What is the aftercare after getting a tattoo? Includes recommended ointments and what to do in case of failure!

Tattoos are etched into the skin by scarring and inking the skin, so proper aftercare is necessary.

In addition, new tattoos can lead to problems such as infection, uneven coloring, and design breakdown if proper care is not taken, because the skin is in a delicate state.

However, there are many things you may not know about proper aftercare, what to do in case of a mistake, which ointment to apply, and so on.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the reasons for aftercare that you must keep in mind after tattooing, specific procedures, changes over time, three recommended ointments, and even what to do if you make a mistake.

Reasons why you need aftercare after getting a tattoo

After getting a tattoo, aftercare is always necessary.

Here are some reasons why aftercare is necessary after getting a tattoo.

To prevent infection from the wound

Immediately after getting a tattoo, the skin is very delicate and sensitive because it has numerous small wounds caused by the needle.

The barrier function of this wound is greatly reduced compared to healthy skin, and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses can easily invade.

Therefore, neglecting aftercare increases the risk of bacteria entering the wound and causing infection such as suppuration, swelling, and fever.

Especially during the first few days after the procedure, when the skin has not fully recovered, it is important to keep the affected area clean and free of external irritants and dirt.

To ensure proper coloring and good retention of ink

Tattoo ink is injected into the skin by carving, but immediately after the procedure, the ink is still in an unstable state of fixation.

If aftercare is neglected, the ink will not settle evenly and may fade or become uneven.

In addition, although the ink looks very vivid immediately after the procedure, scabbing or drying of the surface during the skin recovery process may cause the color to appear temporarily muddy.

Moisturizing and UV protection are also important, as dryness, sunburn, and excessive moisture can also interfere with ink retention!

Careful healing of the wound will give the tattoo a beautiful finish.

It is very important to carefully heal the wounds after the procedure in order to get a beautiful tattoo.

The tattoo is inked on the skin with fine scratches, so the skin is in a kind of scarred state after the procedure.

If this wound does not heal properly, problems such as scabbing, color loss, and blurring of the design can easily occur.

In particular, if the wound is too dry or if the scab is forcibly peeled off, the ink may come off with it, causing the tattoo to fade in some areas or blur the outline.

If the skin is properly recovered with thorough aftercare, the ink will settle nicely and the original vivid color and sharp lines of the tattoo will be preserved for a long time.

[After the procedure] How to take care of your tattoo aftercare

It is important to take care of your tattoo immediately after the procedure.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to take care of your tattoo after the procedure.

STEP1. Apply Vaseline after the procedure

After the procedure is completed, first apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the treated area.

Vaseline creates a protective film on the surface of the skin, preventing it from drying out and preventing external stimuli and bacteria from entering.

Also, when applying Vaseline, apply it gently with clean hands, as rubbing it too hard can damage the skin.

Applying Vaseline will prevent the ink from leaking out and make it easier for the pigment to settle firmly on the skin!

STEP2. Protect the affected area with a protective wrap.

After applying the Vaseline, wrap the affected area with a protective wrap.

Wrapping the area with protective wrap will keep the wound from being damaged by outside germs, dust, and friction with your clothing immediately after the tattoo.

It also prevents ink and bodily fluids from getting on your clothes and bedding, thus ensuring good hygiene!

STEP3. Remove the protective wrap after 2-3 hours and rinse off the Vaseline.

After 2-3 hours have passed with the protective wrap still wrapped around your tattoo, carefully remove it.

After removing the protective wrap, gently rinse off the Vaseline applied to the treatment area and any secretions such as ink or body fluids with warm water.

At this point, the key is to wash it lightly with your hands, without scrubbing hard!

STEP4. Gently dry off the water and let it dry.

After rinsing off the Vaseline, dry the treated area gently.

Wipe off the moisture by lightly pressing down with a clean towel, or dry with a hair dryer using cool air at low heat.

When using a hair dryer, be sure to use cold air, as hot air will over-dry the area.

Make sure to dry thoroughly, as any moisture left on the tattoo will allow bacteria to grow and increase the risk of infection.

STEP5. Apply Tattoo Cream Ointment

Once the treatment area is completely dry, apply a special tattoo aftercare cream or ointment.

Aftercare creams and ointments contain ingredients that are highly moisturizing and promote wound healing.

Some tattoo creams also contain ingredients that reduce inflammation and itching, reducing the discomfort you may feel during the healing process.

When using this product, be sure to clean your hands before applying an appropriate amount in a thin, even layer.

We also recommend ointments for tattoo aftercare in the next section!

3 recommended moisturizing creams for tattoo aftercare

As mentioned in the previous chapter, it is important to apply moisturizing cream as a concluding step in tattoo aftercare.

However, with so many aftercare moisturizing creams on the market, many people may not know which product is best.

Here are three recommended moisturizing creams for tattoo aftercare.

Ink Aftercare Cream

Ink Aftercare Cream is a special cream that moisturizes the delicate skin after tattooing, and prevents color splash, uneven coloring, and line breakdown, while supporting a beautiful finish.

It contains many plant-derived ingredients and skin recovery support ingredients that help the skin recover, making it gentle to use even on sensitive skin.

In addition, the product is paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, and petroleum oil-free, which is another point of reassurance.

Manufactured in Japan and tested for stability, the product is highly recommended by many engravers, and its highly moisturizing yet non-greasy feel is also attractive!

Bokusai INKED GEL

Bokusai INKED GEL is an aftercare gel for tattoos made entirely in Japan.

It is a quasi-drug approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and contains a rich blend of active ingredients such as allantoin and placenta extract that support skin recovery while reducing inflammation, pain and itching.

It is especially high in moisturizing power, firmly preventing dryness and flakiness after tattooing, and supports beautiful results by improving ink coloration and color retention.

The gel type product is stretchy and comfortable to use as it blends into the skin immediately after application without stickiness.

We recommend this aftercare gel for those who have trouble choosing a tattoo care product and for those who have sensitive skin, as it is both reliable and realistic.

AFTER INKED

AFTER INKED is a vegan tattoo aftercare lotion used by professional tattoo artists worldwide.

The patented proprietary formula is enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as grapeseed oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil.

It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and petroleum-free, and its hypoallergenic design is safe for use on sensitive skin.

It is also non-sticky and does not stick to clothing, making it stress-free for daily use.

It is also versatile enough to be used not only for tattoos, but also for permanent makeup such as lips and eyebrows, and for moisturizing after laser procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tattoo Aftercare

Here are some frequently asked questions about tattoo aftercare.

What happens if I don't do any aftercare after getting a tattoo?

First, if the wound is not properly protected, the skin barrier function may be compromised by dryness and external stimuli, which can lead to infection.

In addition, failure to properly moisturize the scab can lead to thickening and cracking of the scab, which will prevent the ink from setting evenly and lead to poor results, such as loss of color and unevenness.

Also, if the scab is forced off before it peels off naturally, the ink may peel off, causing some of the tattoo to fade or the lines to blur.

To protect the beauty and healthy healing of your tattoo, it is important to always follow the proper aftercare procedures as described in this article after the procedure!

How long should I keep the aftercare film dressing on?

The period of time to keep the film dressing on for tattoo aftercare is about 3-4 days immediately after the procedure.

A film dressing is a medical grade protective sheet that adheres more closely to the skin than a protective wrap, making it ideal for aftercare.

After the film dressing is removed, the affected area should be washed clean with warm water and gentle soap and allowed to dry naturally before applying moisturizing care.

Be sure to check the advice of the sculptor who performed the procedure for the best timing and method.

What to do if aftercare fails?

If aftercare fails, it is important to first check the condition of the tattoo area and take appropriate action without rushing.

For example, if you fail to keep the area moisturized and it becomes dry, cracked, scab thick or unevenly colored, immediately use a moisturizing cream or special aftercare cream to keep the affected area dry.

If symptoms such as itching, redness, or festering appear, keep the affected area clean and seek medical attention as soon as possible if the condition worsens.

If you feel that some of the color has blown off or the design has been compromised, consult the tattoo studio where you had it done.

Many studios will generally offer free retouching within a certain period of time.

Even with careful care, it is common for tattoos to be scratched while sleeping or rubbed against clothing, so don't hesitate to consult a professional for help to ensure a satisfactory result!

Summary on Tattoo Aftercare

In this article, we have introduced methods and recommended aftercare creams regarding tattoo aftercare.

Tattoo aftercare is a very important process to keep the coloring of your tattoo clean, so it is essential that you do it every day without neglect.

If you fail to follow the aftercare procedure, please consult a specialist as soon as possible to take appropriate measures.

A tattoo is a lifetime, so taking care of it with love and care will help keep it beautiful for a long time!