Did you just get a tattoo? If your tattoo artist did not give you directions about proper tattoo healing process, I would not go back to him/her. A tattoo healing process is not complete until tattooed skin has healed well. During tattoo healing process, you must pass up developing scabs over the tattoo. The following steps will show you how tattoo healing process can be achieved and how to properly care for your tattoo so that it’s fine-looking and will look good for years to come. Remove the gauze or cover up. Cleanse the tattoo out with Non-scented anti-bacterial soap. Pat it dry. Do not rub it. Wash the tattoo softly using a circular motion. Avoid applying friction to the tattoo. Use light pressure.
Healing a tattoo properly – tattoo healing timeline
The process of healing a tattoo correctly begins the moment a proud new tattoo owner walks out of the tattoo parlor. The first initial days of the tattoo healing time line are critical to promote healthy healing and life-time preservation of the permanent ink artwork on your skin.
What does a healthy healing tattoo look like?
A tattoo in good physical shape, healing tattoo looks sore and a bit red – this is normal. If you imagine of getting a new tattoo in relation to having minor surgery, you will understand that your new tattoo is a wound. In order for a tattoo to be stable, the tattoo artist had to get through three layers of skin. This is the same as a cut. Expect the healing process of a tattoo to be alike to the healing process of a wound.
Healing Stages of Tattoos
Tattoo Healing Timeline
- Tattoo Healing Timeline – Week 1
For the duration of the first week you may experience sunburn-like sensations in your newly-tattooed area. You may also experience some minor swelling and discomfort. Over-the counter pain relievers can assist to alleviate some of this discomfort.
- Tattoo Healing Timeline – Week 2
Your new tattoo may start to peel and flake. The area of your new tattoo may also feel dry and itchy. Do NOT scratch your new tattoo or pick any scabs!
- Tattoo Healing Timeline – Week 3
By now, most of the scabbing on your new tattoo will be gone. The area may still be sensitive as your skin persists to heal completely.
Healing a Tattoo Properly
It is critical to start proper after care to your new tattoo immediately. Proper aftercare is keys to healing a tattoo accurately and to prolonging the visual appearance of your tattoo.
Receiving a tattoo is similar to having minor surgery. Care must be taken to remain the area as clean, and germ-free, as possible. Ensure that your clothes, and sheets, are also clean.
Do NOT pick at your tattoo. While the recently tattooed area will get itchy, scratching will only prolong the healing process of your tattoo.
Tattoo Healing – Do’s and Don’ts
- Do NOT apply vaseline to your new tattoo
- Do NOT apply alcohol to your new tattoo
- Do NOT swim, or soak in the tub, for at least 2 weeks
- Do NOT get your new tattoo sunburnt
- Don’t scratch, don’t scratch, don’t scratch!
- DO use excellent tattoo aftercare products such as Tattoo Goo’s Tattoo Aftercare Kit
