Aftercare Instructions

8 Mistakes that can damage a brand new tattoo

 

1 – Swimming or saunas – especially wild swimming in lakes, rivers, and the sea.

You shouldn’t go in any bodies of water for at least three weeks as there is a high risk of infection in a healing tattoo. Rivers, lakes and the sea may contain sewage that can get in your open tattoo. You also need to avoid swimming pools as the chlorine in the water can fade the fresh pigment. You also need to avoid saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms which can contain bacteria.

 

2 – Soaking in the bath

This can be tempting but it’s a big no.  Soaking will soften the tattoo and make it more susceptible to damage and infection.

If you want to have a relaxing soak wait until your tattoo is healed.

 

3 – Sunbathing

Exposing a new tattoo to the sun will damage it as the freshly tattooed skin is healing and delicate. It will fade the colours quicker than if you kept it covered and out of the sun. Sun exposure is definitely to be avoided in the first few weeks.

Once the tattoo has healed use a high factor sun block on it to keep it looking good.

 

4 – Sleeping in a dirty bed

Your bedding should be clean as there is a chance of bacteria getting on the tattoo and causing an infection. Bed sheets, duvets, pillows, and towels should all be clean. Wear clean night clothes but be aware that the ink from the tattoo can seep out overnight onto your sheets and clothes, so don't use your finest linens.

 

5 – Letting people touch your tattoo

People are fascinated by new tattoos and always seem to want to touch them! It’s up to you to stop them. People’s hands are grubby and filled with all sorts of bacteria that could cause an infection in the tattoo. They may also accidentally rip off scabs or pull at the skin which will damage the tattoo.

 

6 – Overdoing cream or messing with it too much

Tattoos need to be kept moist but not over-moisturized. Too much cream can actually delay the healing process and extend tattoo healing time as it prevents oxygen from reaching the area and can make the tattoo softer and more susceptible to damage. Tattoos do heal on their own. Don’t get paranoid and mess with your tattoo too much, leave it alone as much as possible to heal!

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7- Excessive sweating or exercising too soon after your appointment

Perspiration can entrap excess moisture in the area of a tattoo. This build-up of moisture will become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms and promote bacterial growth. Sweat must be washed away as soon as possible to avoid a bacterial infection. Excessive sweating with a new tattoo can disintegrate the ink before the skin has had time to trap it. Vigorous movement can crack scabs, tear freshly bonding skin, cause swelling, irritation, discomfort and pain. Rubbing a fresh wound on unclean gym equipment will cause an infection. This type of damage will prolong the healing process and keep you out of the gym for much longer than necessary.  In general, it’s best to hold off on exercise for at least two weeks.  If you just can’t help yourself and must work out after the tattoo, find low-impact activities such as yoga and light workouts until it is fully healed. This way you can still work out while giving your new tattoo time to heal.

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8- Wearing the wrong kind of clothes.

Only wear clean clothes over your fresh tattoo. Wear loose clothes that are not likely to rub on it until it’s fully healed.  This can cause scabbing or increase your chances of infection. Smooth material like nylon or cotton are a good choice during the first two weeks after getting inked. Nothing with tiny fibers like fleece or wool that can stick to your tattoo and cause infection. You also want to avoid wearing any clothing that contains zippers or buttons.

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