Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but post-tattoo healing should also come with great responsibility as it is an important step to ensure that your tattoo is bright and clear for years to come! However, during the summer, exposure to heat, sweat and sun can challenge proper tattoo aftercare. If done correctly, the tattoo can be properly healed and preserved its beauty.
In this blog, we will categorize everything you need to know about summer tattoo aftercare. It explains why it lasts for how long it lasts, and even some practical tips on summer tattoo aftercare for new ink. Continue reading.
How important is tattoo aftercare?
It is essential to fully recognize how important summer tattoo aftercare is for your new ink and your healthy look. Getting a tattoo involves a bit of trauma in your skin. Your skin needs to heal, so the level of healing after a tattoo varies, and how you deal with the tattoo at this point will dramatically affect the final product.
Proper aftercare will prevent infection, reduce scabs and scars, and ensure that your tattoo is vibrant and crisp. Failure to follow the following aftercare instructions may increase the risk of complications:
- Infectious diseases: When an open wound infects you, bacteria can enter the skin and cause a variety of infections.
- decline: Tattoo ink can fade more quickly when exposed to the sun or harsh chemicals.
- Inconsistent healing: Injuring or choosing a scab can interfere with the healing process and leave uneven inks and scars.
Tattoo aftercare can be enjoyed forever by not only protecting the tattoo from environmental elements, but also by properly healing it. But adding summer weather complications makes it even more important for industry experts to stick to a great aftercare routine.
How long does tattoo aftercare take?
The duration of the tattoo aftercare process depends on the size, location and complexity of the tattoo, but usually lasts around 2-4 weeks. During the first few days, tattoos are in the most sensitive and irritating state, so you need to be very careful in the early stages.
First 1-2 weeks:
The first few weeks are most important to the healing process as the tattoo is healed from within, and the outer layer of the skin forms a scab at this time. Activities that can harm the healing skin and cause scarring and infection should be avoided. Here’s what you can expect in the first week or two:
- 1-3 days: However, expect redness, swelling and some ooze. This is completely normal. You need to stick to proper cleansing and moisturizing habits to avoid bacterial accumulation.
- 4-7 days: A few days later, after the tattoo begins to scab, the scab will start to heal and the scab will start to peel off, but do not touch the soothing skin.
- 7-14 days: By the end of the second week, the tattoo should feel soft. However, you still want to be calm and continue with instructions for summer tattoo aftercare.
3-4 weeks:
The outer skin layer may soothe, but internal skin repairs are still happening. The fades observed during this period should remain with skin healing until complete skin regeneration occurs. Apply sunscreen enthusiastically as it remains the frequent reason behind the fading and discoloration of the tattoo when exposed to sunlight.
How to take care of a new tattoo in the summer?
Summer months bring unique challenges to tattoo aftercare as you spend more time in the sunlight, exchange sweat and participate in outdoor activities. These steps below will help you with your tattoo aftercare for summer days.
1. Please provide clean and moisturize
Tattoo artists place the bandage directly on the new tattoo immediately after the procedure is completed. The specified period for bandage wear is usually between 3 and several hours. The first step after removing the bandage is to wash the tattoo at a comfortable temperature while using a comfortable soap, wipe the skin with a dry towel, and a thin layer of ointment recommended by scentless artists Expand the Protecting the tattoo from infection and maintaining good healing behavior comes from keeping it clean and moisturizing.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
New tattoos are more likely to damage and decay along with skin irritation due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. During the first healing phase, which lasts two to three weeks, the new tattoo should be protected with loose, breathable material while the outside is on the outside. A healed tattoo should use a high SPF sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) daily to protect against fading damage and sun exposure.
3. Stay away from the pool or waters
Those with fresh tattoos must refrain from swimming in the pool, the ocean, the lake, or hot tub. Your skin faces the risk of irritation and infection when contacted with water bodies carrying bacteria and chlorine chemicals. Swimmers should refrain from exposure to water for at least 2-3 weeks after obtaining a fresh tattoo until the healing process is complete.
4. Wear loose, breathable clothing
Wearing contracting clothes creates friction from the irritating tattoos while the healing slows down. The loose, breathable cotton fabric provides the perfect option for healing tattoos as it allows air circulation while reducing friction. To protect tattoos in high friction zones, gentle bandages must be applied.
5. Maintain hydration
Drinking enough water reduces the risk of peeling and scab formation. If your skin gets dry, your tattoo will heal more slowly. Your daily liquid intake should be 8 cups per day to maintain healthy skin, especially when temperatures rise.
6. Don’t choose or damage it
Healing leads to normal itching and skin peeling, but scratches and picking can create scars in the skin and cause unattractive healing patterns. You can manage itching with light tapping or by using a small amount of “Lubriderm Daily Moidure Lotion” or “Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream” to keep you hydrated.
7. Limit exposure to alcohol and excessive sunlight
Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption is one of the summer tattoo aftercare tips, as alcohol can dry out the skin and prevent healing. Too much sun exposure can damage your tattoo as well. Limit exposure to both of the first week to ensure that the tattoo is completely healed and remains in its color.
Summer Tattoo Aftercare: Sunscreen Tips
A new tattoo acts as an open wound that shows extreme risk from exposure to the sun. Human skin develops several problems after UV exposure, including delayed healing along with fading effects and irritation. Follow these steps to protect both the appearance of your tattoo and your overall health.
1. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few weeks
For the normal healing of fresh tattoos, it is necessary to provide full protection from direct sunlight (2-3 weeks). UTB radiation damages tattoo inks as it induces ink fading and increases susceptibility to infection. Healing process. When spending time outdoors, you should wear clothes or place bandages on your tattoo.
Best UV protection clothing:
- Nike Dri-Fit UV Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Parka
- Coolibar UPF 50+ Sleeve
2. Cover the tattoo
When going outside, you should wear comfortable clothes that protect your tattoo from dangerous UV rays. Along with dark fabric and solidly woven materials, it is the perfect choice to block exposure to sunlight. Tight or rough fiber materials should be avoided as they cause irritation to the tattoo surface.
The best fabric choice:
- Soft and breathable 100% cotton
- Bamboo fabric
- UV protective sleeves or wraps
3. Wait before applying sunscreen
When your tattoo is soothed from a fresh state, it is not safe to use sunscreen. An open wound should not be treated with sunscreen as its chemicals can cause irritating effects on skin damage. Before applying sunscreen, you need to wait for the tattoo to completely heal for 3-4 weeks.
4. If you are soothed, use a tattoo-friendly sunscreen
Once the healing is complete, you should use a sunscreen that provides high SPF protection from both normal and UVA UV rays to protect your tattoo. Search for sunscreens manufactured for tattoos that combine scentless abuse and moisturizing attributes.
Top sunscreen picks for soothing tattoos
- Mad Rabbit Protects Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30
- Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70
- Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
- Ink Ease Ink Shield SPF 50 Spray
Conclusion
In conclusion, during the summer, certain care measures are required to maintain the fresh look of your new tattoo while preventing fading. Your healing tattoo requires the best treatments, including moisturizing, protection from direct sunlight, avoiding swimming, and severe sweating. After healing, get premium sunscreen that should be frequently reapplied to stop fading.
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