JULIA FROST
Aftercare
Aftercare is a really important step to make sure your new tattoo heals well and lasts properly. Tattooing opens up your skin, leaving you vulnerable to infection and scarring if proper care is not taken in the healing stage.
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The First Day
Wait a few hours and until you are safely home to remove the cling film. You’ll probably notice fluid oozing from the tattoo. This is blood, plasma and some extra ink. It’s normal. Your skin may be red and sore and slightly warm to the touch.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm soapy water and pat it dry with a clean towel. If you are leaving the house later on, wrap the tattoo with fresh cling film again and repeat these steps when you get home.
Healing Process
During the first week you should gently wash your tattoo daily and apply a healing ointment in thin layers 3-5 times a day. Respond to what your body is asking for. If it looks dry: moisturise, if it looks hydrated: leave it alone. I recommend Aquaphor by Eucerin as the best cream to use.
Your tattoo will likely scab and start to peel off, it may also itch in this time. It is very important not to pick or scratch the tattoo as you can pull out the ink and also risk infection.
Once the tattoo has finished its peeling stage you can reduce the healing ointment to 1-2 times per day until the skin is fully healed and back to normal. Some tattoos will take longer than others to heal completely but the normal range is 1-4 weeks.
Avoid baths, swimming and saunas for 2 weeks and avoid sports/the gym for at least the first 4 days post tattoo.
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Long Term Care
Keeping your ​tattoos looking beautiful requires care. The better you look after your skin, the better your tattoos will last.
Wear a high factor sun cream over your tattoos or cover them up in strong sun and avoid sun beds.
Using a good moisturiser like cocoa or shea butter regularly will help keep your tattoos looking fresher.