Congratulations on your stunning new tattoo! To keep that masterpiece looking vibrant and flawless for years to come, proper aftercare is essential. Here's a breakdown of the aftercare process, complete with a timeline and recommendations for Stories & Ink's gentle, tattoo-friendly products:
The First 48 Hours: Protecting Your New Art
- Leave the bandage on: Your artist will apply a bandage after finishing your tattoo. Resist the urge to peek! This initial dressing protects the area from contaminants while plasma and ink seep out. Follow your artist's instructions on when to remove it, typically after 24-48 hours.
- Gently cleanse: Once you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and Stories & Ink's Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleanser. This cleanser is specifically formulated for new tattoos, removing plasma and excess ink without irritation. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft cloth (no rubbing!).
Days 3-14: Keeping it Clean and Moisturised
- Wash twice daily: Continue washing your tattoo twice a day with lukewarm water and Stories & Ink's Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleanser.
- Moisturise religiously: After washing, apply a thin layer of Stories & Ink's Tattoo Balm. This fragrance-free balm is packed with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E to keep your tattoo moist and support healing.Apply 2-3 times a day, especially after showering or washing the area.
- Itching is expected, scratching is not: Itching is a natural part of the healing process as your body replaces injured skin cells. To soothe the itch, try gently patting the area or applying a cool compress. Resist the urge to scratch, as this can irritate the tattoo and damage the healing skin.
Weeks 2-4: Embrace the (New) Normal
- Keep it clean and dry: You can ditch the super-strict cleansing routine, but washing your tattoo daily with gentle soap is still crucial. Avoid soaking or submerging your tattoo for extended periods.
- Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise: Don't skimp on the moisturiser! Continued hydration with Stories & Ink's Tattoo Balm helps maintain healthy, vibrant skin and keeps your tattoo looking its best.
- Sun's out, but tattoos stay covered: Sun exposure is a tattoo's worst enemy. For the first few months, avoid direct sunlight completely. Once healed, always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever your tattoo is exposed.
Scabbing: A Natural Part of Healing
You may notice some light scabbing during the healing process. This is completely normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern. Just like with itching, avoid picking at the scabs! Let them flake off naturally to prevent scarring or loss of ink.
Beyond a Month: Long-Term Care for a Lasting Masterpiece
- Maintain a gentle cleansing routine: Washing your tattoo with fragrance-free soap remains a good habit.
- Moisturise regularly: Show your tattoo some love with regular application of a fragrance-free lotion like Stories & Ink's Daily Moisturiser. This will keep your skin and tattoo hydrated, preventing dryness and fading.
- Sun protection forever: Sunscreen becomes your tattoo's best friend. Make applying SPF a daily habit, even on cloudy days.
Bonus Tip: Listen to your body! If you experience excessive redness, swelling, pus, or intense, persistent itching, consult your doctor or dermatologist to rule out infection.
By following these steps and using Stories & Ink's gentle, tattoo-approved products, you'll ensure your new tattoo heals flawlessly and maintains its brilliance for years to come. Now go forth and flaunt that fantastic ink with confidence!