Learn From Tattoo Care Experts
Discover practical guides, aftercare routines, ingredient breakdowns, and professional recommendations designed to help you protect, heal, and maintain your tattoos with confidence.
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Can You Fix Tattoo Scarring? What You Need to Know - Sorry Mom
Tattoos are beautiful pieces of artwork that have the honor of being displayed on your skin. However, if you or your tattoo artist does not take care of this "artwork" carefully, it can have some not-so-pretty consequences. One of the main results of inadequate tattoo care is known as tattoo scarring. So, what is the main difference between tattoo healing and tattoo scarring? In the beginning, scarring and healing may be indistinguishable as they both can leave your skin inflamed for a couple of weeks. Although, if the tattoo is past the healing period, but your skin is still exhibiting a reddish color, then your tattoo may be scarred. Dealing with tattoo scarring can be scary, especially if you do not know where you went wrong. So, to make this situation a little more comfortable, we have decided to provide you with a guide that will help you get back on track by keeping your tattoo healthy. So, What Exactly is Tattoo Scarring? Tattoo scarring is a condition in which your tattooed skin exhibits scars after healing. When your tattoo has scarred, the skin on and surrounding your tattoo will be red and inflamed. The lines running through your tattoo and some shaded areas may seem swollen or puffy, and you even may see a little discoloration. Otherwise, if your ink is not swollen, it may appear sunken in. What Causes Tattoo Scarring? There are several practices by you or your tattoo artist that can lead to tattoo scarring: - Overworking One common cause of scarring occurs if your tattoo artist overworked your tattoo or has gone too deep into the epidermis. When a deeper layer of your skin is damaged, this prevents your skin from healing normally instead, it heals as a scar. - Peeling at Scabs Tattoo scarring can also be the result of improper aftercare. Scabbing after receiving a tattoo is normal, but if you continuously peel at this tattered skin, then this can cause substantial scarring. Also, beware of scratching as that could unconsciously peel away at your skin. - Infection If you neglect the sanitation of this sensitive area, your tattoo will be susceptible to scarring. Bacterial infection can have unpredictable results, but one of its most eminent consequences is tattoo scarring. - Skin That is Prone to Scarring Everyone's skin adapts to tattoos differently; thus, some people have skin that is more susceptible to scarring than others. If you know your skin has a hard time healing from wounds and blisters, then this may be something you need to consider before getting a tattoo. These reasons stress the importance of going to a trusted tattoo artist, as well as being aware of the proper procedures you should take after obtaining a new tattoo.Read also: Tattoo Aftercare Instructions Can You Fix Tattoo Scarring? Luckily, tattoo scarring is not the end of the world, as there are a plethora of different ways out there that you can use to fix or prevent this issue: - Moisturizer Using a moisturizer will not remove your scar completely, but it will do a substantial job in reducing redness and approving the overall appearance. Most importantly, by using moisturizing products for tattoo healing you will reduce the risk of getting scar tissue. - Tattoo Touch-up If color distortion within your tattoo is extremely evident, then it might be best to get your tattoo touched up. However, if you have significantly raised tissue around and on your tattoo then this may not be an option that should be considered. Does Tattooing Over Scars Hurt? Unfortunately, yes, tattooing over scars will make the procedure more painful than usual. Since your skin is already damaged, it will be especially sensitive, consequently making things a lot more painful. For that reason, It is essential that you wait until your scar is healed before deciding to get it redone. This may take anywhere from months to years, depending on how bad your tissue was damaged. Additionally, if your scarred tissue is raised, it will be a lot more difficult to get it tattooed over; thus, it would be best to wait a bit longer to ensure it has completely healed. As a rule of thumb, the longer you wait to get your ink redone the less pain you will experience. What Does Tattoo Scarring Look Like? Tattoo scarring has many distinct looks, but there are a few popular distinctions that you should be aware of to understand the difference between scarring and healing. - Raised and Sunken Skin A known reaction to tattoo scarring is the appearance of raised or sunken skin. This will occur in the areas of skin that have the most damaged tissue. - Redness and Inflammation If your tattoo still exhibits redness well after it is healed while appearing swollen, then the culprit is definitely tattoo scarring. - Color Distortion Lastly, there is color distortion, which makes the color of your tattoo seem faded and maybe even blurred. Final Thoughts Keep in mind that a tattoo is, after all, just a wound, so it needs to be taken care of accordingly. Always go to a trusted tattoo artist to avoid amateur mistakes that can damage the appearance of your tattoo. Treasure your artwork, and remain educated on proper care, so you can happily show off your gorgeous new ink!
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Tattoo Ink Allergy: 5 Things You Should Know - Sorry Mom
The possibility might not even occur to you. Most people don’t expect themselves to have a reaction to tattoo ink and are surprised when their tattoo does not seem to be healing as their tattoo artist advised. But the fact is, a tattoo ink allergy is a concern for a small population of people who get tattoos. It might be a thought that you have never even considered before.So, is it possible to have an allergy to tattoo ink? It certainly has been the case for some -few- people, who have found rashes and infections developing immediately after they had their ink done. Even worse, some people have experienced the effects of an ink allergy occur years after they have gotten their work done. However, it is worth mentioning that this happens very rarely, so no stress. In this post, we'll talk about tattoo ink allergy, its symptoms and what to do if your body shows signs of having an allergic reaction to ink. Can You Be Allergic to Tattoo Ink? Tattoo allergies tend to be rare, where the ink causes your immune system to react. However, that is not to say that there is zero chance of this either. Your skin may react in unexpected ways after getting a tattoo. While it's normal for it to be sore and swollen, your skin can develop an infection or rash which can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, depending on the severity of your allergy. Symptoms of Tattoo Ink Allergy While it certainly depends, a tattoo ink allergy can manifest in a number of different symptoms that range in painfulness and discomfort.If you have just gotten your ink done, it is completely normal for your tattoo to be slightly inflamed and swollen for at least two weeks after getting the tattoo. Your skin will feel sensitive and sore. It will also undergo a process of scabbing and peeling as the skin renews itself from the new pigment inserted.However, tattoo ink allergies usually form with some of the more severe symptoms that will last longer: Increased redness Pain around the area that is not subsiding Rashes or bumps Fever, chills and shivery Fluid builds up Pus draining from the area Scaly skin around tattoo Skin tags or nodules Difference between an allergy and an infection. The symptoms are very similar between the two but there are some discernable differences. Allergies usually only affect the skin around your tattoo, especially if your allergy is to the ink specifically. An infection usually lasts longer and is more severe, affecting your overall condition through fever and chills. Read also: Tattoo Infection: What to Do How to Treat a Tattoo Allergy? If you find that your allergic reaction is not severe, over the counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine can help reduce the symptoms of the allergy. Applying a cold compress can help alleviate discomfort on the area. Itch-relieving creams are also a good option to help soothe the skin.If you find that the effects of the allergic reaction are not subsiding with generic over the counter treatments, seek advice from your healthcare provider or dermatologist. More serious reactions my require the use of antibiotics or corticosteroids to help curb the inflammation. 5 Things You Should Know About Tattoo Ink Allergy 1. No Need for Tattoo Removal Tattoo removal after an allergy is usually not necessary once you have treated the area and its symptoms have subsided. This depends on the severity on your allergy and if it has escalated to an infection, which can affect the pigment which causes people to remove the tattoo. Every case is different, and the best course of action is to always consult your healthcare provider. Read also: Tattoo Removal Aftercare 2. Allergy Test to Reduce Risks Minimize your risk of future allergies by getting an allergy test done with your healthcare provider. This way, you will be able to discern the ingredients you are sensitive to which allows your tattoo artist to avoid certain ingredients for future tattoos. 3. Prior Skin Conditions: Be Careful Underlying skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can make you more susceptible to allergies. Skin diseases like these can be triggered from getting a tattoo. 4. Hipersensitivity to Certain Colours Allergies usually occur due to a certain hypersensitivity to a colour of ink. Each colour ink may contain ingredients that you are sensitive to. For example, red ink contains iodine which many people are allergic to. 5. Consider a Patch Test Consider doing a patch test with your tattoo artist. Apply ink onto your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any swelling or redness occurs. How Long Do Allergic Reactions to Tattoos Last? There is no set timeframe for how long allergic reactions tend to last. With the right treatment, the reaction might full subside in a few days. However, this can differ if you have had an especially severe reaction and the reaction can last up to a few weeks. Every individual and their skin type is different. The severity of your allergy will depend on each person and their underlying conditions. This will affect the duration of the allergic reaction you may experience. The best thing to do is to consult with your healthcare provider to gather an accurate timeline of how long your reaction will last. Can Your Body Reject Tattoo Ink Years Later? An allergic reaction can occur immediately after you have gotten your tattoo or even several years later. Skin diseases like psoriasis can be triggered by your tattoo, appearing around your ink. Allergic reactions to tattoo ink that appear years later can be triggered from new treatments like antiretroviral treatment for HIV or from joint replacement surgery. Long story short: yes, your body can reject tattoo ink after some years. Summary Tattoos are a lifelong commitment that can present issues if you are not diligent with your health. If you are in doubt, the best course of action before getting a tattoo is to do your research on pigments and any pre-existing skin conditions you may have. Lastly, getting an allergy test done may even help reduce the chances of you getting an allergic reaction to tattoo ink or even an infection to your tattoo altogether.
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How to (Properly) Prepare for a Tattoo: Professional Advice - Sorry Mom
Before you head out for your tattoo session, you might wonder if there's anything you can do to prepare yourself for a more enjoyable session. The answer is yes. There are some steps that can be taken before your tattoo session to ensure that you and your artist have the best experience possible. Tattoos can take a toll on your energy levels and are especially tough on your body, which is why it is important to be ready for your session. Not only will these steps minimize pain, but they will also help your healing process after your appointment is over. In this article we'll talk about best practices on how to prepare for a tattoo session. Let's dive in! Read also: First Tattoo: 6 Things Your Artist Wants You to Know What to Do Before Getting a Tattoo? 6 Basics - Rest Before your appointment, remember to show up well-rested. Depending on the size and intricacy of your tattoo, sessions can last for a few hours and will be tough on your body. - Bring snacks Be sure to show up to your appointment after having a good meal to stay energized. Come to your session prepared with snacks and drinks so that your blood sugar does not go too low at any point. Eating also prevents dizziness that might arise out of nerves or hunger. - Stay hydrated Make sure you stay properly hydrated before and throughout your session with (mainly) water and/or sugary drinks. By ensuring a proper hydration, we'll also help the healing process. Read also: Tattoo Aftercare Instructions Step by Step - Bring entertainment If you are anticipating a long tattooing session, come prepared with headphones or something you enjoy so that you can listen to music and/or watch a TV show or movie to pass the time. If you’re allowed to bring a friend, talk to them to distract yourself from the pain. - Talk to your artist Some tattoo artists work by getting in the zone, which means that they may not be so open to chatting. However, many artists love getting to know their clients, so don’t be shy to strike up a conversation with them. Be perceptive to their cues to make sure that you are not interrupting their flow as you speak to them. - Avoid alcohol Alcohol can thin your blood, which in turn can make you bleed more. As your tattoo artist is depositing ink onto your skin, excess bleeding can make it more difficult for them to tattoo your design. A lack of sleep and dehydration are common symptoms of being hungover, so avoid drinking the night before your tattoo. What you Should NOT Do Before Getting a Tattoo - Sun exposure Avoid spending extended hours under the sun before your tattoo. Excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburns, leaving the surface of your skin sensitive, and in many cases, the drying and peeling of your skin. Not only does this make it more painful and difficult for your artist to tattoo your design, but it can also contribute to infection. - Caffeine Like alcohol, caffeine also should be avoided before getting a tattoo. Caffeine can act as a blood thinner and can also cause you to be jittery. This can make it increasingly difficult for tattoo artists to work on you. Know your limits and be mindful of them as you prepare for your tattoo. - Wear tight clothes Wear clothing that is loose, comfortable, and easily accessible for you and your tattoo artist. You want to be able to lie down for extended periods comfortably. Bear in mind the placement of your tattoo and remember to dress accordingly. For example, if you are getting a piece on your thigh, wear loose shorts or a dress. Can I Use Numbing Cream Before a Tattoo? The biggest concern for many people is the pain that they will encounter as they get tattooed, which is how numbing creams have grown in popularity. Some tattoo artists are open to their clients showing up with numbing cream, others are skeptics of its efficacy, and many are simply against the use of it. Numbing creams are not always a fool-proof way to prevent the pain of a tattoo. If you are struggling to make it through a session and you are finding the pain impossible to tolerate, using a numbing cream may be an option for you to relieve the pain. Be sure to discuss this with your tattoo artist before your session because for certain artists, showing up with the area already numbed might cost you your appointment. How to Prepare for Tattoo Pain Let's get it out of the way: getting tattooed hurts. However, everyone has a different threshold of pain. The best way to prepare for tattoo pain is understanding the factors that affect the level of pain when getting tattooed. Factors like the placement of the tattoo, its size, and the artist’s technique are some of the contributing factors to the pain of the tattoo. Of these three, probably the biggest contributor to pain is the location of your tattoo. Pain is determined by the nerve endings in your body. The more nerve endings an area has, the more painful getting tattooed becomes. Certain areas are more sensitive than others, which is why many tattoo artists recommend tattooing more fleshy parts of the body like the thighs and arms, especially if this is your first tattoo experience. Areas like fingers and feet are bony and have more nerve endings which result in a more painful process of tattooing. Bottom Line The bottom line is that tattoos are both fascinating and no easy feat, therefore they take time and preparation. By taking some of these precautionary steps before you get tattooed, you will create the best environment for both yourself and your tattoo artist.
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All are more or less tattooed but 100% passionate about helping fellow tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts like ourselves
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