New tattoo.?

Question

I just got a tattoo thursday and I was just wandering what is the best way to wash it. Like with what product and how often. I put the unscented lotion on like every two to three hours, is that too often? Any help with the care if it would be great. Also how long afterwards can i submerge it like if I wanted to take a bath.

Answer 1

Make sure you use a mild unscented soap to minimize the chance of allergic reaction [which could cause you to heal out more ink than normal, so your tattoo would look faded or inconsistent]. Wash it two or three times a day. Make sure your hands are clean first, then wash the tattoo by gently soaping it [do NOT scrub]. Clean off all the soap and pat dry with a clean towel or new undyed paper towel. Afterwards, apply lotion [unscented is good; also make sure it's water-based]. In general, don't use oil-based products because your tattoo won't be able to breathe as well, which will slow healing and also might trap bacteria in the wound. Don't overmoisturize, because it can cause thicker scabbing or cause more ink to heal out. Only use enough lotion to rub into the skin; you shouldn't be able to see any more on top. If you accidentally apply too much, blot it with a clean undyed paper towel.

It's best not to let a new tattoo soak in water at least until the first round of scabbing/peeling is over [most people only have one round, but some people scab again]. No swimming or baths at first; showers are fine, but try to keep them short [under five minutes]. I got a tattoo on my side but have long hair, so short showers weren't really an option. Fortunately I have a detachable shower head, so I managed get clean without ever actually getting my tattoo wet. If the healing skin absorbs too much water, the top layer can slough off before it's ready which can slow healing or pull ink out and your tattoo won't look as good [like how scabs fall off after swimming and expose the bright pink raw layer underneath]. It's the same reason you aren't supposed to scratch while healing. If you really want to scratch, keep your lotion in the fridge so it's cool and apply that when it's itchy instead; it definitely helps.

Good luck, and I hope your new tattoo makes you happy. :)

Answer 2

Your tattoo artist should have told you this. My brother is one and I've got a few myself so I know the procedure well.

You can wet a tattoo as much as you want...it's etched in your skin it won't go away unless you pick at it. Keeping it hydrated so it won't scar and peel is what you want and what's better at doing that than bathing? Using lotion is also recommended. Curel for dry skin is what I used. Use it every day...morning and night is sufficient. The more lotion you use the more moisturized it is.

What you really wanna avoid is sunlight. When it's a new tattoo it'll harm the ink because the skin hasn't completely healed over it. Plus when you sweat it'll sting if any goes over it.

If the tattoo begins to hurt or scar I suggest you put some aloe vera on it and put saran wrap on it. Look for "savila" at any hispanic oriented store. The purest form of aloe vera is best.

Answer 3

i use dial liquid unscented soap, also tattoo goo, unscented lotion is fine, yeah 2-3 hours is good or whenever it starts to get real dry and flakey. i would wait till the scabs are done healing to take a bath...

have fun!
=)

Answer 4

Sounds like you are doing a great job of taking care of it. I used this stuff called ink fix and dial soap. I did not take a full bath till it was healed.

Answer 5

you can use any kind of bath soap. The lotion I use is Aveeno it is awesome and I use it twice a day. For future reference get Aquaphor ointment and use that for your tat. it will heal in like 4 days.

Answer 6

use a mild soap to wash it and you should wait like 2 weeks before submerging it

Answer 7

Tattoo Goo. Lotion use is fine.