HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO
A Complete Guide to Aftercare
Did you just get a new tattoo? To keep it looking great and vibrant, it's important to take proper care of it. Follow my simple advice to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its colors. Whether it's a small tattoo or a large piece of art, the right care is essential.
Dressing with Film
Leave the bandage on your new tattoo for at least 3 hours and no more than 12 hours.
Gently but thoroughly wash your tattoo under running water with a flat hand. Use a fragrance-free soap for this. If not available, use only water.
Avoid drying your tattoo with a towel or similar to avoid bacteria. Let the tattoo air dry.
After washing, wait for 1 hour to allow the skin to close, then apply a light layer of Panthenol cream.
Dressing with Second Skin
Keep the bandage on your new tattoo for up to 5 days, if possible, and no more than 5 days.
Avoid touching the bandage too much to prevent it from coming loose. Avoid sports and sweat-inducing activities as well as long baths, as they can loosen the bandage.
If the bandage falls off or does not cover adequately, remove it. The same applies if it causes discomfort or irritation.
Remove the bandage most easily under lukewarm running water.
Gently but thoroughly wash your tattoo under running water with a flat hand. Use a fragrance-free soap for this. If not available, use only water.
Avoid drying your tattoo with a towel to avoid bacteria. Let the tattoo air dry.
After washing, wait for 1 hour to allow the skin to close, then apply a light layer of Panthenol cream.
General Care
First 3 Weeks
Keep your tattoo moisturized during the healing process to promote healing. The frequency of applying cream depends on factors like healing speed and skin type. Listen to your body and apply cream if the tattoo feels dry and itchy.
Apply a thin layer of cream about 5-6 times a day and wash the tattoo daily with fragrance-free soap or water 2-3 times a day.
First 3 Weeks
Apply a thin layer of cream about 5-6 times a day and wash the tattoo daily with fragrance-free soap or water 2-3 times a day.
Problems
If you experience any problems, please contact me for advice. Seek medical attention if you notice increased redness, swelling, fluid, or discharge from the tattoo, or if the swelling does not subside within a week.
Panthenol Cream
In the studio, I sell the brand 'Hemp Tattoo Care' for 100 DKK, which I have had very good experiences with.
Most pharmacies carry Panthenol cream in various forms. Ask your local pharmacy staff for recommendations. They sell products like "Apotekets Panthenol" or "Tattoo Aftercare".
Good Advice
Protect your tattoo from the sun. For new tattoos, use sunscreen that is approved for tattoos to preserve the color. Avoid regular sunscreen, as it is not intended for open wounds.
Avoid tight clothing. Your new tattoo is delicate like an abrasion, so avoid clothing that can rub and irritate it. This can otherwise negatively affect the color and healing process.
Do not scratch. Itching is often a sign that your tattoo is drying out. Instead, apply a thin layer of cream to relieve it.
Avoid saltwater and chlorinated water: These can negatively affect the color pigmentation during the healing process.
Use a cream applicator if you have difficulty reaching your tattoo, especially on your back.
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