Why is my tattoo itching like crazy?

There are quite a few reasons why your tattoo’s itchy. But to better understand why yours itches, let’s break this section into two: new (unhealed) tattoos and old (fully healed) tattoos.

Reasons why NEW tattoos itch

Healing tattoos can itch like crazy, there are no two ways about it. If it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you should know what you’re up against. Here are the top reasons why new tattoos itch:

• It’s part of the tattoo healing process

Your tattoo is technically an open wound. And if you’ve ever been wounded (who hasn’t), you’d know it will start to itch just as it’s about to heal. Right? The same thing goes for a healing tattoo.  

Once it stops weeping or oozing plasma, it’s going to scab. A few days later the scabs are going to fall off and the area around the tattoo is going to peel off, revealing the new skin underneath.

So, during this scabbing and peeling stage, is when the itching will be most intense. Dead skin cells are shed and new ones take their place, all these things trigger an itching sensation. When dead skin cells peel off, it’s going to rub against skin that’s still connected to nerve endings, thus causing the itch.

• Regrowth of shaved hairs

Shaving the area you want to get tattooed on is on your tattooist’s to-do list. So, you don’t need to worry about shaving yourself at home first. Let the professionals do their job – they’ll shave the area carefully to ensure no razor bumps occur. A clean shave will also help the tattooist do a better job – no pesky hairs that could get in the way.

So, the hair’s going to grow back a few days later (hair follicles don’t get destroyed during tattooing). And for many people, this hair growth phase can be pretty itchy. Couple that with a naturally itchy, healing tattoo, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for ultra-itchy skin!

• Pre-existing skin conditions

People with sensitive skin tend to itch more easily than others. This includes people who suffer from conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Likewise, if you’ve got dry skin, you’ll also be more prone to itchy skin (also known as pruritus).

For best results, tell your tattooist if you have any pre-existing skin conditions. In some cases, it may not be advisable for you to get a tattoo as your skin may reject the ink. Or, the ink can irritate the skin, etc. If you do push through with your appointment, when you get to the healing stage, you’re more likely to experience extreme itchiness!

• Tattoo ink allergy

Itching is just one symptom of a tattoo allergy. It can range from mild itching to driving–you-crazy levels of itching! For mild itching, it’s probably just a normal part of healing. But if the itching becomes super intense, then that’s a different thing altogether.

There are several causes for tattoo ink allergies. These include sensitivity to heavy metals used in ink pigments, photosensitivity, or the body’s just straight-up rejecting the ink and actively trying to get rid of it.

Click here to know more about tattoo ink allergies.

•  Tattoo infection

A simple itch isn’t a sign of infection. But if you have other symptoms like fever, pain, swelling, redness, foul odour, and pus, then you most likely have a tattoo infection.

Fortunately, some infections don’t require immediate medical attention. If it’s relatively minor, you can try a few home remedies first. You can clean the area, air it out, and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pill or antibiotic. If the infection seems to be getting worse, seek medical advice.  

Reasons why OLD tattoos itch

If you’re way past the healing stage, and your tattoo suddenly starts itching, then you’re probably confused as to why. Old tattoos aren’t exempt from itching, here are a few reasons:

• Dry skin

This is the most common culprit for an itchy, old tattoo. Skin can only retain so much moisture on its own. Its natural oils will dry up in a matter of hours (depending on where you live). Once this happens, your skin will dry up. This is why you should continue applying moisturising lotion every single day (not just during the tattoo healing stages).  

The truth is that your tattoo can only look as good as the skin it’s on. So, if you don’t hydrate (drink lots of water) and moisturise your skin, then chances are it’s going to become irritated and itchy if left ignored for too long. Just so you know, tattoo aftercare lasts your entire lifetime.   

• Your skin got exposed to an irritant

There are a lot of irritants out there. So, you need to backtrack your steps and figure out what caused your skin – and your tattoo – to itch. By process of elimination, you should be able to find the culprit. The next thing for you to do would be to stay away from that irritant.

• Delayed or seasonal reaction to tattoo ink

Our body’s chemistry changes constantly. Perhaps when you initially got your tattoo, you weren’t sensitive to the tattoo ink. But over time, something happened in your environment.

Maybe you’re aware of when it happened, or maybe not. But whatever it was, it affected your body chemistry, and thus, eventually caused your body to start reacting to the tattoo ink.  

Or, perhaps you have a seasonal reaction to the ink. Some ink pigments contain traces of heavy metal; these often cause tattoo itching when exposed to the sun. Those affected usually experience this during hot, summer months.

For others, their tattoos itch during winter. Perhaps it’s due to a condition known as ‘winter itch’ where the skin dries out faster. In this case, you need more frequent moisturisation.

• You have an underlying medical condition

There’s a whole host of reasons why an old tattoo may itch. It may be due to any medical condition (pre-existing or a newly developed one). If you experience other symptoms apart from the itchy tattoo, then you may need to seek expert medical opinion. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious!

Here’s why you SHOULDN’T scratch your itchy tattoo

Check out what this tattooist has to say about scratching itchy tattoos:

In addition to what the tattooist said, here are more reasons why you should refrain from scratching:

• You can accidentally remove some of the ink

When your tattoo starts scabbing or peeling, it’s going to itch. But don’t get tempted to scratch. If you do, then you risk pulling off some scab or peeling skin prematurely, which can also pull some of the ink from underneath. You’ll be left with a patchy tattoo and you may end up getting a touch-up session sooner than expected!

• You can transfer germs and bacteria to your tattoo

If you’ve got long fingernails, then chances are it’s got a lot of germs and bacteria hiding underneath. When you scratch your new tattoo, the germs can transfer to the healing wound, which can, of course, start an infection. You can minimize the risk by cutting your fingernails short and washing your hands before making any sort of contact with your tattoo.

• You can cut your skin

The last thing you want to happen on a healing tattoo is to get another cut on top. Fingernails are hard and tough, and can definitely cut the skin. If this happens, some of the ink can leak out, especially if it hasn’t settled properly in the dermis.

If the cut is deep enough to draw some blood, then it may scar in the future. Also, the cut adds another entry point for germs to get in the skin and start an infection.

• You can delay the tattoo healing process

Well, any of the 3 scenarios described above can delay the tattoo healing process. Obviously, that’s never anyone’s objective. We all want our tattoos to heal as fast as possible. Why suffer an extra day when you don’t have to, right? So, next time you feel the itch, stop yourself and think about the long-term effects of scratching your tattoo.

What can I do – or put – on my tattoo for itch relief?

Alright, so by now you’ve learned you shouldn’t scratch your tattoo. So, what can you do instead? Well, here are some tips you can follow to get some relief!

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

You need to step up your moisturising game when you get inked. Your tattoo’s appearance literally depends on it. If you hate putting anything on your skin, you’ll need to rethink that because if the itch becomes unbearable, you only have yourself to blame!

Your tattooist will, hopefully, educate you on the importance of moisturising as part of the tattoo aftercare process.

Now, when applying lotion to healing skin, it’s best to put on a very thin layer only. This allows the skin to breathe and not cause the area to get soggy. Carefully remove any excess lotion, making sure not to snag on any loose skin.

The TattooMoisturiser team highly recommends After Inked. We’ve used various lotions and creams as part of tattoo aftercare, but nothing comes close to the overall value that this brand provides!

Firstly, it’s made primarily with grapeseed oil, so it’s got all the natural healing and moisturising properties of this potent antioxidant. Secondly, other ingredients include shea butter, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax. It’s formulated especially for tattoos, so it will keep your ink – and your skin – safe.

Best of all, it’s priced very fairly. A 90ml tube costs about 18 quid, so you’re certainly getting excellent value for your money since you only need to apply a very small amount!

Related article: The Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions, Ointments, and Creams

2. Apply ice or cold compress

For unhealed tattoos, don’t apply ice or cold compress directly to the itchy spot. Instead, you need to put a clean cloth between the ice and your tattoo to act as barrier. This technique also prevents germs from the compress from getting into the skin.

For older tattoos, you can apply the ice directly to the spot, but you’ll need to take it off frequently if you don’t want to end up getting an ice burn.

3. Take a cold shower

Anything cold that hits the itchy spot is a great idea, really. But a cold shower will also take your mind off other things. Just make sure you do it really quickly to avoid soaking the skin and ruining your tattoo!

Here’s how showering with a new tattoo works: https://tattoomoisturiser.co.uk/showering-with-a-new-tattoo

4. Gently pat the itchy spot

This is a temporary solution, but it works simply because it distracts your attention from the itch. Note that the keyword here is ‘gentle.’ For healing tattoos, a hard slap can cause some ink to leak out!  

5. (For old tattoos only) Use OTC anti-itch relief

You can buy anti-itch creams (such as hydrocortisone) at the chemist or supermarkets in your area. Or, you can also take an antihistamine, if necessary. Just make sure your tattoo is well-healed before applying any anti-itch creams. Otherwise, you risk delaying your tattoo’s healing.  

6. (For old tattoos only) Soak in a relaxing bubble bath

Obviously, this is a bad idea for a healing tattoo. But for old tattoos, soaking in the bath is effective at providing anti-itch relief. You can also add your favourite essential oils or colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the itch.

If none of these tips work for you, perhaps you’ve got something else going on as well. If you suspect your condition is worsening, please seek professional medical advice straight away.

Conclusion

An itchy tattoo can test your patience. You’ll come close to scratching it many, many times. You’ll probably give in a few times over the course of the healing process, but try your best not to! Hopefully, this article will help provide relief and stop tattoo itching ASAP.

The post Tattoo Itch Relief: How To Stop Tattoo Itching appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

How soon after getting a tattoo can you take a shower?

Photo by John Fornander

This is probably the most pressing question on your mind right now – when can you take a shower after getting inked?

Well, truthfully, the answer depends on the kind of bandage or wrap your tattooist put on your skin. Many artists use either cling film or sterile bandage.

But there’s a growing number who use more modern wraps that are breathable and waterproof, e.g. Inksafe’s transparent tattoo protection film.

The best thing for you to do would be to follow your artist’s instructions. Here are a couple of scenarios:

• If they use cling film, they’ll most likely tell you to take it off in a couple of hours or after you get home. You can wash the tattoo and take a quick shower then.
• But if they use something like Inksafe, they may tell you to wait until the following day before you take it off and take a shower. Then they’ll most likely recommend you re-wrap it using the same kind of film. Again, this will depend on the tattooist.

No matter what time your artist says you can take off the wrap, it’s going to feel oh so good when you finally take a shower! There’s nothing like feeling clean after getting through a tattoo session!

Now, in some cases, your tattoo – which is technically an open wound – is going to sting a bit when it gets hit by a direct stream of water. Read on to know how you can shower correctly without causing too much pain and/or ruining your new tattoo!

The do’s and don’ts of showering with a new tattoo

Photo by Pixabay

Showering may seem like a straightforward thing to do. Just turn the knob to the left or right (if you’ve got hot or cold water). Wait for the water to flow from the showerhead. Step inside the shower area. Get wet and apply shampoo and soap. Rinse. Then, lastly, dry yourself up. Pretty simple, right?

Well, not quite. With a new tattoo, there are new rules you need to observe if you want your tattoo to last long. Here they are:

Do set the right temperature

Should you use hot or cold water? Well, for starters, hot water may not be good for a brand-new tattoo. This is because hot water opens skin pores which may cause some ink to leak out, especially if the water is directed full blast at the area. So, the right temperature for new tattoos in the shower is either lukewarm or cold.

Lukewarm water helps remove tattoo gunk, and cold water closes up the pores. Some tattooists recommend running cold water during the last 30 seconds to help close the pores and prevent ink loss.

Do use fragrance-free and alcohol-free soap

Alcohol and artificial fragrance in soap are bad for a new tattoo. This is because these are harsh ingredients that can cause damage to the ink that’s still trying to settle in the skin. Upon contact with the still-open tattoo puncture wounds, it may bring about a painful, burning sensation. These ingredients are also more likely to cause skin irritations and dryness to the area.

For more information on what soaps to use, here’s a list of recommended tattoo soaps for healing tatts. Here’s our top 4 for use in the shower:

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Unscented Baby Soap	Dove Sensitive Skin Bar Soap	Neutrogena Transparent Facial Soap	Aveeno Baby Daily Care Gentle Wash

Do be gentle when touching and cleaning your tattoo

Your skin will be very tender during the first few days post-tattoo. You don’t want to carelessly bump your tattoo in the shower (easy to do if your shower area is quite small). A slight bump may be fine, but harder bumps may injure the skin and thus delay the healing process. 

Do shower quickly

This is going to be a bit hard if you’re used to taking your sweet, sweet time at the shower. But once you get a tattoo (for the first week or so, at least), you need to cut down your shower time into nothing more than a few minutes (maybe 5-10 minutes max). Just enough to clean your body, but not get your tattoo soaking wet. Since the ink is still settling in the skin, it’s dangerous for the tattooed area to get soaked.

Don’t spray your tattoo directly with water

If you like getting a high-pressure water massage in the shower, then things are about to change (temporarily, at least). Well, depending on where you got inked, you may need to slow down the water pressure to something gentler. This is so you don’t accidentally turbo-spray your tattoo directly with water. Instead, cup the water and gently wash the area.

Don’t use any shower accessories on your tattoo

When you shower, use the main cleaning tool you were born with – your hands. Try not to get fancy; skip your favourite loofah, sponge, and shower brush. These things can remain wet for hours and can easily transfer germs and bacteria over to your skin, which can cause a tattoo infection. Additionally, these can also damage the healing skin on top of your tattoo, so keep these accessories in the cabinet for now.

What to do after taking a shower?

Once you’re done with your shower, pat your tattoo dry using a few sheets of kitchen roll (don’t rub it). Alternatively, you can also let it air dry. This is actually a better option because nothing gets in contact with your tattoo, so there’s less risk of infection.

Of course, you can still rub your non-tattooed body parts – and those covered by old tattoos – just as vigorously as before. But step on the brakes over the inked spot.

What happens next depends on your tattooist’s aftercare instructions:

1. They may tell you to apply a thin layer of healing ointment like Aquaphor or A+D. These ointments are petroleum jelly-based. But, unlike Vaseline, they actually let the air in whilst letting the wound underneath heal, too.
2. If they advocate dry healing, they may tell you not to apply anything to the area, and to just leave it alone.
3. Some tattooists may tell you to re-wrap the tattoo. If this is the case, check out our guide on what to re-wrap your new tattoo with.

Is bathing better than showering when it comes to new tattoos?

Photo by Naomi August

Bathing is such a relaxing way to go about cleaning your body. You fill up the tub with water, put half a cup of your favourite liquid soap (or drop in a bath bomb for that luxurious experience!), and dive in. Well, not really dive in. Just go sit in the tub, watch Netflix or read a book, and enjoy the bubbles.

Showering is a whole lot more practical, but certainly less fun than bathing. It’s great though if you’re in a hurry and need to get cleaned up quickly.

That being said, when it comes to healing tattoos, it’s best to avoid bathing for the next week or so. This is because the dirt gets trapped in the tub, and these can easily enter your ‘open wound’ and cause an infection.

Read more about bathing and swimming with a new tattoo here.

Conclusion

Showering with a new tattoo need not be a painful experience. It will be uncomfortable, yes, but this will depend on where your tattoo is. If you follow the tips shared in this article, you’ll not only feel clean after your shower, you’ll also ensure no harm is done to your precious new ink!

The post Showering With a New Tattoo (Do’s and Don’ts) appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

But first, can you get a tattoo whilst sunburnt?

Photo by Artem Beliaikin

It’s best not to get a tattoo whilst sunburnt. Depending on how severe the burn is, you may need to wait anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before going under the needle. Your skin will already be quite sore from the sunburn. You’ll only be adding a LOT more soreness if you get a new tattoo.

So, let’s say you’ve got superior pain tolerance and you don’t mind the extra pain a new tattoo is going to give you. Is this a good enough reason for you to continue with your tattoo appointment?

Well, the answer is still no. This is because a tattoo may not heal properly if your skin is in a terrible state. For instance, your skin may reject the ink; this will obviously be a waste of everybody’s time (and your money).

Lastly, even if you really want to get tattooed right there and then, your tattooist may not agree to do so. The truth is that it’s highly unlikely a registered tattooist will waste his time working on someone with a sunburn. The risk of something going wrong just isn’t worth the money.  

Check out this tattoo shop (Blue Magic Pins) in Genk, Belgium. They specifically tell their clients to avoid visiting solariums or tanning booths at least 1-2 weeks before tattooing. They won’t tattoo sunburnt or flaking, peeling skin. Here’s a screenshot taken from their website:

Here’s what could happen if you get sunburnt on your NEW tattoo

A sunburn is already problematic on its own. But on a new tattoo, the problems pile on top of each other. In no particular order, here are several problems that can arise due to a sun-damaged tattoo:

1. Lose tattoo ink

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can do a lot of damage to the skin. In fact, UV rays are the main culprit behind most skin cancers. Now, the thing with tattoo ink is that it’s highly susceptible to UV rays.

UV rays can penetrate the deeper layers of skin, including the dermis where tattoo ink resides. The sun’s rays can fade old tattoos when exposed over a period of time, but on new tattoos, it will be a disaster.

This is because with unhealed tattoos, the ink wouldn’t have settled yet in the dermis. It will therefore be easier for the UV rays to break down the ink, get it absorbed into the body, and excrete it as waste. So, you’ll end up with a patchy-looking tattoo on your skin.

2. Skin irritation

A healing tattoo is tender on its own. But when it gets sunburnt, the area can easily get irritated, which can lead to all sorts of things like severe itching, bumps and rashes, and even a burning sensation.

3. Tattoo pain

A healing tattoo should be well taken-cared of. If you let it get exposed to the sun and you get sunburnt, then chances are, the pain’s going to be intense. I mean, a sunburn’s already painful enough as it is, but with a healing tattoo, you can expect to multiply the pain by several multiples! So, if you’ve got a relatively low pain threshold, please stay out of the sun.

4. Blistering

Blisters aren’t fun. If you’ve had them, you know a little bit of pressure to the spot can cause intense pain. And when the blister occurs on tattooed skin, you’ve got more than the pain to worry about. It can ruin a perfectly good tattoo. Plus, it can also easily lead to infection if you accidentally pop the blister.

5. Infection

It’s rare for mildly sunburned skin to become infected. But for more severe cases, it can cause the skin to peel off or blister. When this happens, the inner layers of the skin become exposed which increases the risk of infection.

6. Scabbing and peeling

A scabbing tattoo (Photo by Amanda from Flickr)

Scabbing and peeling are pretty normal for most people who get sunburn. But when you have a tattoo, it complicates things a bit. I know you’re probably thinking tattoos also scab and peel when it heals, so what’s a bit more scabbing and peeling, right?

Well, in healing tattoos, that would be a dangerous combination. While healing tattoos do scab and peel, it’s important not to pick and pull the skin off prematurely. Otherwise, it can lead to loss of ink.

When you’ve got double the scabbing and peeling, that means you need to double your precautions to ensure your tattoo doesn’t come undone!

The solution to this? Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. You can use any non-perfumed moisturising lotion. Or, if you prefer a more natural solution, you can use coconut oil, cocoa butter, and even essential oils!

Here’s our favourite tattoo moisturising lotion (click on image to buy on Amazon):

7. Scarring

One harmful effect of sunburn on tattoos is the damage it causes to skin. Slight burns usually resolve themselves without any lasting damage. But for more serious sunburns, it can lead to scars.

So, what does it mean for your tattoo(s)?

Well, it will obviously damage your tattoo’s appearance. You’ll have scars on top of your tattoo. You’ll be very fortunate if your skin ever goes back to normal without affecting the ink underneath.

8. Delayed healing

Any of the issues listed above will be enough to delay the tattoo healing process. A perfectly normal and well-cared-for tattoo will heal in just a couple of weeks. But if any complications arise from a sunburn on tattoos, that can push back the healing by a few more days (if you’re lucky) to a few weeks!

And if you’re wondering if sunburns contribute to tattoo fading? Well, the answer is yes. This is especially true for both new and old tattoos. Best stay out of the sun if you want your precious skin art to last forever!  

What happens if you get sunburnt on an OLD tattoo?

While there are fewer things that can go wrong when an old tattoo gets sunburnt, it can still cause damage. The usual things can still occur like skin irritation, blistering, scabbing, peeling and even scarring.

But the most notable thing about sunburns on old tattoos is that it speeds up fading. This means your tattoo is going to look far older than its age. So, you may need to get a tattoo touch-up far sooner than you’d like!

Sunburn on tattoos? What to do if it happens to you

If you, unfortunately, get sunburnt on your tattoo, the first thing you should do is to get out of the sun and let your cool your skin down. You can either take a cold shower, a cold bath, or use a cold compress if you’re burnt in a relatively tiny spot.

*For new tattoos, no bathing but you can shower. If you decide to use a cold compress, put a clean cloth between the compress and the tattoo to avoid infections.

You can then apply non-fragranced moisturising lotions to hydrate the skin. For healing tattoos, don’t smother them by putting on a thick layer of lotion. You can also try applying soothing gel like Aloe Pura’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel.

This product contains no artificial colours, fragrances and parabens so this may work on both new (as long it’s past the weeping stage) and old tattoos. Aloe Vera has well-known skin healing properties and will help restore dry, damaged, and sunburnt skin. Lastly, this gel also has antioxidants plus vitamins A, C and E.

To help hydrate your skin from the inside, drink plenty of water. Natural fruit juices are fine but do avoid drinking soda and alcohol as these can dry the skin (not good for sunburns).

If you’re in a lot of pain, painkillers may offer some relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) should help with pain and inflammation.

For severe sunburns, please get it checked out by your GP (not your tattooist). Some complications may arise, and the last thing you want is for your tattoo to get infected.

Proactive ways to protect your tattoo from the sun

Life on earth probably wouldn’t exist without the sun. Our lives revolve around it. But once you get a tattoo, your life’s going to change as you know it.  

You need to be more vigilant every time you go out into the sun – your tattoo’s longevity depends on it. The more exposed your tattoo is to the sun, the faster it’s going to fade.

So, let’s divide this section into two to make the process easier to follow:

Tips to protect a NEW tattoo from the sun

Protecting your brand-new tattoo from the sun should be high up on your priority list. But unfortunately, sunscreens should be avoided for the first few days or so. This is especially important for tattoos that are still weeping or oozing – it’s a sign that the tattoo puncture wounds are still open.

You don’t want anything that can infiltrate the wound and cause an infection. And most sunscreen lotions are anything but gentle. These are often made with harsh chemicals and contains artificial colours and scents.

So, in the meantime while sunscreen is on the do-not-use list, you can do any of the following to protect your ink:

1. Stay out of the sun and stay in the shade instead
2. Wear all these three together if you do go out:
   • UV-protective clothing  
   • Wide-brimmed hat
   • Sunglasses with UV protection

Read more information here: https://www.tattoomoisturiser.co.uk/sunscreen-on-new-tattoos/

Tips to protect an OLD tattoo from the sun

Fully healed tattoos are much easier to protect than new tattoos. This is because sunscreen is now an option, and you obviously don’t need to ‘baby’ your tattoo as much. You can still do all the tips listed in the previous section, just add sunscreen to the list.

The best sunscreen for tattoos is the broad-spectrum kind which will protect you against both UVA (causes wrinkles and ageing) and UVB (causes redness and sunburns) radiation.

Here are some good sunscreens for your consideration:

Banana Boat Sun Comfort SPF50 Spray	Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF50 Lotion	Uvistat Sun Cream SPF50

Unfortunately, the problem is that most people become complacent with the protection part once the tattoo’s been on their skin for a few months.

It’s easy to say, “Oh look, it’s still there. It’s been exposed to the sun lots of times. Surely, it’s fine to let it go naked this time, too.”

That said, it’s important to protect your tattoo from the sun no matter how old it is. All tattoos will fade eventually, but it will fade much faster if you don’t do anything to protect it from the sun. And if you do happen to get sunburnt on your tattoo, then it can still damage your tattoo, and of course, your skin.

Conclusion

Sunburn on tattoos isn’t something to take lightly. After all, tattoos don’t exactly come cheap (unless, of course, it’s a DIY or stick ‘n poke tattoo). If you spent a lot of money on it, then you want to protect your investment. So, take proactive measures and shield that ink from the sun’s harmful rays!

The post Yes, It’s True: Sunburn On Tattoos Is Bad, Very Bad! appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

Can (or should) you sleep on a new tattoo?

Image source: Paul Johnston

The first few nights after getting a tattoo won’t be fun. Your movements will be limited due to the fear of accidentally sleeping on the tattoo and putting weight on it.

Sleeping on your tattoo is NOT a good idea, here’s why:

• It’s an open wound

All tattoos are technically open wounds. Tiny needle tips puncture your skin thousands of times to deliver tattoo ink pigment to the second skin layer, the dermis. During the first night or two, the holes in your skin will be open. And it will be oozing blood, plasma, and excess ink.

If you sleep on your tattoo, it will apply pressure to the area which can cause some of the ink to escape. You’re literally squeezing the ink from your skin. I’m sure you don’t want that to happen.  

• It prevents your tattoo from breathing

Your tattoo needs oxygen to heal. It’s an important part of the tattoo healing process. If you sleep on your tattoo, it will likely cause the area to get warm and sweaty (especially if it’s hot in your room). This can trap germs and bacteria on skin, which can cause some damage to your tattoo in the form of an infection.

• It can damage your tattoo

As you’ve learned above, sleeping on your new tattoo can squeeze the ink out, which can lead to patches or blank spots in your tattoo’s design. Also, if you contract an infection, depending on the severity, the tattoo may end up being fully damaged and may require removal.   

So, when can you sleep on a new tattoo?

Image source: Annie Spratt

Some ‘experts’ say you can sleep on it after 3 or 4 days. Others say it’s better to wait for at least a week. But in my opinion, it will be better to avoid sleeping on the area while the tattoo’s still unhealed. Depending on the size of the tattoo and your immune system, this can take at least 2-3 weeks.

If you’re wondering why it should take this long, it’s because your tattoo will eventually scab and peel. When this time comes, you’ll need to be extra careful. This is to prevent accidentally pulling off the skin because doing so can take some ink out as well. You’ll need to wait for the peeling skin to fall off naturally. Once this stage passes, you’re free to sleep on your tattoo!

What to put on a new tattoo before bed?

There are a few acceptable responses to this question. And what you decide to put on will vary according to your tattooist’s aftercare instructions:

• Some tattooists recommend sleeping with the original wrap they put on in the studio, and then cleaning up in the morning.
• Other tattooists say to remove the film after a couple of hours, clean the tattoo, and to re-wrap it for bedtime.
• Still, other artists recommend removing the original wrap, cleaning it up, and then applying some healing ointment. No re-wrapping needed, letting it go commando for bedtime is fine.

Experienced, professional tattooists will know what they’re doing, so it’s best to follow their instructions.

10 tips on how to sleep with a new tattoo

Here are some tips to help you sleep comfortably with a brand-new tattoo on your body:

1. Wash and clean it first

Before you go to bed, you should ensure your fresh, new wound is all nice and clean. Of course, the exception to this advice is if your tattooist tells you to keep the cling film on overnight, so obviously, you won’t need to remove and clean it up.

But if your tattooist tells you to remove the initial wrap, then do so AND CLEAN THE AREA properly. By proper, we mean warm water and non-perfumed soap. That’s it.

2. Take a quick shower so you feel clean

I don’t know about you, but personally, I love taking a shower after spending time at the tattooist’s. When I feel physically clean, I sleep like a baby. You already know getting tattooed is a painful experience, and showers are known to release natural endorphins which helps brighten your mood. So, put two and two together, and you’ll most likely have a good night’s sleep!

3. Don’t lie on the tattoo

Please don’t, don’t, don’t lie on your tattoo. I know it’s relatively easy to do this if your tattoo’s on a spot you don’t normally lie on, like your hands.

For instance, if you got tattooed on your back and you sleep on your back (supine), then you’re going to have to switch sides for now. This means back sleepers should sleep in prone position.

Likewise, if you tend to sleep on your left side and you got a tattoo on the same side, then you’ll need to temporarily sleep on the right, and so on.

4. Re-wrap if you need to

Not everyone advocates tattoo re-wrapping, but if you need to then you should. Keep in mind, however, that not all wraps are created equal.

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to let your tattoo breathe, so only use cling film (it’s fully occlusive) if you absolutely have no other choice. If you do, then you should replace the film every 3-4 hours to avoid an infection from settling in.

The best kind of wrap to use is called ‘second skin tattoo bandage’. This is a relatively new type of bandage that allows the tattoo to breathe. It is also waterproof so you can leave it on whilst you take a shower (not for bathing or swimming though). The best thing is you can leave this bandage for 3-5 days, so you can definitely keep it on whilst sleeping.

Another situation where a second skin bandage would prove useful is if you travel a lot. It’s easy enough to clean up and change dressings when you’re at home, but when you’re travelling, it can be tough. With second skin, you don’t even need to worry about taking it off, so you can peacefully sleep wherever you find yourself at.

5. Put on a thin layer of healing ointment

So, not everyone’s going to be a fan of re-wrapping their tattoos. For tiny tattoos inked in a good spot, that is, you can’t lie on it easily while asleep, then healing ointment like Aquaphor or A+D will do an awesome job of protecting your tattoo.

These 2 healing ointments are petroleum-jelly based, but they’re not 100% pure, unlike Vaseline. This means they’ll allow the skin to breathe while promoting healing underneath. Please stay away from Vaseline as it is highly occlusive and won’t let oxygen in.

Here’s a neat graphic from Aquaphor explaining how it works on wounds:

Image source: https://www.aquaphorus.com/how-it-works/

6. Wear old, comfortable clothes

By comfortable, we mean the kind that’s one or two sizes bigger. This gives your tattoo plenty of room to move around in, and of course, let it breathe as well. You wouldn’t want your clothes to accidentally ‘sandpaper’ your new ink, would you? I personally prefer to wear old clothes that have been washed a thousand times – these are usually super soft and super comfortable to sleep in!

7. Use old bedsheets

It’s normal for ink to seep through bedsheets when you’ve got a fresh tattoo, especially if you choose not to re-wrap it at night. On the first night, change the sheets to something you wouldn’t mind getting some ink on. Then change it regularly over the next few weeks to make sure no dirt gets on the sheets and infects your new tattoo.

8. Don’t sleep with your pets

If you sleep with your fur babies, you’re going to have to temporarily get them to sleep somewhere else. The last thing you want is for your newly-changed bedsheets to get dirty and for your pet to start licking your tattoo. You’ll be fast asleep; you wouldn’t exactly know what they’ll be doing, right?

9. Don’t drink alcohol

Alcohol and tattoos don’t mix well. Even before getting tattooed, alcohol is already on the do-not drink list as it can thin your blood during the tattooing process. During the early stages of the healing process, refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages as it can slow down your immune system.

Furthermore, when you’re drunk you tend to get careless and less aware of your surroundings. So, knocking your tattoo into corners and random objects would be highly likely!

10. Elevate the tattooed area

Some parts of the body are more prone to swelling. If you do experience this, then try elevating the area when sleeping. This helps the swelling go down. It also ensures that you don’t apply any unnecessary pressure on the tattoo.

What a good night’s sleep means for you and your tattoo

Image source: Matheus Ferrero

Getting enough sleep at night can do wonders for your healing tattoo. Here are more benefits to sleeping well:

• Sleep allows your body to repair itself (so your tattoo can heal properly too)

When you fall asleep, it allows your body to catch up on things it needs to repair. Your brain can finally focus on parts of the body that needs attention – like your healing tattoo, for instance. It will encourage tissue growth and skin repair to close up the puncture holes made by the tattooist’s needles.

Your body needs sleep so it can reinvigorate your immune system in its fight against harmful pathogens. When you lack sleep, your body won’t have enough time to replenish white blood cells. These cells act as the immune system’s frontliner against infection and illness.

• Helps reduce stress

There are plenty of ways you can reduce stress. You can get a full body massage, you can watch Netflix all day long, or you can sleep the day away. After getting tattooed, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than by getting at least 8 hours of sleep.

This is why we recommend getting inked on your days off or whilst you’re on holiday. You don’t need to rush back into work. You can sleep in as long as you want to. And you can take your time recovering from the tattooing process. 

• Helps improve your skin health

Yes, it’s true. Your skin health also depends on how well you sleep at night. People who are sleep-deprived tend to produce more cortisol, which can have adverse effects on the body. Cortisol plays an important role in the body, but too much can delay wound – and tattoo – healing. It’s therefore important to get enough sleep if you want better-looking skin.  

• Puts you in a better mood

Waking up from deep slumber can do wonders for your mental state. If you went to sleep feeling bone-tired from your tattooing session, when you wake up, it will be a different story.

During the first few days, you’ll most likely feel icky and nasty due to the gunk that would have seeped through your clothes and/or bedsheets. But if you slept well, you’ll take it all in stride because you’ll wake up in a great mood!

Conclusion

Sleeping with a new tattoo – wherever it may be on your body – need not be complicated. Simply follow the tips outlined in this article, and you’ll find your tattoo healing well within the expected timeframe of the healing process.  

The post Sleeping With A New Tattoo? Here’s How… appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

Why cleaning and washing a new tattoo is good, but soaking is bad…

It’s important for your tattoo to be cleaned up a few hours after getting it done. This is because all those tiny needle puncture holes your tattooist made on your skin will be oozing various fluids, like blood, plasma, and excess tattoo ink. If you don’t clean and wash it up, it’s going to be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which will lead to infection.

The right way to wash a new tattoo

To wash a brand-new tattoo, use warm water and mild, antibacterial, non-perfumed soap to remove the gunk that has accumulated on your skin. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to clean, running water, you can use antibacterial wipes. Make sure you use one wipe for every swipe, so the dirty stuff don’t go back into the wound!

If you want to hit two birds with one stone, you can take a quick 5-minute shower whilst cleaning the tattoo at the same time! This way you’re not only getting the tattoo clean, but also your whole body as well. To avoid skin reactions, use mild soap and shampoo that do not contain artificial fragrances and colour.

Cleaning an oozing tattoo should be done with your clean, bare hands. Don’t use loofahs, sponges, or any other cleaning accessory as these can harbour germs and bacteria. And when drying, you can either let it air dry or pat it dry with kitchen roll.

Bathing is a different story

I know lying in a tub is way more comfortable than standing up in the shower. But water in a tub does get stagnant, which means all the dirt, dust, germs, bacteria, fluids, and other gross things from your body will be swimming in that tiny tub.

And your exposed tattoo? Well, it will be a prime target for the dirty stuff to get into! So, yes, the probability of getting your new ink infected whilst bathing will be off the charts.

But what about swimming?

Well, swimming is technically the same as bathing – you’ll be soaking your tattoo in water. And whether you’re thinking of swimming in a pool or a natural body of water (seawater, river, lake), the effect on your ink will be the same.

Let’s break down the differences between swimming in a pool and a natural body of water:

Most, if not all, swimming pools have chlorine in them to keep them clean and sanitised. Without chlorine, you’d be literally swimming in a pool of germs and bacteria. That said, while chlorine’s obvious importance can’t be understated, it does have a bad effect on unhealed tattoos.

You’ve probably experienced this first-hand when swimming in a pool. When you get off the pool, you’ll notice your skin – and your hair – is super dry. This is because chlorine is naturally harsh and will strip your skin of its natural oils.

So, if you’ve got an unhealed tattoo, you can expect it to dry out as well. Chances are it will also irritate the skin and make it itch – and doing so won’t bode well for your ink.

Now, when it comes to swimming in the ocean, rivers, lakes, and other natural bodies of water…

Obviously, there’s no chlorine in such waters. So, there’ll be an abundance of infection-causing bacteria (and creatures) ready to pounce as soon as your skin touches water!  This is true for both freshwater and saltwater. Additionally, seawater’s salinity can also dry out and irritate your skin even if you just go for a quick dip in the ocean.

There are so many ways for your tattoo to get infected when swimming. The risks just aren’t worth it. It’s better to stay out of the water and save your ink!

How soon can you go bathing or swimming with a new tattoo?

By now, you know just how detrimental to the tattoo healing process bathing and swimming is. The good news is you don’t have to wait forever to get back into the water! In fact, in just 2-3 weeks, you can already fill up your tub with water and soak to your heart’s content.

To better understand the timeframe, let me give you a quick walkthrough of the tattoo healing process.

Stage 1: Your tattoo will be sore and weeping at this point. Quick showers are okay. Wash the tattoo a couple of times to day to remove gunk, and apply a thin layer of healing ointment for protection. Absolutely no bathing or swimming.

Stage 2: Your tattoo will be scabbing now. No need to clean and wash the tattoo frequently, a once-daily cleaning during your morning shower is fine. Start moisturising with non-perfumed lotion but only apply a thin layer. Still no bathing or swimming.

We highly recommend After Inked vegan tattoo aftercare lotion for this stage and beyond.

Stage 3: Your tattoo will be peeling right about now. Continue applying moisturiser to the area. Still no bathing or swimming, but you’re nearly there.

Stage 4: Your tattoo is now healed on the surface, and you now get the green signal to soak your skin in water! Bathing and swimming are now okay, but don’t forget to continue moisturising the tattoo as part of your daily aftercare.

What about waterproof tattoo bandages? Are they fine to use?

There are products known as second skin tattoo bandages. These are breathable (allows skin to breathe) and waterproof (don’t let water in). Manufacturers say it’s fine to leave on skin for up to 3-5 days, so you can definitely shower with it on.

Inksafe’s Tattoo Protection Film is a good example:

However, bathing and swimming are a different story. Soaking these waterproof bandages isn’t a good idea because the adhesive that makes the bandage stick to your skin can easily weaken. And that will leave your tattoo wide open to the elements.

So, the answer is no, these waterproof bandages aren’t designed for soaking, but should be fine for a quick rinse in the shower. 

Conclusion

I know how icky it feels if you’re dirty for too long. Fortunately, you don’t need to stay away from water just because you got inked. Washing your tattoo with soap and water, and showering are all perfectly fine. Just don’t attempt bathing and swimming if you don’t want to ruin that fresh, new art on your skin!   

The post How Bathing and Swimming With A New Tattoo Works appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

So, in this article, we’ll do our best to sort this whole thing out. You’ll learn everything about tattoo wrapping – the do’s and don’ts, and all the little details that will help you take better care of your new ink!

Why tattooists wrap freshly done tattoos

An artist wrapping his fresh handiwork (Photo by Angie Torres)

There’s a lot of reasons why professional tattooists wrap their brand-new work in sterile bandages or cling film:

Firstly, they may be required by law to do so. Obviously, rules vary by country, state, province, city. A licensed tattooist will know what his legal and moral obligations are.

Secondly, the wrap/film/bandage serves as a physical skin barrier. It protects your ultra-fresh, open wound (your tattoo IS an open wound) from dust, germs, bacteria, smoke, pet hair, and other contaminants.

Thirdly, it protects your all-too-tender skin from knocks, bumps and all sorts of physical contact in your surroundings.

How long should the initial wrap be on?

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the web. Some may say to leave it on for an hour or two – just enough time to get home, peel off the wrap and wash it. Other tattooists will tell you to leave it on overnight (that means sleeping with the cling film on). Then, in the morning, wash it with warm water and mild soap.  

So, which is correct?

Well, it really depends on your tattooist. Since there is no standard aftercare advice, your tattooist is the authority you should listen to. Their aftercare advice is rooted in personal experience, client experience, and their colleagues’ experiences.

Now, no true professional will ever give you bad advice. This is because the tattooing industry is a relatively small one. Most artists rely on word-of-mouth advertising to get new clients. The better their tattoos look, the happier their clients are, and the more likely they’ll be to recommend their tattooist to their friends. It’s a win-win, all around.

Again, while the tattoo wrapping – and aftercare – information out there may be conflicting, your tattooist will have your best interests at heart. You are their walking portfolio, after all.

So, to answer the question, keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film for however long your tattooist tells you to.

Should you re-wrap your tattoo on your own?

Tattooed man covering his face with his hands (Photo by Steven Erixon)

Earlier in this article, you learned why tattooists wrap their fresh work at the studio. But when you take that initial wrap off, is it safe to put another one on? Well, it really depends on a few things:

• Where do you plan on putting on the new wrap? Is it a clean environment?
• Do you have impeccable personal hygiene and sanitation?
• How experienced are you with tattoos? Is this your first, second, third, or nth time?

As you can see, hygiene and sanitation are important when it comes to re-wrapping tattoos on your own.

At the tattoo studio, it’s a different environment. First of all, it’s purposely sterile – everything is literally covered in disposable plastic wrap to protect clients and tattooist(s) alike.

Secondly, a professional will take great care to clean the tattoo before the wrap is placed; this ensures no bacteria gets trapped underneath.

Now, the question is, can you replicate the same sterile environment at home?

If yes, then feel free to go ahead and re-wrap your tattoo. Otherwise, you may be better off following other aftercare methods, such as dry healing and using healing ointment to protect the area.

What to wrap your new tattoo with

Most tattooists use protective cling film for their fresh handiwork. However, when re-wrapping, it’s best to use something that will at least let the skin breathe. Oxygen is essential to wound healing, so we recommend airing it out as often as possible. That said, these are some of the most effective products you can use to wrap your new ink with:

Breathable tattoo protection film

We recommend Inksafe’s tattoo protection film. It’s a transparent, waterproof bandage perfect for use on healing tattoos. This type of film is also known as ‘second skin tattoo bandage’ because it acts like a second layer of skin on top of your tattoo!

The product pictured above is 10 meters in length – perfect if you’ve got a relatively large, fresh tatt. It’s safe to leave this on the skin for up to 4-5 days; this is because the film allows the skin to breathe. Some users say they had no issues taking a quick shower with the film on – it stayed perfectly in place!

Cheesecloth

In addition to cheesemaking, you can use cheesecloth as a bandage for healing wounds, including tattoos. KitchenCraft’s Home Made Cheesecloth is fairly comfortable, so it’s not going to pull at your skin or any growing hairs in the area. It’s also washable and reusable, so a single cloth will prove to be a solid investment (although it already is quite cheap to begin with). The cloth will allow your skin to breathe, but at the same time, it will absorb the fluids from your healing tattoo, so it’s best to change the dressing once or twice daily.  

Cling film

Use cling film (for example, Caterpack’s as pictured above) as a last resort. Usually, this type of material is made with plastic, which means it won’t allow air to get in or out of the wound. If kept on the skin for too long, it can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the area wasn’t thoroughly cleaned before the film was put on. If you do use cling film, make it a point to change every 3-4 hours to keep the area clean – and to let some air in from time to time.

How to re-wrap a tattoo on your own

Alright, if you’ve got a clean place to do the wrapping, then here’s what you need to do to re-wrap on your own.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly first. Then avoid touching anything else that may get your hands dirty again.
2. Wash the tattoo with warm water and mild, non-perfumed soap to wash all the gunk away.
3. Let the area air-dry. Or, pat dry with kitchen roll or clean cloth (do not rub).
4. Once the tattoo is dry and clean, apply the wrap carefully making sure it covers the entire tattoo.
5. Depending on the wrap used, you may need to use an adhesive or tape to keep it steady. Add an extra inch or two for allowance, so no pressure is applied to the still-tender area. This also allows the oozing gunk to move off the tattoo.

Now, if you need help with the wrapping (say, your tattoo is at a hard-to-reach spot), make sure your friend washes their hands as well.

How long should you keep your tattoo re-wrapped?

Well, it truly depends on the kind of wrap used. If you use cling film (it doesn’t let the air in), then you’d definitely need to let it breathe often. In this case, you’d need to change the wrap every 4-6 hours or so. For other wraps like sterile bandage, gauze, cheesecloth, and breathable tattoo films, then a once-daily change may be fine.

Note, however, that for some brands of breathable tattoo protection films, manufacturers claim it’s okay to leave the film on for up to 4-5 days. So, check the label for instructions. If unsure, speak with your tattooist.

Should you wrap your tattoo for work?

This is a tricky question. It really depends on the nature of your work. If you work a white-collar job, that is, in an office environment, then wrapping your tattoo may not be necessary. However, if you work in a kitchen, garage, farm, and similar blue-collar jobs, then re-wrapping may be necessary, especially if your work environment is not suitable for a healing tattoo. 

How to take off a tattoo bandage

Very, very carefully. Some tattoo wraps may be a bit difficult to remove. And if you’re not careful, the film may stick to the skin and draw some ink out. If this happens, you can try removing the film under flowing, warm water. This will hopefully make the removal a much less worrying experience. Remember, make sure your hands are clean before you attempt to remove the bandage.

When to re-wrap your tattoo?

You can re-wrap if necessary (Photo by Matheus Ferrero)

Sometimes, re-wrapping becomes a necessity and not just a tattoo healing option. Here are a few scenarios where you may need to re-wrap to protect your ink:

Sleeping

Sleeping in a new tattoo can actually be done without re-wrapping it. However, you’d need to take a few precautions. This is so the area doesn’t get infected and the gunk doesn’t ooze into your clothes, bedsheets, etc. If you think this is way more trouble than it’s worth, consider re-wrapping or re-bandaging your tattoo.  

Wearing clothes that will rub against the tattoo

When at home, wear loose clothing to allow your tattoo to breathe. However, if you need to go to work and your work clothes are going to rub on the area, then it’s best to cover it up for protection.

When in a dirty environment

As much as possible avoid going to filthy places. Protect your tattoo especially while the needle wounds are still open and oozing.  

When anticipating contact

If you get tattooed in an area that gets lots of contact, e.g. your hands and arms, then a sterile bandage may better protect the ink and keep your tattoo away from infection. For instance, when playing sports, you may get more than just a few bumps and knocks, so tattoo protection should be taken into account.  

When should you stop wrapping your tattoo?

The best time to stop wrapping your tattoo is when it finally stops weeping and/or starts scabbing. This means the needle puncture holes would have closed up and there’s less chance for bacteria to enter and infect your tattoo. However, if you still want to protect the scabs, i.e. keep them from getting ripped off prematurely, then putting a sterile dressing on top should be fine.

Conclusion

Tattoo wrapping (or re-wrapping) is best done under sterile conditions. You’re doing it to protect your new ink and, of course, speed up the healing process. Do it right, and you need not worry about getting your tattoo infected.   

The post Should You Wrap (And Re-Wrap) Your Brand-New Tattoo? appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

What are essential oils? Are they really ‘essential’?

Essential oils are extracts taken from plants. They’re usually made from plant leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs, seeds, etc. Now, the word ‘essential’ means extremely important or absolutely necessary. ‘Essential oils,’ however, are anything but essential.

The truth is that none of the oils classified as essential oils is necessary for your tattoo or your skin. They’re called ‘essential’ because the oil literally represents the essence of the plant it was derived from. So, lavender essential oil literally translates to lavender oil essence.

A few differences…

There are many different types of essential oils with their own health claims. Each come with their own unique scent as well. To date, there are literally hundreds of essential oils sold on the market.

However, take note that these oils aren’t created equal at all. They’ll obviously inherit properties from the plants they were extracted from. So, if you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the original source plants, then chances are, you may also be allergic to their essence, a.k.a. essential oil.

Should you dilute essential oils or not?

Some oils must be diluted first before topical application. These include strong oils like citronella, lemongrass, cumin, clove bud, oregano, and thyme. On the other hand, chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, rose, and tea tree may be used without dilution and may be applied directly to skin.

The bad news is that not all ‘experts’ agree with this assumption. Some ‘experts’ categorically say all essential oils must be diluted first (usually with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil) before application. This is truly one of the downsides of using essential oils – it’s hard to tell what’s right and what’s wrong when the industry is largely unregulated.

However, when it comes to tattooed skin, we recommend diluting the essential oil first with either a moisturising cream, lotion, or suitable carrier oil. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated and have no lipids in them, so they can evaporate rather quickly. By mixing the essential oil with a good carrier, it stays on the skin longer and thus moisturise for longer, too.

For tattoo use, the best carrier oils would be coconut oil and cocoa butter as these two are powerful skin moisturisers in their own right.

How essential oils are extracted

There are many different ways oils are extracted, such as steam distillation, cold pressing, solvent extraction, wax embedding, and resin tapping. Here’s a video showing the science behind two of the most popular extraction methods:

Essential oils ‘safe’ for use on tattoos and their benefits

The essential oils listed here are but a few oils that are supposedly ‘safe’ for use on tattoos. It’s by no means a comprehensive list. And due to the nature of essential oils (and the carrier oils mixed with them), we can’t guarantee you’re not going to get any sort of adverse reaction if applied topically to tattooed skin.  

Disclaimer: Before using any of these suggested essential oils on your tattoo, consult with a medical professional first.

• Myrrh

This essential oil has an earthy scent and is brownish in colour. Its potential health benefits include the ability to kill harmful bacteria, and heal skin wounds and sores. It also supposedly works to reduce pain and swelling.

If you’re wondering if this oil will protect you from the sun, here’s an interesting study. Apparently, when diluted with SPF15 sunscreen, this 2-in-1 myrrh & sunscreen combo was significantly more effective than either myrrh oil or sunscreen alone.

• Frankincense

Commonly used in aromatherapy, frankincense essential oil also has skin healing and strengthening properties. It supposedly helps tone and tighten skin, reduce the appearance of scars (and scabs), and heals superficial skin wounds (like tattoos). Note, however, that frankincense is best used on fully healed tattoos as some people say it may draw out some ink.

• Helichrysum

Extracted from the yellow blossoms of the ‘everlasting’ or ‘immortal’ sunflower, this essential oil is supposedly antibacterial. It’s also said to have skin regenerative properties that promote healthy skin growth – perfect for skin that just got punctured a few thousand times courtesy of tattoo needles.

• Lavender

Lavender is probably one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. It does not only smell heavenly, but it also has a host of surprising benefits when used on tattooed skin. For instance, this oil has antiseptic properties. So, you can use this to treat minor skin irritations, and give your inked skin a nice boost!

• Basil

Basil essential oil is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but it is also supposedly well-known for treating acne and other skin infections. But if you have an infected tattoo, I don’t recommend you put any essential oil on it. Instead, seek medical advice from your GP.

• Avocado

Avocado is one healthy fruit, but its oil is also beneficial for tattooed skin. Avocado essential oil retains moisture in the skin and is said to help produce collagen – two great characteristics that can benefit your inked skin!

• Rosehip

Easily absorbed by skin, rosehip essential oil has astringent properties that help brighten the skin and tighten pores. A few drops of rosehip oil mixed with coconut oil will help make your tattoo look vibrant and bright – even if it’s already a few years old!

• Grapeseed

Grapeseed is perfect for use on all skin types. It’s commonly used in skincare products because it’s rich in vitamin C and E. Just like avocado oil, it also locks in skin moisture which will make the tattoo ink stand out.  

• Thyme

Thyme oil is commonly said to be antiseptic and antimicrobial, which means it will kill bacteria on your skin. It also has superior antioxidant properties and is even touted as a natural eczema treatment.

Essential oils to avoid using on tattoos

Unfortunately, not a lot of research has been done on essential oils that shouldn’t be used on tattoos. However, according to herbalist Vivienne Campbell, calendula infused oil may be a bit too aggressive and can irritate and aggravate the skin.  

Also, if you are allergic to certain plants and its by-products, then it’s best to avoid its essential oils as well. For example, if you have nut allergies, then you should steer clear of essential oils that are derived or extracted from nuts.

How to know if you’re allergic to essential oils

Essential oils may be natural and pure, but it doesn’t mean no one will experience adverse reactions. Sometimes people use them incorrectly, and not surprisingly, they’ll develop sensitivities to the oil.

Do a patch test

A simple patch test is often all you need to determine if you’re allergic to a particular oil. Just apply a drop or two of the oil on a hidden part of your body. Then wait 24 hours and see if there’s a reaction.

Refrain from using if you’re pregnant or nursing

Essential oils do have certain benefits, but if you’re pregnant or nursing, steer clear as some of these oils may be bad for you and your baby. As with most medications, do speak with your doctor first before applying any oil on your skin (tattooed or not).

Do not ingest

You’ll find plenty of advice online telling you it’s okay to ingest essential oils. I strongly recommend you not follow these suggestions from random strangers on the web. Simply put, some oils can be toxic and poisonous if swallowed.

Can you put essential oils on healing tattoos?

As much as possible, you should only apply essential oils to healing tattoos that are at least 3-4 days old (or when it finally stops weeping). I know some oils have powerful skin healing properties, but at the same time, some may be aggressive and can end up pulling ink out of the dermis.

That said, during the initial healing stages, i.e. while it’s still weeping, stick to proven aftercare methods. Clean the area about 2-3 times a day, and apply healing ointment like Aquaphor or A+D. Once it starts scabbing, you can then start applying a few drops of essential oil to the area.

Conclusion

There are certain essential oils that work great for tattoo aftercare. However, just like with most things concerning the precious ink embedded in your skin, do proceed with caution. Remember, not all essential oils are created equal, and you may need to do a bit more research (and trial and error) to find the best essential oil which will make your tattoo stand out!

The post Can You Use Essential Oils For Tattoo Aftercare? appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

But first, what exactly is cocoa butter?

This is where cocoa butter comes from (Photo by Ly Le Minh)

Cocoa butter, also known as chocolate fat and Theobroma oil, is butter extracted from cocoa beans. The beans go through several processes before cocoa butter is finally extracted. It’s fermented, dried, roasted, and finally, pressed, to separate the butter from non-fat cocoa solids. The solids are then ground down to make cocoa powder.

It’s a key ingredient in chocolate

Cocoa butter along with cocoa powder is used to make all kinds of chocolate – dark, milk, white, etc. Of course, sugar, milk and other ingredients will eventually be added to the mix for flavour. But these two (cocoa butter + powder) are the main stars of our favourite chocolate desserts.

Of course, eating too much (processed) chocolate is unhealthy. But in its pure form, cocoa is actually rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which is good for vascular health.  

It smells and tastes heavenly

Raw cocoa butter tastes and smells faintly like dark chocolate. It’s very much edible, so you can eat it on its own or add it as an ingredient to various foods. Just so you know, cocoa contains a significant amount of flavanols and polyphenols, which makes it a high-antioxidant food. What this basically means is that cocoa is good for your body, inside and outside.

It’s used in many skincare products

Cocoa butter isn’t just meant to be eaten. It’s also used as an ingredient in various skincare and beauty products. Yes, that’s right – cocoa butter has a ton of benefits when eaten as a snack AND when applied topically to the skin.

Cocoa butter has a buttery smooth texture. This means it’s pretty easy to apply on skin – your fingers are going to glide right over! Thanks to its emollient properties, it’s also ultra-hydrating. So, it’s a great natural moisturiser that, coincidentally, won’t break the bank.

Now, if you think cocoa butter’s skin healing and moisturising properties are but a new discovery, you’re mistaken. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans have been using cocoa and its by-products for more than 3000 years! So, it’s definitely been around the block and has moisturised countless human skins – and tattoos – over many centuries!  

Cocoa vs cacao: what’s the difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably. But really, they refer to the same thing – the seeds of Theobroma cacao tree, a.k.a. cocoa tree. However, there is an important distinction here:

Cacao refers to raw or unroasted beans, while cocoa refers to the roasted kind.

How is cocoa butter made?

If you want to know how you can make cocoa butter, here’s a video showing you every step of the process:

Can you put cocoa butter on new tattoos? 

As you’ve learned in the previous section, cocoa butter is amazing. Not only does it smell and taste good, but it also has a ton of healing properties that make it an ideal skin moisturiser.

However, to answer the question, no, cocoa butter shouldn’t be used on fresh, weeping tattoos. This is because when the tattoo is still weeping, it means that the tattoo needle puncture holes are still open. So, if you put some cocoa butter on the area, it may penetrate the wound and cause an infection.

Now, you’re probably wondering why this is the case if cocoa butter is 100% natural. Well, the answer lies in the fact that cocoa is a comedogenic butter, so it can clog up pores and cause irritation to the area.

Fresh, weeping tattoos are at its most vulnerable – you want to avoid contact with anything that isn’t 100% sterile. This is because tattoos are technically open wounds – you want to keep the area clean and primed for optimal healing.

We recommend you use a healing ointment (like Aquaphor or A&D) instead during the first 2-3 days. Check out this guide on how to use Aquaphor on a new tattoo.

However, cocoa butter is safe to apply on a new tattoo as soon as it stops weeping and you see scabs starting to form.

In fact, some users say cocoa butter helped reduce their scabs, and absolutely minimised the peeling and even the itching! Of course, your mileage may vary, but here’s to hoping you get the same positive result as well!  

Here’s why cocoa butter works great on non-weeping, healed tattoos

More cacao fruits (Photo by Alexandre Brondino)

It’s a natural moisturiser

Just like coconut oil, cocoa butter is also a natural moisturiser. It seals in moisture on the skin pretty effectively. It’s also great for hydrating dry skin thanks to its rich creamy consistency. And as you probably already know, the better moisturised your skin is, the better your tattoo is going to look!

Reduces appearance of thick scabs

Scabs are normal for healing tattoos. But by using cocoa butter, the skin is properly hydrated so the scabs are kept to a minimum, if at all. That said, a thin application of cocoa butter on tattoos will be absorbed into the skin, which makes it more supple and less prone to cracks.

Helps minimise tattoo itching

Tattoo itching can either be really mild or extremely crazy. Thankfully, with cocoa butter, the chances of your tattoo itching like crazy is significantly reduced. This is because the tattooed area won’t be irritated and will instead be well-moisturised. This translates to a far less itchy, healing tattoo.

Helps with tattoo healing

Cocoa butter has anti-inflammatory properties. So, in terms of a healing tattoo, it can help the skin recover quickly since it can reduce swelling and inflammation. Also, since scabs and peeling skin are minimised, then it makes the tattoo healing process go much faster.

It has powerful anti-aging properties

Cocoa butter is rich in healthy fatty acids as well as Vitamins E and K. These are components that help combat – or at least, delay – the appearance of ageing skin. Cocoa butter is often touted as an effective stretch mark remover.

In theory, the butter is supposed to ‘cover’ up the gaps in skin, pretty much like tiles and grout – with skin as the tiles and cocoa butter as grout. Essentially, when the gaps are ‘filled out’, the skin will look smoother and younger.

The best cocoa butter for tattoos

For unhealed tattoos (past the weeping stage), the best kind of cocoa butter to use would be the organic and unrefined kind. It would be naturally yellowish in colour and will have a distinct chocolatey smell. If you see cocoa butters marketed as ‘unrefined’ but are snow-white in colour and has no smell, then chances are it’s not truly unrefined.

Our #1 pick:

There are plenty of ‘certified, organic, raw, unrefined, pure’ cocoa butter online. But we like The Soapery’s version best:

A 500g tub only costs a little over 10 quid (click on the image for current pricing). The butter is extracted by pressing only, so you’re assured no nasty chemicals are added to the final product. As you’d expect, this smells naturally like chocolate since no fragrances are added to the butter.

In addition to being perfect for use on both healing and healed tattoos, this food-grade butter is also perfect for use in making chocolates and other delicious cocoa-based recipes! You can also use this as a base ingredient to make your own homemade body butter.

Our #2 pick:

If you like using commercial products with a proven track record, check out Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Fragrance-Free Moisturising Lotion.

It’s hypoallergenic and will work great on sensitive skin, including those with dry and eczema-prone skin. The 24-hour moisture formula is also a huge bonus. This means a once-a-day application is all that’s needed to keep your tattoo moisturised throughout the day and night!

Who shouldn’t use cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter is great for both healing (as long as it’s no longer weeping) and fully healed tattoos. However, it’s a pretty thick butter and thus may not be ideal for some people.

For instance, if you have oily skin and you’re acne-prone, then cocoa butter may cause an acne breakout. When you have a healing tattoo, the last thing you want to happen is for acne to destroy your tattoo’s design!

Also, if you’ve got a condition known as ‘chicken skin’ or keratosis pilaris, then cocoa butter may not be ideal for you as well. This is because heavy butter is a well-known comedogenic and can clog your pores big-time. In addition to developing more tiny, itchy bumps on your skin, you may also experience folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles).

While cocoa allergies are pretty rare, there are still some people who are allergic, or at least, sensitive to cocoa. To ensure you’re not allergic to the butter, do a quick patch test on non-tattooed skin. Wait 24 hours and see if you get an allergic reaction.

If you are allergic to cocoa butter, we recommend you check out After Inked Vegan Tattoo Aftercare Lotion instead. It’s made with natural ingredients like grapeseed oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, so your tattoo’s going to look very nice as well!

Will cocoa butter fade tattoos?

If applied on weeping tattoos, then yes, cocoa butter may draw out some of the ink and cause the tattoo to fade prematurely. However, if applied to well-healed tattoos, then no, cocoa butter won’t fade the ink. Quite the contrary, thanks to its superior moisturising properties, the butter will make the skin look soft and supple. This, in turn, will make the tattoo look great as well!

Conclusion

Cocoa butter on fresh, bleeding tattoos can compromise the area and delay the healing process. However, once the puncture wounds start to close up and the tattoo stops oozing plasma, then cocoa butter gets a green ‘GO!’ signal from us. To conclude, cocoa butter is a natural moisturiser with healing properties that’s been proven to minimise scabbing, peeling and itching on new tattoos.

The post Is It Safe To Use Cocoa Butter On Tattoos? appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

Why is sunscreen so important?

The sun doesn’t need to be shining bright for it to do some damage to your skin. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy, foggy, or rainy – if the sun’s out, its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are out, too.

The only sure-fire way to protect yourself – and your brand-new tattoo – from the sun is by staying indoors. But who wants to get cooped up 24/7, right? We all need to go to work/school, buy groceries, take the kids and the dogs to the park, chill out with friends at the beach, and so on.

There are only so many things you can do indoors, while out in the sun, the whole world is literally waiting for you to explore it!

The only problem is you can’t go out for longer than a few hours before getting sunburnt. And if you’ve ever had a sunburn before, you know it’s no fun. Unfortunately, sun-related dangers don’t stop at sunburn, either. In addition to skin damage, you can also potentially get eye damage AND skin cancer. Scary stuff!

Is sunscreen safe on a new tattoo?

Quick answer is no. At least not on brand-new, fresh tattoos. It takes a few days for the needle puncture wounds to close, and for blood, plasma, and ink to stop oozing from the area.

The only thing that should be applied to a weeping tattoo is non-fragranced, antibacterial soap (for cleaning) and healing ointment like Aquaphor (to protect it from the elements). Once it stops weeping, you can put on some moisturising lotion to keep the area soft and supple.

That said, here’s why sunscreen is a big no-no on new, unhealed tattoos:

1. Sunscreens are often made with harsh chemicals

There are ‘gentle’ sunscreens available on the market nowadays. However, these are few and far between (and significantly more expensive, too). The truth is that most sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that can cause allergies and irritations.

According to the US FDA, these are the acceptable active ingredients in sunscreen:

However, research shows that even these FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients can have some harmful side effects. This article highlights these ingredients as being the culprit behind skin irritations and allergies, amongst other adverse effects:

• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Homosalate
• Octocrylene
• Paraben preservatives
• Retinyl palmitate

2. Artificial colours and scents

Plenty of sunscreen manufacturers add artificial colours and scents to their products. They do this to offer a more appealing experience to customers. However, the downside is that these additives can negatively affect your tattoo’s natural healing process.

Choose tattoo aftercare products that are unscented, non-artificially coloured, and as ink-friendly as possible.

3. Thick and sticky consistency

When applying anything to a new tattoo, do it in minimal fashion. This means no overly thick layers to smother the tattoo underneath. It’s important to let the skin breathe so it can heal properly.

This is the same reason why Vaseline (or pure petroleum jelly) shouldn’t be applied to new tattoos. It blocks oxygen from getting to the skin. It also traps whatever germs and bacteria are underneath the ointment – prime spot for a tattoo infection!

That said, sunscreen lotion is naturally thick and sticky in terms of consistency. It’s made this way so the sun’s UV rays can’t get to the skin. However, this is obviously not ideal for your new tattoo.

When can you use sunscreen on a new tattoo?

Once your tattoo is all healed up, you can use whatever sunscreen you like! Now, as to when your tattoo’s going to finally heal, that depends on a lot of factors. For example, the size of the tattoo, the tattooist’s skill, your immune system, your overall health, and how well you followed tattoo aftercare instructions.

Here’s what you can do to protect your tattoo from the harmful rays of the sun:

1. Stay in the shade

Please stay out of the sun, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon (around 11am to 3pm in the UK). Generally, this timeframe is when the sun is at its brightest and most harmful.  

2. Wear UV-protective clothing

If you do need to go out into the hot sun, make sure your clothes (long-sleeve top, trousers/skirts, shoes) offer UV protection.

But how would you know if your clothes are UV-resistant?

Well, you can put your clothes up against the sun. If it doesn’t allow the sunlight through, then it will protect you from the sun. However, if it does let the light in, then best wear it during the night (or stay indoors).

3. Put on a wide-brimmed hat

Aside from being awesome, wide-brim hats also offer physical protection from the sun. It will shade your face, neck, and ears. And depending on the sun’s angle, may even offer full body protection (got to be a super-wide brim hat though)!

4. Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Most modern sunglasses offer UV protection. It’s either coated or embedded in the lens. Look for a label that says “100% UV protection.” If you’re not sure whether your sunglasses have this feature, visit an optician so they can check on a photometer.

What kind of sunscreen is best for tattoos?

Sunscreen is available in many different forms, such as lotions, sprays, sticks, creams, and oils. You can choose whatever suits your need and budget. But make sure you read the label as each product comes with its own instructions.  

For best results, choose a product that says ‘broad spectrum’ on the label. It offers protection against the two types of UV radiation:

• UVA – penetrates deep into the skin and causes aging, wrinkles, and long-term skin damage; and
• UVB – absorbed by the epidermis and causes redness and sunburns.

Here are some of our favourite broad spectrum sunscreen for tattoos:

(1) Banana Boat Sun Comfort SPF50 Spray

(2) Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF50 Lotion

(3) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF45

I have dark skin, do I still need to apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen use isn’t predicated on skin colour. Everyone needs protection against the sun. While it is true that darker skin offers more protection against UV rays, skin cancer is still a possibility amongst those with coloured skin. So, whatever your skin colour is – and whether or not you’ve got a tattoo – do apply sunscreen or wear UV-protective clothing when you go out during the day.

Conclusion

Putting sunscreen on new tattoos is not a good idea. But it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to stay indoors whilst your tattoo heals. As you’ve learned in this article, you can still go out into the sun without compromising your tattoo – just make sure it’s well protected!

The post Can You Put Sunscreen On New Tattoos? appeared first on Tattoo Moisturiser.

Why do tattoos fade? Here’s the biggest NATURAL reason…

You’ll probably agree with me when I say all tattoos look bright and vibrant in the beginning. By beginning, I mean right before the wound (yes, your tattoo is technically a wound) starts scabbing and peeling. This is when the tattoo is at a 100% in the looks department.

When it starts scabbing, that’s when everything starts to change. The tattoo is going to look cloudy because the scabs (hopefully, scabbing will be light) will be covering up the ink in the dermis layer of skin. Which is perfectly fine – it’s all part of the tattoo healing process.

Once the tattoo is fully healed, that can only mean one thing: the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) has already healed. This means that the ink that’s gotten in the epidermis would be gone by now. So now, the old ink-laden epidermis would be replaced by new, clear and ink-free skin.

On the other hand, the ink deposited in the second layer of skin (the dermis) will still be there because the dermis does not shed. This is the reason why tattooists need to ensure ink is actually deposited in the dermis (not the epidermis or the hypodermis).

If the ink is only deposited in the epidermis, the tattoo’s going to disappear once this skin layer sheds and renews (it regenerates every 4 weeks or so). Likewise, if the tattooist goes too deep into the hypodermis, then he’s going to cause a tattoo blowout.

So, my advice would be to work with an experienced tattooist who knows exactly how deep the needles should go! This will help ensure natural tattoo fading is kept to a minimum.

6 More Reasons Your Tattoo Is Going To Fade

There are more reasons why your tattoos are bound to fade sooner or later (hopefully, it’s later).

1. You chose a not-so-tattoo friendly spot

Not all areas of the body are primed for tattooing. Some are best left alone, especially areas that get a lot of contact, friction, and sweat. Generally, the more contact and friction there is, the more wear on your skin, and the faster the ink will fade.

Here are examples of places that aren’t prime tattoo real estate:

• Hands and fingers – you use your hands and fingers literally all the time. It’s probably the most frequently used body part.
• Feet and ankles – we obviously walk using our feet. We cover it with socks and shoes. That alone should make you rethink your decision to get inked there.
• Inner thighs – when we walk or sit, our thighs tend to rub against each other, or against clothing.
• Armpits – well, this body part is probably number one when it comes to sweating. Not a lot of people have their pits inked, but for those who do, you’ve got to give it to them for making a crazy decision!
• Buttocks – we sit on our bums throughout the day. What can you expect? Of course, tattoos here are going to fade faster.

You’re probably wondering about people with full-body tattoos, and how they care for their skin art. Well, they’re truly the bravest of the brave (I think people who choose to get tattooed are brave). Maintaining full-body tattoos and making them look good for the world to see isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when ink is placed in tattoo fading-prone areas! 

Related article: Tattoo Pain Chart: How Bad Do Tattoos Hurt?

2. Tattoo ink used

Tattoo ink plays a key role in how good your tattoo will eventually look. But the wrong ink can actually do more harm than good, and make your tattoo fade faster than normal.

• Light vs dark colour inks

Light colour inks look nice and vibrant. When paired with darker colour ink, it adds an accent or highlight to the design. Generally, it’s white ink that fades the fastest. Next, comes yellow, light green, pink, and similar light colours.

It’s the deep red, brown, grey, and black inks that are usually the last to fade. Long after the light-coloured inks have faded into oblivion, the dark inks will most likely still remain visible. That said, if you’re thinking of not having a lifelong, permanent work of art on your skin, white ink is the way to go!

• Poor quality tattoo ink

Not all tattoo inks are created equal. Some are made with high-quality components, while others are the exact opposite. That said, at time of publication, there’s no single government body that regulates the use of tattoo ink. So, you’ll need to do your own diligence before you get tattooed.

Some tattoo inks use heavy metals as pigment or ink colourant. This may have a negative effect on the longevity of the ink, and may even cause adverse reactions such as tattoo ink allergy or even ink poisoning!

Also, some artists prefer to mix their own ink. Inexperienced tattooists may end up diluting the ink too much which may also cause it to fade faster. High quality and highly concentrated tattoo ink will last longer than diluted and/or low-quality ink.

3. Inexperienced tattoo artist

Some parts of the body have thicker skin, whilst other spots have paper-thin skin. An experienced tattooist will know exactly how deep the needles are supposed to go, no matter which part of the body they’re working on.

Of course, it doesn’t mean they won’t ever make mistakes. But they’d be less prone to errors thanks to their experience. They’d know exactly how much pressure to apply. They’ll also know which direction the needles need to go in to ensure the correct depth is reached.

An inexperienced tattooist is more prone to a hit-and-miss job. They may not reach the dermis in some spots, or they’d overshoot and go straight to the hypodermis. Either way, this can only result in one thing – a tattoo that’s likely to fade faster than normal.

4. Poor aftercare regimen

You want your tattoo to heal properly and last you a good long while, right? Well, you need to learn how to take care of it properly. Here’s how poor aftercare contributes to faster tattoo fading.

• Not following tattooist’s aftercare instructions

Unfortunately, there’s no standardised tattoo aftercare instructions. Different tattooists and different parlours have different aftercare recommendations for their clientele. Sometimes, tattooists working in the same shop may even disagree on some aspects of the aftercare process.

Whatever the case may be, trust the tattooist who worked on you, especially if they’ve been doing their job for a long time. They should know what works and what doesn’t based on feedback from their past clients.

If you’re not satisfied with your tattooist’s aftercare instructions, don’t be afraid to ask to clarify some of the details. They’ve got a vested interest in your tattoo, after all. Quite literally, you’re part of their ‘live’ or ‘walking’ portfolio, so they’d want your tattoo to look as good as possible!

• Picking and pulling at scabs or peeling skin

The first few days after getting tattooed is going to be a mess – literally. This is because as with all types of wounds, your immune system will be working doubly hard to get rid of the foreign objects (a.k.a. the tattoo ink) in your skin. Your tattoo will be ‘weeping’ or oozing plasma (clear, yellowish fluid) and some ink.

By the second or third day (this varies from person to person), the tattoo will stop weeping and scabs will now start to form. I know how unsightly scabs look, but don’t even think about picking them out. If you do this, you could also potentially pull out some of the ink in the dermis, which will later lead to patches and blank spots in your tattoo!

Wait for the tattoo to heal naturally – no pulling and picking – and you’ll have a much better-looking work of art on your skin!

• Not moisturising properly

Seriously, most faded-looking tattoos can be brightened up with proper skin hydration and moisturisation. Here are some tips to slow down tattoo fading:

Drink lots of water

Water is key to good-looking skin. So, if you want your tatt to look good from the inside out, you better start drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day!

Avoid smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your health, it’s also bad for your skin. This is because cigarette smoke actually reduces and impairs blood flow which leaves your skin dry and feeling old. This is why smokers tend to look years older – and their tattoos to look old and wrinkled, too! 

Don’t overclean or over scrub your skin

A gentle skincare routine is all you need to moisturise your skin. If you get too aggressive with the scrubbing and use of harsh skin products, then you could also be causing tattoo ink loss… essentially, making your tattoo look more faded than normal.

Soaking unhealed tattoo in water

A quick shower is really all that’s permitted when it comes to fresh tattoos. No bathing, no swimming, and certainly no soaking in the hot tub. Also, when it comes to washing your tattoo, use lukewarm water and antibacterial soap to wash off the gunk and keep the area clean.

Smothering unhealed tattoo with thick ointment

Healing ointments like Aquaphor and A+D do a great job at protecting the tattoo whilst letting the skin breathe as well. This is the exact opposite of Vaseline which is 100% petroleum jelly – it won’t allow your skin to breathe at all. So, please avoid putting Vaseline on brand-new tattoos.

That said, you should only apply a thin layer of healing ointment. Otherwise, no matter how beneficial an ointment is, it will only smother the tattoo underneath, which can lead to infections!

5. Too much exposure to the sun

Tattoos and the sun don’t play well together. Whether it’s a days old tattoo or a decade old one, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still going to penetrate your skin. So, you need to have a barrier in place that will protect the precious ink from the sun. Here are some tips:

• Apply sunscreen

Sunscreen should only be applied to healed tattoos because it can potentially draw out the ink if applied to unhealed tattoos. There are many different kinds of sunscreen lotions.

For better protection, choose one with high SPF (sun protection factor), such as Banana Boat’s Sun Comfort SPF 50+ Sunscreen spray. The only downside to using sunscreen is that it only lasts a couple of hours, so if you’re frequently exposed to sunlight, you’d need to reapply frequently.

• Wear UV-resistant clothing

You can wear sun-protective clothing on even the freshest tattoo. The good news is this also offers much more cost-effective protection from the sun. You can wear the same UV-resistant clothing for years, unlike sunscreen which can only go so far.

Of course, fashion-wise, you’d be pretty limited with your choices. You’d need to be covered up head to foot if you want to go out into the sun and be protected at the same time. So, if you’re thinking of showing off your tattoo at the beach, you’d be better off using sunscreen lotion instead.

• Avoid tanning beds

Tattoos and tanning don’t really do well together. I mean, if regular sunlight can do a lot of damage to tattoos, imagine how bad the damage is going to be on tanning beds with its high concentration of UV rays.  

6.   Weight fluctuations

When you lose or gain weight, your skin’s appearance changes as well. For instance, when you gain weight, you’re bound to get stretch marks. And when you lose weight, your skin can sag. Either way, it’s bound to affect how your tattoo looks, including making it look faded.

How To Fix A Faded Tattoo

If you don’t want to get stuck with a faded tattoo, consider these fixes: 

1.   Touch up

Most tattooists offer free touch-ups for their clients, but only if the tattoo fading isn’t a direct result of aftercare negligence. You can have just the faded parts touched up or the entire design.

2.   Re-colour

Since light coloured inks tend to fade faster than dark coloured ones, you would probably need to have your tattoo re-coloured sooner rather than later. Keep this in mind if you’re thinking of getting a watercolour tattoo.

3.   Tattoo cover up

A cover-up involves covering the old design with a new one. A talented tattoo artist will be able to give some suggestions on how best to hide the old tattoo. The right artist can help mask the old design, making it ‘disappear’ in the new design!

4.   Exfoliate

Sometimes all you need is a good scrub to get the ink beneath to show up. Perhaps there are blemishes in the epidermis. Or there’s an excessive accumulation of dead skin cells that make the ink in the dermis look faded than it really is.

That said, make sure you use the right lotions to keep your tattoo bright and vibrant. We highly recommend After Inked Vegan Tattoo Lotion as it’s made with grapeseed oil, shea butter, glycerin, and jojoba oil. It’s also very affordable and only a small amount is needed, so a tube is going to go a long way.

5.   Removal

The last resort for faded tattoos is to get them removed. It’s already halfway gone, right? So, if you’re not looking to spend a few more bucks on getting it touched up or covered up, and you want to get rid of it entirely, then tattoo removal is one way to fix your faded tattoo problem.

Conclusion

It’s not the end of the world if your tattoo fades. It’s normal, but I’m sure you’d prefer to have it fade later rather than sooner. If that’s the case, then the tips I’ve shared in this article should help you keep your tattoo looking new for a long time! 

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