What you need to know about tattoo healing

The importance of tattoo healing begins even before the tattoo is done.

We have to take into account that you are going to acquire the tattoo on your own skin, the healthier and more hydrated is, the healing process better it will be.

The healing process on healthy skin is not the same as dry, dehydrated or sunburned skin.

If you had notions of these data, you used moisturiser and drank plenty of water, you’ re in luck because you have a better chance of the tattoo healing perfectly.

However, and despite the fact that the healing process is not complicated at all, if we do not follow the steps indicated by our trusted tattoo artist we may suffer complications.

We are going to recommend the following tips and what you should avoid so that everything goes correctly in the healing process.

FIRST 48 HOURS.

First it can be tempting to remove the cling film to look at the tattoo, but the tattoo must remain protected for a few hours before you can expose it for the first time, this film protects the skin from rubbing against clothing and bacteria.
Important do not forget to wash always your hands well before touching your tattoo.

Remove the cling film after no less than two hours after your tattoo artist has covered it. Wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water with your fingertips gently until all the dirt caused by saturation is removed. Dry the tattoo with a paper towel without rubbing to avoid unnecessary irritations, in this process it must be soft, caressing the skin. Let it breathe for an hour and cover it again with clean film without applying balm/lotion. Keep the cling film on overnight and remove it when you get up. Repeat this process three times a day for 48 hours.

AFTER 48 HOURS.

Stop using the protective film and start using the specific tattoo care balm.
Continue washing the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water with your fingertips gently, and drying it with the paper towel.
After each wash apply a thin layer of cream, avoid applying large amounts, contrary to what we may think, not because more cream is cured sooner or better, on the contrary it is very harmful since the skin needs to breathe.
Repeat this process three times a day for two weeks.

WEEK ONE

During the first days the skin may feel warm to the touch, it is completely normal, however any redness or slight inflammation usually disappears near the end of the first week. Colors may also appear much brighter to the rest of the skin, the tattoo will become less bright as the healing process progresses.
The frequency of washing will depend on the environment and the activity of the person, someone who works in an environment such as dirty, hot or sweating will need to wash the tattoo every few hours.Avoid soaking the tattoo in water or getting it wet except when you wash it.Avoid exposure to the sun.Avoid activities that can irritate the tattoo such as the gym, yoga, soccer, etc. at least until the fourth day.Totally forbidden long baths, going to the pool, jacuzzi, beach, saunas, etc.

After the first few days scabs may appear, it is very important not to scratch or tear them, be careful with washing and hydration during this week, since it is easy to remove the scabs and damage the tattoo. Let them fall naturally in the washes.
Do not under any circumstances use products that are harmful to the skin such as makeup, perfumes, etc. near the tattoo. Avoid wearing tight clothing or materials that can irritate the tattoo.

WEEK TWO

If all goes well the little swelling and redness are a thing of the past.
The scabs are peeling off and I trust that you still washing the tattoo with special care and with love 😉
We are already returning to normal although the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room or submerging the tattoo for long periods is still not allowed.
Avoid exposure to the sun.
Avoid products on the skin other than the specific tattoo care cream.

FROM WEEK THREE

We are in the final stretch of the healing process.
The outer layers of the skin are almost healed, however the inner layers need a few more weeks.
Keeping the skin hydrated and protected from the sun will help the process to finish correctly.
Now you can go to the pool, sauna, beach, etc. (If you don’ t see it is fully cured, wait a little longer).
Protecting the tattoo from the sun with clothing while it heals is especially important in the first few months.
Whenever the tattoo is in direct contact with the sun or sun bed for long periods you should protect yourself with Factor 50 sunscreen, this will help the tattoo look bright and clear.

 CONCLUSION

As we said at the beginning of the post we must remember that the tattoo is on our skin therefore the better we take care of our skin the better the quality of the tattoo will be preserved.
Drinking plenty of water helps us keep the skin moist and supple.
A healthy lifestyle will undoubtedly contribute to the healing process and that your piece of art remains amazing on your skin.

At Smiley Dogg Tattoo we love your tattoo as much as it was ours and we do our part with the experience of our team and using the best materials on the market so that the healing process goes as well as possible but as you see once you walk out the door from the store the work is in your hands.
Follow these recommendations and look amazing with your new tattoo !!!