. Avoid wearing any clothing that is excessively restricting or too tight during the healing phase, as this could cause your tattoo to become irritated. Instead, go for fabrics that are flexible and breathable so that your skin can breathe and heal without having to worry about unwanted friction. Pay attention to any materials, such as accessories or the straps of your backpack, that could potentially come into touch with your tattoo, as doing so could slow down the healing process or even cause damage.

6. Don't Waste Your Time Peeling and Picking:

In order to recover properly, it is normal for the affected area to peel and flake. Your skin will shed its older layers as it goes through the process of rejuvenation beneath your tattoo. It may be tempting to speed up this process by peeling or picking at the skin, but you should avoid the impulse to do so. Picking at your tattoo can result in scars as well as the removal of some of the ink. Instead, you should show your tattoo patience and space, and you should allow the peeling process to develop in its own time. This step may also benefit from the addition of a small amount of additional moisture, which will not affect the outcome in any way.

7. Pay Attention to the Advice of Your Tattoo Artist:

Your tattoo artist is your creative collaborator on this adventure, and you should treat them as such. They have a lot of experience as well as information that is specifically geared towards your particular tattoo and the type of skin you have. Always pay attention to their direction, and make sure you carefully follow all of their aftercare advice. Think of it as an extension of their artistic process, which will ensure the lifespan of your tattoo and preserve the integrity of the work they have done.

As you begin your journey into the world of tattoo aftercare, one important thing to bear in mind is that taking care of your tattoo is an investment in both the artwork and the memories it will create. You will not only be protecting the appearance of your tattoo by adhering to these aftercare practises, but you will also be fostering the story that your tattoo represents, which is a story that is a fundamental component of who you are. Therefore, show the ink that covers your skin the respect that it warrants and allow your personal narrative to shine through the colourful canvas that your tattoo creates.

Feel free to reach out to me at 0161 234 5678 or [email protected]. Let's embark on a journey that celebrates your individuality and transforms it into art, etching your story onto the canvas of your skin. Your journey awaits, and I'm thrilled to be part of it.