So, you’re sporting some fresh ink… congrats! There’s nothing quite like a brand new tattoo. But, to make sure your body art stays looking fresh, it’s important to take your tattoo aftercare seriously. In truth, proper aftercare is the difference between a good tattoo and an amazing tattoo, and it’s up to you to make sure you look after the tattooed area once your artist finishes his work.
Here’s a few tips to make sure your tattoo healing process is as smooth as possible.
Avoid Submersion. After you get a new tattoo, you should avoid swimming, soaking in hot tubs, or generally any sort of full submersion of the tattoo in water.
Wash carefully. While submersion is a no-no, showers are typically fine. Post tattoo-sesh, keep the dressing on for as long as your tattoo artist recommends (which could be just a few hours.) The dressing is used to help stem excess ink, fluid, or leaks from the tattoo.
Apply ointment. Pretty much every artist has their own tattoo aftercare ointment, whether it’s shea butter, coconut oil, artificial skin, or special lotions. But, keep in mind that over-application can clog the pores and cause irritation and interfere with the healing process.
It’s a good practice to use the ointment that’s recommended by the artist who gave you the tattoo. Right after your tattoo, most artists will apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the tattoo and then cover the area. This prevents bacteria from getting into your skin, which is very vulnerable post tattoo. It also protects rubbing onto your clothes. You’ll want to continue using the recommended ointment until the tattoo has healed completely.
Cleansing Steps
Once you remove the covering, follow these steps to make sure you wash the area properly and avoid skin irritation.
During the healing process, which can take weeks or months, there’s several things you need to keep in mind:
Built in 1914 and restored in 2011, Remington Tattoo Parlor + Gallery is an industrial, modern meets apothecary artist’s studio. We’re located in the North Park district in the heart of San Diego, near the corner of 30th and Upas, at 3009 Myrtle Avenue San Diego, CA 92104.
Visit our unique shop, meet our artists and find the one that is right for you and your tattoo. Our Latest Works page showcases our most recent tattoos and behind-the-scenes shots that don’t make it to our portfolios. To schedule an appointment with one of our artists at Remington, contact us today.