Wound care
Quantity discount
CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units CHF137.–/1l
TattooMed After Tattoo
100 ml, Lotion
How to look after your new tattoo
28.2.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
True, fresh tattoos are works of art on the skin. But they’re also wounds that need to be treated properly. From initial cleaning to long-term care, here’s how to achieve a beautiful result.
Your long-awaited tattoo has just become a reality. And even if your parents or friends aren’t irritated, your skin certainly will be. The needles have done their job, not only beautifying your skin but also damaging it. Congratulations, you’re one of the approximately 12 per cent of Europeans whose body’s adorned with a (more or less) unique work of art. According to Swiss newspaper Tagblatt (article in German), one in five Swiss people have a tattoo. It’s even one in two among 20- to 30-year-olds!
And if you've just stepped out of a tattoo parlour, this is when the critical phase of tattoo care begins. After all, you want your tattoo to heal quickly and beautifully to look good in the long term. The sooner you start, the better.
The first few days – tattoo care basics
In the first few days after getting a tattoo, it’s basically an open wound. That’s why you need to be particularly careful at the start. Your skin’s still very sensitive and susceptible to infections due to the many pinpricks it was exposed to. Your tattoo artist will disinfect the area immediately after the session and cover it with a protective layer, which isusually a plastic film. You should keep it on your skin for a few hours – usually until the next day.
Once you’ve removed the plastic, it’s time to carefully clean your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently dabbing instead of rubbing is the motto. Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo, then dab the area dry and apply a special tattoo ointment, which usually contains panthenol.
You can also use other types of common wound cream – ideally zinc-free, unscented products. Cream keeps the skin supple and supports the healing process. You can also cover the tattooed area with a breathable plaster to keep dirt and bacteria out. At night, it’s also a good idea to protect the tattoo with cling film in the early days, just remember to change it every time you clean.
I also recommend applying a thin layer of wound cream to the tattooed area two to three times a day to improve healing. Don’t forget to wash your hands beforehand. Be patient during the healing process, never scratch off scabs!
Tattoo care: what else to look out for
Easy to do in winter, but a challenge in summer especially: no bathing, swimming or intensive sun exposure in the first six to eight weeks. However, this doesn’t mean you can no longer wash yourself. Showering is generally allowed, but make sure the water doesn’t spray your tattoo directly and that the water isn’t too hot. Use less and above all mild shampoos and gels, shower as briefly as possible and be careful when drying too.
Even if it’s tempting, follow the same rules that apply for mosquito bites. Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo. You should also give the freshly tattooed area room to breathe, i.e. wear loose and soft clothing instead of tight-fitting things. The right choice of fabric here is cotton, for example. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, may irritate your skin.
Long-term care for colourful tattoos
After the initial healing phase is over and the skin has regenerated, it’s important to preserve the beauty and (for colourful tattoos) colour of your tattoo in the long term. Sun protection plays a crucial role here. UV radiation causes colours to fade, red in particular. Your tattooed skin is generally much more susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, protect the tattooed skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF), especially when you leave shaded areas. Sun creams with an SPF of 50 or more are recommended.
Regular moisturising is also important. A good moisturising cream keeps the skin supple and ensures that the tattoo continues to look fresh and colourful. Also remember to avoid products with alcohol and fragrances.
A few final tips
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin from the inside.
- Eat a balanced diet to support the healing process and general skin health.
- Consult a dermatologist immediately if there are signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling or even pus.
Header image: shutterstock
Moritz Weinstock
Autor von customize mediahouse
oliver.fischer@digitecgalaxus.chNotebook, camera, laptop or smartphone. For me, life's about taking notes – both analogue and digital. What's always on me? My iPod Shuffle. It's all in the mix, after all. This is also reflected in the topics I write about.
Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
3 comments
later