If you are considering getting a new tattoo, whether it’s a bold cluster of geometric shapes, a humorous sketch, or perhaps an elegant piece of lettering, it will likely mean something significant to you. Whether it’s your first experience or you’re adding to your personal collection of body art, the act still holds a form of personal or symbolic affirmation.
Tattoos have become less countercultural and more mainstream over the years, but the guidelines on how to care for them remain varied and occasionally contradictory.
Once the tattooist drops their machine, disagreements arise regarding the immediate aftercare of this fresh piece of body art. Coverings to protect the newly created work range from traditional plastic film to newer alternatives. Some advise instant washing of the tattoo using an antibacterial soap as soon as you get home, whilst others suggest a waiting period of several days before gently cleansing with a scent-free, gentler soap.
A myriad of ointment possibilities are presented, ranging from well-known products like Vaseline and Aquaphor, to more natural oils and butters, and from creams intended for baby rashes to a wealth of products specifically marketed for tattoo healing.
Confusion can easily turn into bewilderment over the conflicting advice.
“There is a great deal of inconsistent and unclear information out there,” mentioned Naresh Bhana, the proprietor of Flamin’ Eight, a familiar tattoo parlour in London. “It is our duty to guide our patrons as effectively as we can through this process.”
How fast your tattoo will heal can be influenced by your health record, its size, and its location on your body, according to both tattoo artists and dermatologists.
Nevertheless, all stakeholders agree that maintaining the area clean, especially early within the healing period, which typically lasts between two to four weeks, is vital.
When your tattoo is inked, tiny needles force particles of ink through the upper layer of the skin, leaving behind tiny piercings that allow ink to sit beneath the surface of the skin. These miniscule openings can form ‘microchannels’, as explained by Deborah S Sarnoff, a seasoned dermatology professor at New York University.
Maintaining a new tattoo can be a delicate process to prevent infection. In the immediate aftermath, often for approximately 48 hours, the freshly inked skin is particularly susceptible to harmful bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Hence, activities such as swimming either in the sea, pools, or hot tubs should be avoided, as these environments could act as a breeding ground for pathogens. This may cause one to reconsider getting a tattoo if they are planning a trip to a beach or similar location shortly after.
After the tattoo procedure, some experts suggest cleaning the new ink within a few hours to remove any residual ink and plasma build-up. However, Sarnoff, a professional in the field, advocates letting the dressing on the tattoo be undisturbed for two days. Only after this period should you clean your hands and, subsequently, sterilise the tattoo area twice daily.
Selecting a soap of choice is essential, a mild and preferably unscented one would suffice. As Robinson, a certified New York City dermatologist, suggests the process should involve gentle soaking, without any vigorous scrubbing, picking or peeling of the scabs.
Choosing a soap can be debate sparking. Some tattoo creators advise using antibacterial soap, while others, like Bhana, think these could be overly aggressive. Bhana recommends using a very mild, perfectly pH neutral soap.
According to professionals, a moist environment aids in the better recovery of a wound, reducing the chances of scarring. Unless the wound shows signs of infection, they recommend steering clear from antibiotic creams and other specialised products. Instead, petrolatum, otherwise known as petroleum jelly (popularly sold as Vaseline), is favoured. Robinson argues that it’s superior to most other products as it contains no allergens such as scents and preservatives.
Regardless, the role of petrolatum-based products in tattoo aftercare is controversial. Tatto artists usually recommend these ointments, like Aquaphor or A+D, for the first few days, followed by lighter lotions later on. However, they mostly believe from personal experience that a new tattoo requires exposure to air for efficient healing, thus making them cast doubt on the efficacy of these petrolatum-based products.
Lal Hardy, a veteran tattoo artist who founded his studio in London over four decades ago, pointed out the significant rise in tattoo aftercare products. He often promotes the use of straightforward items such as cocoa butter or an odourless hypoallergenic moisturiser, readily available in pharmacies. According to Hardy, these are uncomplicated items for clients to use, being crucial for the healing process.
However, he cautioned clients against excessive application of these creams, emphasising that tattoos need exposure to air to mend properly. Over-application of cream deprives the tattoo of this necessary air.
A crucial part of the healing process is keeping the tattoo moist, and dermatologists haven’t found any product superior to Vaseline in achieving this. They warn that sales pitches from tattoo artists might sometimes be biased, although they acknowledge the intimate understanding of the healing process that these artists possess.
If clients are hesitant about using petroleum jelly, it would be advisable to select another kind of oil. The healing period may span weeks or even longer, influenced by the size of the tattoo. Once the skin smooths over, however, the tattoo healing process is complete. Application of sunscreen can prolong the vibrance of a newly healed tattoo.
Issues such as allergic reactions to ink, unusual scarring, or regret over the chosen design are why clients typically approach dermatologists post-tattoo. Dermatologists, if consulted about a delayed healing process, suggest seeking an evaluation from a certified practitioner.
Tattoos are more than just skin-deep alterations; they should be seen as medical procedures, and thus, research is crucial. Understanding the potential issues is necessary for anyone considering a tattoo. According to several tattoo artists, a proper method of application and subsequent care should see tattoos heal smoothly in normal circumstances.
However, in the event of problems, it’s advised to approach the original tattoo artist for further guidance first. No matter the choice of ointment, soap, or bandage, healing cannot be expedited. Hardy states, “Let your body do the work, and it will be fine.” The original article was published in The New York Times in 2024.