How to Ruin a New Tattoo

When you’ve finally gotten that tattoo you’ve been dreaming about, you’re going to want to take care of it. Not only does it have to look good, but you want it to last a long time too. While you can’t exactly keep your fresh ink from degrading over the course of a lifetime, there are a few things you can do to keep it looking its best and prevent a bad situation from developing.

#1 Avoid the Sun

Although it isn’t a problem for everyone, it can be a huge risk for new tattoos. The sun can dry out the skin and make it more prone to irritation. In addition, the heat can cause it to break down the ink and become discolored.

#2 Avoid Sweat

We all sweat, but excessive moisture isn’t a great idea for a freshly tattooed area. This means no intense workouts or sauna sessions, and it also means you shouldn’t wear tight clothing while your tattoo is healing.

#3 Wash Your New Tattoo Daily

You’ll need to give your fresh tattoo some love every day in the first few weeks, so be sure to wash it gently a couple of times a day with lukewarm water and a gentle soap. The warm water will help open the pores and make it easier to remove any dirt or oil from your skin.

#4 Don’t Pick It or Scrub It

If you scratch, scuff, or pick at your new tattoo, you can actually change the way it heals and cause your tattoo to have an unnatural appearance. You can also irritate the area and increase your chances of getting an infection.

#5 Cover Your Tattoo While It’s Healing

After you get your tattoo, the artist will usually place it in a bandage to protect it and to ensure that the ink doesn’t leak. This is a vital part of the process, so it’s essential to follow their instructions.

Once the bandage is removed, be sure to clean your tattoo with a mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat it dry. Then, apply a thin layer of ointment or another approved product (see the list below).

#4 No Plastic Wraps

After your tattoo is done, you may be tempted to put it in a bandage for a few hours before you go home. This is a good idea, as it helps keep the ink from leaking and it protects it from getting rubbed against your clothes.

However, you should avoid putting it in plastic wrapping for the rest of the day, because it can trap in moisture and potentially introduce germs to your still-healing skin.

#6 No Baths, Pools, Jacuzzis or Quick Dips in the Ocean

You may be tempted to head out and soak in the sun after your tattoo has healed, but you need to resist that urge until fall comes around. The sun can irritate your skin and dry out your tattoo, plus you should always wear sunscreen while it’s healing.