TATTOO AFTERCARE - SORRYMON
Can You Tattoo Over Stretch Marks? - Sorry Mom
Getting a tattoo over stretch marks isn't as simple as it sounds, but there are a variety of reasons why people opt to get their stretch marks tattooed. It's usually because the person wants to hide the stretch marks, or it's because the stretch marks are in an area of the body where the person has always wanted to have a tattoo. Whatever your present situation, it helps to understand how stretch marks affect the tattoo process. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to tattoo over stretch Can You Tattoo Over Stretch Marks? It is possible to get a tattoo over stretch marks, but the most important thing to remember is that tattooing over stretch marks is a highly individualized process. Skin, including stretch marks, is completely unique, and a variety of circumstances influence whether or not you get a tattoo to cover up stretch marks. It's crucial to assess the stretch marks, their placement, and whether or not a tattoo artist can work with such skin. If you wish to hide stretch marks, for example, the tattooist will need to create an effective way to achieve the desired result. They must also create a successful design and guarantee that the stretch marks disappear without causing skin injury. Is It Safe To Tattoo Over Stretch Marks? Simply stated, yes, it is safe to tattoo over stretch marks. It is important to know that your skin may be more sensitive in and around the area of your stretch marks. Remember, stretch marks are essentially scars on the skin. So, the skin is usually thinner and sometimes more sensitive. To decide whether it is appropriate to tattoo over stretch marks, you should first have a discussion with your tattoo artists. This conversation will allow you to determine if and how they will tattoo your stretch marks and what to expect at the end of the process. Is Tattooing Over Stretch Marks More Painful? Getting a tattoo on a completely healed stretch mark (when the coloring fades) will not be any more painful than getting a tattoo on an unhealed stretch mark. Even if the stretch mark is noticeable, the skin is no longer considered affected in the same way that a cut or wound is. On the other hand, because a fresh stretch mark is elevated and the body is striving to cure it, you should avoid having a tattoo on it. You will not only damage your body's natural healing process, but the elevated lines will also make your skin more sensitive. Getting a tattoo on a new stretch mark will hurt worse, and the itching will be much worse as the tattoo heals. 4 Factors To Consider When Getting Tattooed Over A Stretch Mark There are various unique factors that determine whether you should tattoo over your stretch marks. Understanding the state of your stretch marks is essential to determining whether you should try to tattoo over them. Here is what you need to consider. 1. Color Stretch marks that are red, reddish-brown, or purple are not suitable for tattoos. Stretch marks with any of these colors indicate that they are brand new. Your tattoo artist will have a tougher time blending your stretch marks into your intended tattoo because of these colorations and textures. Fortunately, the coloration of stretch marks will fade over time and blend along with your skin tone. Stretch marks should disappear to the point that you can have a tattoo in at least one year. 2. Location Is there an area of your body that is more likely to develop stretch marks? If you answered yes, you should avoid having a tattoo in that location. This is because fresh stretch marks in that location, for whatever reason, are likely to cause harm to tattoos. Stretch marks can appear more frequently in certain areas of your body than others as a result of changes like losing or gaining weight. Stretch marks are more common in fat-storing areas, which include the upper arms, abdomen, thighs, hips, and glutes. 3. Size Larger stretch marks, on the other hand, will be more difficult to conceal. Stretch marks that are wider and longer may require larger tattoos to adequately conceal them, which will take more time and money. Either that, or you'll have to accept that some stretch marks will be visible at the tattoo's perimeter. 4. Experience It is no secret that you want to trust your tattoo with an artist that is experienced. Did you know that some tattooists specialize in tattooing stretch marks? You aren't out of luck just yet if you can't locate any specialists while searching on the internet. Ask around at several tattoo studios in your area. There's a good chance that a tattoo artist has dealt with stretch marks before. Don't Get A Stretch Mark/Scar Tattooed If… There are certain situations and factors that should be considered when getting a tattoo to cover your stretch marks. Unfortunately, there are some things that you need to look out for as they may be a sign that you should not get a tattoo to cover an area on your skin that has stretch marks. - Red, Purple, or Brown Scars If your stretch marks appear to be a red, purple, or brownish color, this means that they are still healing. Not only will these types of stretch marks result in a compromised tattoo, but you may also affect your skin's healing process. - You Plan on Changing Your Body Gaining muscle or weight, losing weight, becoming pregnant, and any other change that results in the stretching of your skin can lead to new marks. If you plan on any of these changes, it is wise to hold off on getting a tattoo – especially in an area that is more likely to develop stretch marks. - Texture Fresh stretch marks are typically raised, and even older marks with a raised or different texture can become an obstacle to even the most experienced tattoo artist. If your stretch marks are new or still have prominent texture, be sure to thoroughly discuss this with your tattoo artist before moving further along the process. Final Thoughts The state of your skin plays a major role when getting a new tattoo. The unique factors of your stretch marks will have a strong influence on the end result.
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Aloe Vera on Tattoos - What You Should (Really) Know - Sorry Mom
Aloe vera is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products. It’s no secret that certain versions of aloe vera can moisturize the skin, sooth skin conditions, alleviate acne, and more. It’s also found in most sunburn lotions as it can help ease the pain. But is aloe vera safe to use on tattoos? Can it affect the way the tattoo looks? Is it a bad idea to use aloe vera lotion on your tattoo? Today, we’ll go over the uses of aloe vera when it comes to your tattoo - everything from aftercare to lifelong tattoos. 7 General Benefits of Aloe Vera on Skin As most of us know, aloe vera has numerous benefits for the skin: 1- Moisturizing the skin Aloe vera contains humectants, which pull moisture from the air or from deeper in the skin. It also contains compounds that bind moisture into the skin, helping to keep the skin moisturized. 2- Slowing down aging signs Because it contains vitamins C and E, aloe vera is believed to impede the formation of free radicals, which can cause cell damage. Since most signs of aging are caused by skin damage, using vitamin-rich aloe vera lotion can help slow down those signs. Tattoo Aging: Old Tattoos Looking Good in Your 60's 3- Speeding up the healing process Since aloe vera can help skin cells regenerate by eight times, it can be deeply effective for healing burns, cuts, and scrapes. 4- Calming skin conditions Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Because of its anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help soothe the effects of numerous skin conditions. 5- Helping with sunburn Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that allow it to help with pain relief. It also helps the skin with the process of collagen synthesis. Using aloe vera-based lotions are a great way to help calm the pain from sunburn. 6- Helping stretch marks and dark spots Aloe vera contains two compounds called aloesin and aloin, both of which help to fade stretch marks and dark spots in the skin. Aloesin has been shown to treat dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, caused by UV rays and acne. 7- Managing and reducing acne Aloe vera contains numerous compounds -- such as phenols, urea nitrogen, salicylic acid, etc. -- that help to prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. As such, it can help keep the skin clean and clear, helping to manage the formation of acne. Can You Use Aloe Vera On Tattoos? Yes, you can use aloe vera lotion products on your tattoo. However, it’s important to note that while using an aloe vera-based cream or lotion can be a great resource during your process of tattoo aftercare, we cannot recommend using straight aloe vera on your skin during the aftercare process. It's good practice to be extremely careful with aftercare, especially when the tattoo is brand new. A dry environment is not good for a new tattoo, but an extremely moist environment can lead to unwanted bacterial and fungal growth. Once your skin is fully healed, and your body has fully adjusted to your tattoo, it is perfectly fine to use aloe vera lotions and creams on the area, as well as the rest of your body. Aloe has numerous benefits for the skin - including moisturizing and preventing cell damage - both of which are ideal for tattooed skin. Benefits of Using Aloe Vera Ingredients For Tattoo Care Using aloe vera for your tattoo aftercare can have numerous benefits. Firstly, it can help with the skin irritation and inflammation that is sure to come during the aftercare process. After you get a tattoo, it’s not uncommon for the skin in the area to flake, itch, burn, and even form scabs. All of this is a completely normal part of the skin’s healing process. However, using aloe vera-based gels and creams on the tattoo can help the skin heal faster and prevent bacterial or fungal infections from forming. As the skin around your tattoo is healing, it secretes a fluid called exudate. Exudate can dry on the skin after secretion, leading to crusting and scabs. Using aloe vera products on the skin can help prevent such scabbing and help keep the skin clear during the healing process. Because of its healing and regenerative properties, aloe vera-based lotions can also help with the skin irritation and inflammation that can happen after you get a tattoo. The skin often reddens and becomes irritated, but using aloe vera creams and lotions can help soothe the pain and keep you more comfortable during the healing process. We highly recommend using an aloe vera-based lotion like ours throughout your tattoo aftercare process. While we cannot recommend using straight aloe vera on your tattoo, our lotion contains aloe, almond oil, vitamin E, and panthenol, all which serve to help the skin heal, retain moisture, and prevent cell damage. Does Aloe Vera Fade Tattoos? Although you should remain careful about what you use on your skin in the tattoo aftercare process, most tattoo artists place the ink deep enough into the skin, so you can rest assured that using aloe vera-based creams and lotions will not detract from the look or the lifespan of your tattoo. Bottom Line Overall, aloe vera-based lotions and creams are great for the skin and have numerous health benefits. Aloe helps prevent the formation of free radicals, prevents bacterial and fungal growth, de-ages, and moisturizes the skin. When it comes to the aftercare process, using a nice tattoo lotion with aloe vera is a great way to soothe irritation, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process.
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6 Benefits of Using Shea Butter Ingredients for Tattoo Care - Sorry Mom
Commonly used in makeup, creams, and lotions, shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care. Similar to aloe vera, shea butter has healing and moisturizing properties, which make it incredibly popular to use in skin care products and routines. Of course, because of its healing properties, some people may want to use a shea butter-based lotion or cream as a part of their tattoo aftercare process. However, since your skin and tattoo are so delicate at the beginning, it’s important to know all about a product before you use it in your aftercare. Benefits of Shea Butter on Skin in General - Anti-inflammatory properties Shea butter is thought to have many anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that it can be used to help manage certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. It can also be used to help minor skin irritation. - Sun protection Though it is not strong enough to be used as sunscreen by itself, shea butter is thought to provide some mild natural UV protection. It can also be used to soothe sunburns in the aftermath and help rejuvenate the skin. - Moisturizing properties Shea butter is known to both hydrate and soften skin. As an emollient, it contains many different types of fatty acids that help the skin’s natural protection barrier, which can help protect the skin from external contaminants. - Heals scars Because of the high levels of fatty acids in shea butter, using it can help soften scar tissue. It can also be used to help speed up the scar healing process and can help make scars fade. Read also: Can You Tattoo Over Stretch Marks? - Anti-aging properties Because it contains many antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, shea butter can help prevent the formation of free radicals, which cause cell damage and aging. Preventing this cell damage is a great way to keep your skin looking fresh and young. - Acne management Dry skin tends to produce a lot of sebum - a substance that can clog pores. Because of its moisturizing properties, shea butter can help fight the overproduction of sebum and clogged pores. Keeping your skin fresh and moisturized can help with acne and improve your overall appearance Can You Use Shea Butter on Tattoos? Yes, you can use shea butter on your tattoo. While it is not recommended to use plain shea butter on your tattoo, using specialized products like our Tattoo Process Butter can be extremely beneficial for your skin and tattoo. When you use a shea butter-based product on your tattoo, don’t forget to wash your hands and tattoo thoroughly. Make sure you use clean utensils, and apply the product in the same direction as your hair - not against it. Shea butter absorbs very quickly, so make sure not to over-apply. Read also: How Much Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo? While shea butter-based products are good for your skin and tattoo, it’s always a good idea to consult your tattoo artist about their recommendations for aftercare, especially since they have the experience and can give good advice on the best products to use. 6 Benefits of Using Shea Butter Ingredients for Tattoo Care #1 Moisturizes the skin One of the most important parts of the tattoo aftercare process is ensuring that the tattoo and the skin remain moisturized. Shea butter products are perfect for this because they heal dry, flaking skin while also locking in moisture. If you have naturally dry skin, tattoo butter would be a great addition to your tattoo aftercare. #2 Prevents itchy skin New tattoos can cause the skin to be incredibly itchy, red, and unpleasant. The vitamin E combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter can help prevent the dryness and itching while simultaneously helping the skin retain moisture. #3 Prevents cell damage The antioxidants found in shea butter help to prevent the formation of free radicals, which cause cell damage and cell aging. Using shea butter products on your tattoo can help that skin look young, clean, and clear, making your tattoo stand out more. #4 UV protection Since traditional sunscreen can irritate the skin surrounding your new tattoo, shea butter products may be a good alternative for you. While the best way to protect your new tattoo from UV rays is to cover it with cloth, shea butter can help add an extra layer of protection from the sun. #5 Helps to heal the skin One of the best things that shea butter products can do for your skin is improve the skin’s natural barrier. Because it’s high in vitamin A, shea butter can help the skin stay healthy and help it heal smoothly and more quickly than it would otherwise. #6 Great for sensitive skin If you’re someone who has a hard time finding lotions and creams that don’t irritate your skin, consider turning towards a shea butter-based product. Easy on skin and calming to irritants, shea butter is perfect for those with more sensitive skin. Does Shea Butter Fade Tattoos? No, shea butter products do not fade tattoos. In fact, shea butter can actually help your tattoo retain its look for longer. Because of the vitamins found in shea butter, it is effective at making the skin look smooth and young, which will actually help your tattoo look great for longer. If you want to protect your skin and tattoo while helping your skin heal and regenerate, a shea butter-based tattoo cream could be a great option for you. Bottom Line Overall, shea butter-based creams and lotions are great to use on your new tattoo. While we cannot recommend using plain shea butter on your tattoo, most lotions and creams that have shea butter as a main ingredient have numerous benefits for your skin and tattoo. Shea butter is proven to help keep the skin moisturized, prevent cell damage, aid in the healing process, and prevent itching. It is especially great for those who have naturally dry skin, so that they can keep their skin moisturized.
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Little Bumps on a Tattoo After It Is Healed - Is It Normal?
Even when you do everything right and follow your tattoo aftercare routine step by step, some pain and irritation can still happen. One of the most common side effect of getting a new tattoo is a set of itchy, red bumps on and around the skin. While there is nothing dangerous about this rash, it can cause a lot of skin irritation and frustration for the person experiencing it. Your skin requires time to adjust after receiving a tattoo, and sometimes bumps, rashes, or skin irritation are a part of the process. Why Does My Healed Tattoo Have Bumps? There are several reasons as to why a tattoo may cause skin bumps or a skin rash. First of all, if you have a history of skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, getting a tattoo is likely to exacerbate these conditions, especially if you have naturally dry skin. The best way to combat this is to make sure that the skin stays moisturized and doesn’t get too dry. Secondly, your body considers the ink from a tattoo to be a foreign object. Therefore, your immune system will often try to “warn you” about this foreign object being under your skin. Most of the time, this warning manifests itself as a reddish, bumpy rash on the skin known as tattoo rash. While there is nothing dangerous about tattoo rash, it is important to keep the tattoo and the skin sanitized and moisturized throughout the aftercare process to help combat the formation of any rashes. Another possible explanation for a bumpy rash could be unsanitary conditions. If your tattoo artist didn’t sanitize or use their equipment properly, it is possible to get a bacterial or fungal infection in the early days of your tattoo. That’s why it’s also important to keep the area clean and to use tattoo artist-approved antibacterial ointments and lotions. Bumps on Tattoos: Possible Reasons & Causes - Naturally dry skin If you’re the kind of person who has naturally dry skin, getting a tattoo can cause dry and irritated skin, especially if you’re someone who has had eczema or psoriasis. The dryness of the kin in the area of the tattoo can lead to a bumpy, irritating rash. The best thing to do is to keep the area moisturized and clean. - Infection If the tattoo artist didn’t appropriately sanitize their equipment, it could lead to an infection. However, if you don’t properly take care of your tattoo in the aftercare process, that can also lead to an infection, which can lead to a painful and irritating rash on the skin. Read also: Professional Tattoo Aftercare Instructions - Immune system response Because your body considers tattoo ink a foreign object, your immune system will most likely have a reaction to it. This reaction typically manifests itself as a red, bumpy rash on the skin. While there is nothing dangerous about this rash, it’s important to keep the area clean and moisturized. - Sun exposure Exposure to the sun too early after getting a new tattoo can be detrimental to your skin. The skin surrounding your tattoo is extremely sensitive in the days after, and it should always remain covered while in the sun. Sun exposure on sensitive skin can cause red, bumpy rashes. The best way to protect your tattoo in the sun is to either keep it fully covered or use a strong, tattoo artist-approved sunblock. - Allergic reactions In the rare case that you are allergic to the dye in tattoo ink, it can cause a very irritating and painful trash, along with swelling. If you have any allergies to dyes, it is crucial to speak with your tattoo artist about it, so that they can procure a hypoallergenic ink. What to Do If You Have Bumps On Your Tattoos The best treatment option for your tattoo rash will depend on the cause. If you are experiencing a mild allergic reaction to the ink, taking an antihistamine and using a tattoo artist-approved anti-allergy ointment is a good solution. If you think that you may have developed a skin infection, it’s important to reach out to your doctor immediately; they will likely prescribe some sort of antibacterial medication to help fight the infection. In the meantime, using a cold compress can help with the swelling and skin irritation. If you suspect sun exposure to be the problem, a good treatment option would be using a cold compress, as well as an aloe vera-based cream or lotion to help ease the pain and keep the tattoo moisturized. If you have an underlying skin condition that you believe is causing the discomfort, use a cold compress, take an antihistamine, and use a topical ointment that’s been approved by your tattoo artist to help with the irritation, swelling, and pain. How to Prevent Bumps On Your Tattoos While skin discomfort and irritation is almost certainly going to happen after you get your tattoo, there are certain things you can do to help combat the irritation. Be sure to keep the area clean, sanitized, and moisturized. This will help keep away any infection and skin irritation. If you do start to feel skin irritation or discomfort, use a cold compress to help with the pain, and use tattoo artist-approved ointments, gels, or lotions to help with the irritation. White Bumps On Tattoos If you develop white bumps on your tattoo, it’s most likely a sign of an underlying skin condition. These white bumps are typically a sign that your body is adjusting to having the ink underneath the skin, and they typically go away over time. If your skin irritation and pain persists, it’s best to go see a medical professional. Bumps On Tattoos After Years: What You Should Know If you’re noticing bumps and irritated skin on an old tattoo, the most common explanation is sun exposure. It can take a very long time for your skin to regain its original UV tolerance level after you get a tattoo. So, if you’re noticing a rash on your old tattoo, sun exposure could be the cause. Since your skin stays sensitive to UV rays for so long after getting a tattoo, it’s important to use protective sunblock and different lotions to protect your skin and your tattoo. Summary The bottom line is that tattoo rashes are completely normal, and most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about.
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Long Term Tattoo Care: Myth or Truth? - Sorry Mom
Long term tattoo care can be controversial. While some say there's nothing you can do to preserve the vibrancy of your tattoos, others believe that with the proper tattoo care you can positively impact the life of your tattoos. Who's right? While it is certain that your tattooed skin will inevitably age and sag with time, it is also true that we can better the appearance of our tattoos by taking the right steps. In this blog post we'll talk about the importance of moisturizing a tattoo in the healing process and some tips on how to improve the appearance and health of your tattoos in the long term. Read also: Tattoo Aging: Your Tattoos Will Age, You Decide How Fast. Moisturizing Your Tattooed Skin is Important Taking care of your skin is important in general. When having a tattoo, it becomes even more important, as it affects not only the health of the skin, but also the appearance of the tattoo. If exposed to many environmental changes, our skin shed cells more rapidly than other parts of the body and therefore need moisture to repair itself, which allows for younger skin cells to rise to the surface. Not only it's important to moisturize the skin, but also make sure to apply a massage in circular motions to stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation. - When to Moisturize Moisturizing after a warm shower is very important because hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin, leaving it dry. Consequently, nurturing your skin with the right lotion after a shower is the perfect time to do it. Read also: How Often Should I Moisturize My Tattoo? - Should I Moisturize My Tattoo Forever? Following with the principle that what's good for your skin should be good for your tattoo, moisturizing your tattooed skin should be part of your long term tattoo care routine. TIP: Remember to moisturize your skin 2-3 times a day, or if your skin is visibly dry. Long-term Tattoo Care Products Some skincare products might be good moisturizers for your skin, but they lack of other properties that can make the difference when healing a tattoo. Therefore, it’s good practice to find products that have been developed for long term tattoo care only: - Tattoo Lotion Hydrating and protective lotion for daily use- Developed for long term aftercare- Rich on Vitamin E- Contains moisturizing ingredients that will keep your tattoos vibrant - Tattoo Process Butter Regenerative abilities- Keeps the skin calm, soft & elastic- Quickly absorbed Long Term Tattoo Care: 5 Simple Tips Assuming that fading is inevitable in the long term, we'll show you some tips/good practices to ensure you can keep your tattoos vibrant and healthy for the years to come: 1. Moisturize your skin daily As we've explained in this article, having a skin properly moisturized will help your tattoos looking amazing and healthy for many years. Read also: Dry Healing or How to Ruin Your Tattoo 2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle Staying healthy not only will help you look healthier and better, but it will also prevent you from radical weight changes. That change of weight in short periods of time can alter your skin, stretching the ink of your beloved tattoos. Read also: Can You Work out With a New tattoo? 3. Stay properly hydrated Your tattoo only looks as good as your skin. The more you hydrate, the better, and more vivid your tattoo will look. 4. Avoid the sun -if you can't, use tattoo sunscreen- Sunlight and tattoos don’t usually make a good combo. Left unprotected, your tattoos can fade, and your skin will end up damaged. Read also: Tattoos and Sun 5. Use common sense Avoid areas of the body that have more friction and wear applied to them - it will lose their skin cells more easily and so your tattoo will fade more easily; avoid exposing your skin to harsh chemicals... Long story short, avoiding anything that would be considered as harmful for your skin is one of the best tips we can give you. Summary If you have tattoos, it is not unlikely that you have been questioned with concerns about how your tattoo will look like once you are older. The question then is: is there something you can do to take care of your tattoos in the long term? Definitely, yes. With a healthy amount of common sense and a lot of proper tattoo care, you can ensure that your tattoo will look more vibrant and healthier for the rest of your days.
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How to Choose the Best Tattoo Aftercare Products (Artist's Advice) - Sorry Mom
You’ve got an awesome fresh tattoo, the lines are perfect, the colors are popping. What comes next? Taking good care of it. If you’ve followed us, you ‘ve probably read this before: aftercare for tattoo is arguably the most important part of getting a tattoo. For this article, we talked to several experienced tattoo artists, and they gave us their best advice when it comes to choose the best for your tattoo care. We will explain why aftercare for your tattoo is so important and we will show you what to look for when buying a tattoo aftercare product, and -super important- what to avoid Choosing the Best Tattoo Aftercare Products Is Very Important. Why? We can't’ stress enough the importance of this. But you are not supposed to trust us –we sell tattoo aftercare products after all-. We’ll give you some facts, so you can make the right choice when choosing the best tattoo aftercare products for your skin: - Your tattoos look better and healthier. Aftercare for tattoo is essential not only for keeping your tattoo looking fabulous, but also for your overall health. When using moisturizers or lotions, you will instantly see your tattoos shinning and looking brighter. On top of that, your skin will be properly moisturized, thus helping the overall healing process. - It’s a good investment Investing on a good tattoo artist to ensure a vibrant tattoo for the years to come is paramount. The same goes for tattoo aftercare products. Not following the right tattoo aftercare can potentially ruin your skin, thus your new tattoo. In the worst-case scenario, it can even get infected. Therefore, it makes sense to count on that little extra for the best aftercare products -or at least a good quality one. That way, we will not only ensure a better looking and healthier tattoo, but we will reduce the chances of any hiccups –infection, excessive cracking, tattoo fading..- that will result in potential over costs – cover ups, medicines, tattoo removal...-. - You have full control of it In the process of getting a tattoo there are many factors that affect how fast -and well- your new tattoo will heal: good tattoo artist, age, type of skin, etc. Unfortunately -unless you are a tattoo artist-, there’s not much you can do to ensure you get an amazing looking tattoo. However, you do have full control of choosing the best tattoo aftercare products. So, now that you know how important for your tattoos is to choose the best aftercare products, let’s find out what to look for before buying anything: 7 Things to Look for When Buying Tattoo Aftercare Products 1. Natural ingredients Typically, a good indicator that a product is good for your tattoo care is the use of natural ingredients. Some of the following ingredients are used for skin care and are potentially associated with the mentioned benefits: Coconut oil: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, moisturizing. Shea butter: antioxidant properties Rice bran oil: thickness, roughness, elasticity and antiaging properties. Almond oil: reduces scarring, eliminate stretch marks, reduces UV damage Buckthorn oil: promotes skin elasticity and skin dryness Aloe vera: anti-inflammatory properties, speeds up wound healing, slows down aging process, highly moisturizing, cooling effect. Read also: 6 Amazing Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Your Tattoo 2. Look for refined petrolatum If the product contains petrolatum, make sure it’s refined or “white petrolatum”. 3. Aftercare for tattoo only When moisturizing your face, you don’t use hands cream, right? The concept applies also for tattoo aftercare. Some cosmetics might be good moisturizers for your skin, but they lack of other properties that can make the difference when healing a tattoo. Therefore, it’s good practice to find products that have been developed for tattoo care only. 4. Say no to “at home remedies” This is common sense, but we have to point it out. Stick to certified products recommended by your artist, and avoid “secret” solutions for your tattoo healing. 5. Make sure it’s dermatologically tested More common sense. Check for the “dermatologically tested” label to make sure you are using a trusted product. 6. One-for-all solutions are not a good idea The aftercare process has different stages. For that reason, we can’t expect a product to work perfectly for all of them. Use aftercare for tattoo recommended for every stage of the healing –more on that later. 7. Ingredients should be visible If you can’t see the ingredients on a product, be concerned. Reputable brands always label the ingredients used, especially when it comes to skin care products. BONUS: sustainable/eco products This won’t affect the tattoo itself. However, it’s always good to choose products that are sustainable (recycled materials, for example) to contribute to a better world. List of Aftercare for Tattoo You’ll Need - Butter or cream What for? Moisturizes your skin before, during and after getting the tattoo. - Tattoo protective film What for? Protects your tattoo the first 3-4 days. - Tattoo foam soap What for? Cleans the tattoo safely. - Tattoo balm What for? Speeds up healing process & keeps your tattoo moisturized. - Tattoo lotion What for? Ensures long lasting vibrant tattoos. Tattoo Aftercare Process Explained - Before getting the tattoo We need to ensure the that our skin is properly hydrated for the session. To do that we can: Stay hydrated (water, soda, juice, etc) Moisturize your skin with butter/cream 2-3 times a day, 3-4 days before the session. Make sure you are not allergic to any of the components. - During the tattoo There’s nothing we can do at this point, as this is the artists’ turf. However, if your artist is using the following products, it means you are in a professional shop: Butter/ cream: keeps the tattooed area moisturized. Foam Soap: while doing the tattoo, the artist will eventually wipe off excess of blood, ink. Make sure the product used is antibacterial to avoid infections. - After the tattoo Protective tattoo film: keeps your tattoo away from bacteria and allows you to have an active lifestyle. Soap: allows you to clean your tattoo safely and calms the eventual itchiness. Balm/butter: keeps your tattoo moisturized and speeds up the healing process. - Long term aftercare Lotion: keeps your skin hydrated and flexible, and gives your tattoos a vibrant look. What is the Best Thing to Put on a Tattoo?Understanding the Tattoo Aftercare Process In our many years of experience, we get the same question year after year: what is the best thing to put on a tattoo? The answer is not that simple. Long story short, the best thing to put on a tattoo should always combine both the protection of your skin and the preservation of an amazing looking tattoo. As we’ve explained before, there’s no all-in-one magic product. The tattoo aftercare process has different stages, and depending on which stage you are, you should be using one or another tattoo aftercare product. Bottom Line Tattoo aftercare is really important, not only for aesthetics, but also –and most importantly- for your skin's health sake. Choosing the best tattoo aftercare products will thus increase the chances of having an amazing-looking and healthy tattoo. If you want to make the most out of the healing process, remember to make sure that the products you use are from trustworthy brands, and follow the recommendations mentioned in this article.
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How to Clean a Tattoo (Properly) in 7 Easy Steps - Sorry Mom
One of the most important things you can do to have a long-lasting tattoo is to keep it clean, and wash it properly. Since the skin is so sensitive right after being tattooed, this might be a challenging task, so here’s a step-by-step guide to washing your new tattoo and how to keep it clean. Your tattoo artist will also provide you with aftercare instructions that you should follow diligently for a healthy, awesome tattoo. So, what are the steps to follow when cleaning your new tattoo? Wash your hands Wet your tattoo with lukewarm water Gently add tattoo cleanser or soap Wash with your hands gently Rinse Dry with paper towel Moisturize Let's take a look to every step in detail: The First Wash When your tattoo artist is finished, they’ll probably wrap it in a tattoo bandage or plastic foil to keep it protected. Your artist will advise you when to remove the bandage, either a few hours after you leave the shop, or even the next morning to keep it from leaking. You should wash your tattoo for the first time once you’ve removed the bandage or film. This first wash is the start of your healing process. Removing the bandage might be messy and a little painful, especially since your skin is extra sensitive at this point. Wash the tattoo with tattoo foam soap or mild soap. Don’t be alarmed if your tattoo doesn’t look like you thought it would, or if the lines look fuzzy. All this excess fluid will be washed away over the next few days, and reveal a brand new, spectacular tattoo. You might be hesitant to wash your new tattoo, and that’s perfectly understandable. The area is so sensitive and raw that you probably don’t want to go anywhere near it, but it’s very important that you do. You’ll get the hang of washing your new tattoo, and before you know it, it’ll be all healed up. Wash Your New Tattoo (Step-by-Step) Going through the following steps carefully will ensure your tattoo is clean and healthy. The key word in this process is gentle. Everything that touches or comes in contact with your tattoo should be gentle, sensitive, and clean. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to wash your new tattoo: #1 Wash your hands. Your hands should always be clean before touching your new tattoo, otherwise it defeats the purpose of washing it. #2 Wet your tattoo. Use lukewarm water, at least at first, because water that is too hot will be painful and could open your pores and cause ink to leach out. Do not stick your tattoo directly under the faucet, instead cup your hand and gently pour water over it. Gently wet the entire tattoo, but do not soak it. #3 Add tattoo foam soap or fragrance-free mild soap. Apply the foam soap on the tattooed area, then gently rub in circular motions. #4 Wash. Do not scrub or use a towel, only use your hand to gently rub. If there are hardened scabs, do not pick at them, they will fall off on their own. You’ll know you’re done washing when the tattoo no longer feels slippery. #5 Rinse. Use your hand to cup water and rinse away the foam or soap. In the first few days there might be blood or ink being rinsed away, but this is normal. #6 Dry. You have to make sure once your tattoo is washed, that you dry it as much as possible. Press a paper towel on the area, or let it air-dry. Do not use a towel or cloth to dry it, because they could introduce bacteria. The next step after washing your tattoo is to moisturize: #7 Moisturize. Once your tattoo is entirely dry, use cream/butter or balm to keep your tattoo moisturized and healthy. Apply a very small amount of balm in a thin layer. Too much lotion could prevent your tattoo from healing. How to Shower After Getting a New Tattoo After getting a new tattoo - especially if it’s a bigger one -, everyday tasks like sleeping, going outside, and showering, can become challenging. Get some tips on how to sleep when getting a new tattoo. You have to be extra careful when showering for the first time after getting a new tattoo, and some artists recommend waiting a full day before doing so. After about 2 weeks, you should be able to shower normally again. Here are some tips for showering with a brand new tattoo: Set the water to lukewarm. Do not shower with hot water, it could swell up your new tattoo more, or open your pores and cause ink to leach out. Adjust your shower-head to a gentle stream. You should not pelt your tattoo with water, it'll sting and might even force ink out. Take quick showers. Excessive exposure to steam, water, and soap could cause problems with your new tattoo, and even dilute the fresh ink. Do NOT soak in a bathtub with a new tattoo. You should avoid soaking in water, including swimming, for the first few weeks. Do NOT use a loofah or cloth to wash your new tattoo. You should only ever use your hand, because other objects carry bacteria. Read more about the do's and don'ts when getting a new tattoo. Which Soap Should I Use to Clean My Tattoo? Different tattoo artists will suggest different products, but one thing’s for sure, they’ll always recommend you use professional tattoo soaps or simply gentle, fragrance-free soap. Our tattoo foam is specifically created for the purpose of cleaning fresh tattoos. It easily washes excess blood and ink off without having to scrub/rub the tattoo, calms red skin and relieves the pain during the first few days of healing. Read also: How to Choose the Best Tattoo Aftercare Products (Artist's Advice) Celebrity tattoo artist Dr. Woo said, “there are so many soaps with different chemicals and ingredients that can be abrasive, irritate the skin, or even lead to infection. To minimize the chance of an adverse reaction, it’s vital the soap being used is as clean and simple as possible, using the best ingredients.” Why Do You Need to Wash Your New Tattoo? After reading through different tattoo aftercare instructions, you may have noticed the emphasis on washing your new tattoo. Keeping your tattoo clean is an important aspect of the healing process. Without it, more bacteria, and possibly infection, could be introduced to your fresh tattoo and cause it to heal improperly. Dr. Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist, said, “Tattoos create thousands of microscopic holes in the skin in order to deposit the tattoo pigment. In doing so, the skin is now open and is predisposed to various infections...The most important thing is to make sure the tattoo site is being properly cleaned by gently washing with soapy water 2-3 times daily.” Washing your tattoo consistently and properly will be the difference between a quick-healing, beautiful tattoo, or an infected one. Another reason you need to wash your tattoo is to remove the fluids like blood, plasma, and ink that ooze out. Having a bloody, inky tattoo is nothing to be scared of, but it does need to be washed. Plasma is necessary and what causes scabbing, so if it’s not washed off, you could end up with big, thick, dry scabs, and even scarring. A new tattoo is actually a controlled wound, and you should treat it as such How Often Should I Clean My New Tattoo? Most tattoo artists recommend you wash your tattoo with professional tattoo soap or soap and water 2-3 times a day, at least for the first two weeks. We recommend you do it in the morning and at night, to keep it clean all day long. Moisturizing is another important factor of aftercare because washing your tattoo too often could cause your skin to dry out. In this article we explain how often should you moisturize your new tattoo. REMEMBER: Any activities that could introduce bacteria or germs to your tattoo should be avoided as much as possible in the first few weeks. However, if you are doing something in a germy environment, like exercising at the gym or running outdoors, you should wash your new tattoo right after. If you absolutely can’t avoid them, though, keep your tattoo well-covered with clothing that isn’t too tight. When Can I Stop Washing My Tattoo With Antibacterial Soap? Typically one to two weeks after getting your tattoo. A good rule of thumb is once your tattoo has stopped flaking and peeling, you can stop washing with the foam or antibacterial soap. At this point, your tattoo is fully healed, at least the top layer is, and you shouldn’t experience any more bleeding, scabbing, swelling, or flaking. Once your tattoo has stopped flaking and peeling, you can proceed to wash your new tattoo like normal skin. This isn’t to say you can start scrubbing the area with a loofah, you should still only use your hand to wash it gently. REMEMBER: Even though your tattoo looks healed, and the skin is returning to normal, the deeper tissues are still mending themselves, and aftercare is still important. Tattoo Healing Process Explained Tattoos are technically wounds that are susceptible to bacteria and infection, so your body recognizes them as threats to your immune system. The rate at which your body heals depends on your age, health, and your commitment to a healthy aftercare routine. Your body’s response to a wound can be broken up into four phases of healing: Hemostasis: In this phase, platelets form blood clots to prevent excessive blood loss and create scabs over your tattoo as temporary protection. These platelets are what trigger inflammation. Inflammation: Redness and swelling occur to dilate blood vessels and allow other important immune cells in. These cells are called macrophages, (macro=big, phage=eat) they remove bacteria from the wound, which is why it’s so important to keep your tattoo clean, to help the macrophages do their job. Proliferation: Cells called fibroblasts reconstruct the damaged skin tissues. They promote cell growth and tissue structure, repairing the outer layers of your skin and preventing infection. At this stage, your tattoo will appear healed. Remodeling: This phase can last up to weeks or even months, which is why tattoo aftercare is still important at this point. Your skin is healed on the outside, but the tissues underneath are not. The remodeling of your cells and tissues is intended to create layers of new, healthy skin. Steps 1-3 can take as little as a week, but the final remodeling stage can take up to a few months. Your skin is still regenerating and restoring cells, so you should continue with aftercare. You should strive to keep your tattoo clean throughout these weeks to help your body’s healing process along. Final Thoughts Washing your new tattoo is so important, and it only takes a few minutes every day. Remember to be gentle, patient, and diligent when it comes to tattoo aftercare and your body’s healing process. A lot is going on beneath the surface of your skin, so even after your tattoo is healed, your body is still hard at work repairing tissues.
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