Mastering Tattoo Aftercare: Ensuring the Safety and Vibrancy of Your Ink

Keeping your fresh tattoo safe and ensuring its longevity requires attentive aftercare. In this blog, we will explore essential tattoo aftercare practices and maintenance tips to help you preserve the quality of your tattoo. We are proud to introduce Vitalitree, a trusted company offering professional aftercare support for your tattoos.

Before you even get your New Tattoo

Chances are you’ve been wanting this tattoo for a while and now you’re ready. Your skin is about to become the canvas for your dream art! The healthier your skin is prior to your tattoo session, the better the chance of proper healing. Then comes the revealing of your vibrant art to the world! How to prime your canvas/skin before getting inked?

• Avoid exposure to the sun, stay out of it if possible
• Be sufficiently hydrated! Avoid alcohol and all products that can thin your blood, like aspirin, for at least 24 hours before your session! 
• Adopt a healthy, nutritious diet before and after your tattoo session, giving your skin the internal tools it needs to repair the wound efficiently! 
• Keep your skin soft and supple before the big day. Moisturize if needed, without overdoing it.

Precautions Before Leaving the Tattoo Studio

Before stepping out of the tattoo studio, it’s crucial to take certain precautions to protect your fresh ink. Your tattoo artist will have covered your tattoo in plastic wrap, a regular bandage, a waterproof bandage, or a medical-grade bandage. They will give you specific tattoo aftercare instructions. Most instructions are similar for all new tattoos, but the size and location of your art may have special needs that your artist will outline in their instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and do take all aftercare instructions seriously, a new tattoo is basically an open wound, and focused care is required for it to heal properly. 

Immediate Aftercare Instructions For a New Tattoo

Proper care during the initial healing tattoo stages is vital for minimizing complications and promoting optimal healing.

If your artist has told you to remove your bandaging, it’s still important to shield your tattoo from dirt and bacteria. Clothing with loose, breathable natural fiber is recommended. Soft cotton is good, as is bamboo, rayon, or hemp. Just make sure the fabrics are natural, loose,  smooth, soft, and breathable, and don’t snag or agitate the fresh tattoo. Be sure they are clean and not harboring bacteria. Again, your tattoo is a wound and is therefore vulnerable.

Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can over-dry the tattoo and could potentially fade the colors. During the healing skin process, the best approach is to avoid the sun altogether. Later, when appropriately healed, applying a high-SPF sunscreen, seeking shade, or covering the tattooed area with clothing is recommended.

Be mindful of accidental bumps or scratches, as they can disrupt the healing process. Avoid tight clothing or accessories that may rub against the tattoo, and of course, avoid touching your tattoo.

Avoid using washcloths, sponges, or loofahs on a fresh tattoo. These items can harbor bacteria that could lead to infection. While it is essential to keep the new tattoo and the skin around it clean in order to prevent any potential sources of contamination, it is also imperative to be very gentle and use only your hands to delicately rub the area with a cleansing agent. Opt for cleaning the area with lukewarm water and use gentle, natural cleansers designed explicitly for tattoos like Vitalitree’s Foaming Cleanse. At the moment you clean the tattooed area avoid submerging your tattoo or even letting the shower water run directly over it. To dry the tattoo after cleansing, pat dry with a clean towel that is soft and lint-free ideally without rubbing the area. Do not shave the area until it has healed completely. Learn more helpful showering tips here.

In order to promote optimal healing, it’s vital to keep the tattoo sufficiently moisturized in order to prevent drying out and scarring of the tattoo. Natural, petroleum-free products are highly recommended. Vitalitree’s all-natural vegan and non-vegan botanical salves are abundant in antioxidants, lipids, and tannins known to rapidly heal and rejuvenate the skin. Regular application of a moisturizer is essential to prevent drying out, faded and uneven colors, irritation, and inflammation.

During the initial healing period, it’s important to avoid moist environments such as hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, or any other body of water. These places can introduce harmful bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, it’s recommended to refrain from intense physical activities, including gym workouts, that may cause excessive sweating and irritate the healing skin of your new tattoo.

Signs of an infection are oozing or pus, prolonged redness, swelling, bleeding, hives, or severe itching. If you observe any concerning symptoms, such as excessive pain, foul odor, increasing warmth around the tattoo, or any other signs that worry you, it’s essential to consult your tattoo artist or see a doctor. They can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

If you experience persistent itching, rash, or any unusual reaction around your tattoo area, consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist for proper evaluation and guidance.

Resist the urge to pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo, as it can disrupt the healing process and lead to scarring or losing the color of your tattoo. Keep the area clean, moisturized, and protected to minimize any discomfort and promote optimal healing. Itchy skin is common during the healing process, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at your tattoo to prevent scarring and color loss.

Long-Term Tattoo Aftercare Practices

It should take your tattoo about 2-4 weeks to heal. To ensure the long-term vibrancy and health of your body art from this point forward, tattoo aftercare is crucial. We suggest you follow these maintenance practices:

Continue washing your tattoo gently with mild soap and lukewarm water as described above. Gently dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.

Even though your tattoo is completely healed, it’s still advisable to keep it sufficiently moisturized and supple in order to prevent fading and maintain its brilliance. Vitalitree’s Body Oils and Salves are designed for the short-term healing and the long-term maintenance of your art. Moisturizing works at keeping your skin plump and hydrated by preventing fluid loss on the exterior while hydrating with fluids and nutrition keeps your cells plump and healthy inside, making your tattoo shine.

The sun WILL fade your tattoo!

You’ve put so much into the creation of your tattoo, so don’t stop now… shield your tattoo from the sun’s harmful rays! By wearing protective clothing and/or using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF you can help preserve your art and avoid the damage and fading that UV rays can create. Additionally, avoid exposing your tattoo to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or abrasive exfoliants, as they can cause fading or distortion.

As we all know, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and keeping hydrated is key to supporting your body’s natural processes. These practices also pertain to the integrity of your tattoo. As above, so below. Take care of your body and your tattoo will reflect that vibrancy. 

When Is It Time to Touch Up My Tattoo?

Over time, tattoos may experience natural fading or slight distortion due to various factors such as sun exposure, aging, or changes in weight. If you’ve noticed that your tattoo has lost some of its vibrancy or the lines have become less defined, it might be time for a touch-up. Touching up a tattoo involves reapplying ink to restore its original appearance and ensure its longevity.

It’s important to consult with a professional tattoo artist who can assess the condition of your tattoo and provide expert advice on whether a touch-up is necessary. They have the knowledge, experience, and skills to bring your tattoo back to life, enhancing its colors and sharpening its details. So, if you’re considering a touch-up for your beloved tattoo, trust the expertise of a professional tattoo artist to help you achieve the desired results and breathe new life into your inked masterpiece.

Conclusion

A proper tattoo aftercare routine is essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your tattoo. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you can ensure your tattoo heals effectively and remains vibrant for years to come. Vitalitree’s tattoo aftercare products are here for you for the duration and are committed to helping you maintain your tattoo’s radiance.