Aftercare
What you need to know to keep your tattoo looking great.
Simple things such as reducing stress, making sure to try and sleep comfortably and watching your diet all help to allow your body to thrive and heal on its own. On top of that here are some aftercare guidelines to follow
The day of the tattoo and for the first two days after getting tattooed
About one hour after getting tattooed wipe the tattoo down with a paper towel that has a little soap and water on it or clean the tattoo while taking a shower. Use a soap your body is already used to. Wiping down the tattoo should either soothe the skin or it may sting slightly. If it is very uncomfortable perhaps shop around for a mild soap to use instead of what you've currently been using.
The tattoo will cause the skin to tighten and swell. The amount of swelling depends on the area being tattooed. This is normal.
Repeat this wipe down procedure as needed either once a day or every eight hours for the first two days. After cleaning the area you may use a mild moisturizer to alleviate any discomfort
Why?
There may be some ink that isn't clearly visible left on the surface of your body so your job is to clean the area the best you can. The tattooing process also causes the skin to moisten similar to a burn blister and you don't want this moisture to stick and harden to your skin.
The first week after getting tattooed
After the first two days the area that was tattooed will dry out. This is your body simply healing. The dryness will reduce the elasticity of the skin and cause the common 'tattoo itching' sensation. During this time you can lightly moisturize the area to alleviate any itching. You can also use a soft brush or silicone exfoliating pad to lightly rub the area and alleviate discomfort, products like this are available at most any store in the cosmetic section. Do not put so much moisturizer on your skin that it creates globs or puddles. It is simply to alleviate the itching and prevent any cracking within the dryness that has formed on your skin. During this time shower as usual. And dry off the area after showering.
The second week after getting tattooed
Continue moisturizing only when needed to alleviate any itching and prevent the dry areas of your skin from causing discomfort. The tattoo now will become flakey similar to a sunburn. This is simply the ink in the non permanent layers of your skin falling off (sort of gross isn't it? haha). Also the area of your skin that was healing has almost completed it's naturally healing process and the dead damaged skin on the top layers is being replaced with fresh new skin underneath. Congratulations your tattoo is almost healed!
The 3rd and 4th week after getting tattooed
Your tattoo should be pretty much healed, you can continue moisturizing your skin as you would on areas of your body that aren't tattooed. Moisturizer will also make the tattoo appear darker and help your skin look great!
The second month after getting tattooed
The tattoo should be healed by now, it should no longer be dry and the ink should be setting into a nice shade that complements your natural skin tone.