10 Things That Can Ruin Your New Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is a big decision and a way to express yourself that requires proper care to heal well and stay vivid. However, there are a lot of things that can mess up your brand-new tattoo. So, the question is, “what things can ruin your new tattoo?”
Things like avoiding your artist’s instructions, exposure to the sun and environmental elements and inadequate aftercare can ruin your tattoo and let it fade soon. If you want your tattoo to look great and last a long time, avoid these things.
Here is not the end of the discussion though. There are some more things that can have a negative impact on your tattoo and how to prevent them from happening. Learning how to avoid these mistakes is important whether you’re getting your first tattoo or you already have a collection of tattoos.
Understanding New Tattoos on Your Body
Learning what to expect before getting a tattoo can help make the experience more enjoyable and meaningful.
To begin with, fresh tattoos are like fresh wounds. Tattoos are made by injecting ink deep into the dermis. The process leaves tiny punctures that must close tightly to prevent infection and keep the tattoo’s pigment from fading.
Your tattoo artist will give you detailed aftercare instructions to follow for the next few weeks as your skin heals. During the healing process, the area around the tattoo may become red, itchy, and swollen.
This is your body’s natural reaction to the damage, and it’s completely normal. However, you should contact a doctor immediately if you see any signs of infection, such as persistent redness, pain, or discharge.
And keep in mind that tattoos are meant to be permanent additions to your skin. Tattoo ink is specifically formulated to last for many years, so while your tattoo may fade slightly over time, it will never go away entirely.
10 Things That Can Ruin Your New Tattoo
Tattoos have been around for generations as a means of expressing oneself and personalizing the body. The right care will ensure that they continue to appear brand new for many years to come, despite being permanently attached to your body.
However, there are a number of factors that can diminish the quality of your new tattoo or even lead to infection. If you want your new tattoo to last as long as possible, avoid these 10 common mistakes.
1. Failing to follow the artist’s directions
One of the most typical errors people make when caring for a fresh tattoo is to ignore the artist’s directions. If you want your tattoo to heal properly and keep its colour, your artist will give you detailed aftercare instructions.
These instructions will vary depending on the artist and the specific tattoo, but they will typically include information on how to clean and moisturize the tattoo, as well as what to avoid during the healing process.
Failing to follow the artist’s instructions can lead to a range of problems, including infection, slow healing, and poor tattoo quality. You could have a bad reaction or delay the healing process, for instance, if you use a substance that the artist has not suggested.
2. Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays
New tattoos are especially vulnerable to the sun and UV rays, which can cause the ink to fade and the skin to become inflamed. Sunlight’s penetrating ultraviolet (UV) rays can degrade tattoo ink, causing the color and brilliance to fade over time.
It’s a must to limit your new tattoo’s exposure to the sun and ultraviolet radiation as much as possible while it is healing. Your tattooist may advise you to use a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re going to be outside in the sun.
3. Swimming in pools or oceans
In addition to increasing the risk of infection, the chemicals in pool water and the salt in ocean water can irritate a freshly inked tattoo. Saltwater can cause the tattoo to swell and become itchy, while chlorine, used to disinfect pool water, can dry it out and fade it.
And because the tattoo is constantly exposed to bacteria when swimming, it might get infected. If you’re planning on going swimming after getting a tattoo, you should wait at least two to four weeks.
4. Scratching or plucking
If you scratch or pick at your fresh tattoo, you could end up ruining it. Scratching or picking at the tattoo can cause infection and scarring by introducing bacteria into the wound.
It can also cause the tattoo to blur or fade, spoiling its appearance.
If you want to keep your tattoo in good condition, you should resist the temptation to scratch or pick at it while it’s healing. Instead, be gentle and keep the tattoo well-hydrated with an aftercare ointment. Consult your tattoo artist for assistance if the itch persists.
5. Over-application of aftercare ointments
One of the most common mistakes people make while caring for their new tattoos is applying too much aftercare cream. A tattoo aftercare ointment is necessary for the tattoo to heal, but using too much might cause damage.
If you use too much ointment, the skin won’t be able to breathe and recover. A delayed healing time or possibly an infection may arise from this.
In addition to the ink spreading and blurring as a result of too much moisture, a shiny, over-moisturized appearance might result from using too much ointment.
6. Not moisturizing a new tattoo
The most common mistake individuals make while getting a fresh tattoo is forgetting to keep it moist. The skin around a tattoo is an open wound that needs to be kept moist to speed healing and prevent scabbing.
Lack of water causes the skin around tattoos to dry out and crack, which can cause the ink to flake off and the color to fade. As an added bonus, dry skin might make you more susceptible to infections.
To avoid this, use the tattoo aftercare lotion or ointment your artist suggests, preferably one that has no added fragrance. It will help protect the tattooed area from drying out and breaking.
7. Using harsh soaps or products
New tattoos need special care to avoid irritating the skin and hastening their fade if strong cleansers or lotions are used. The harsh ingredients in these cosmetics might cause the skin to become dry and more prone to infection.
Use only the prescribed soaps and aftercare products from your tattoo artist, which should be mild and fragrance-free. To avoid dryness and premature ageing, use a lotion without any fragrance.
Products with alcohol or scents should be avoided since they might irritate the skin and speed up the tattoo’s fading process. Instead, pick aftercare items that are made with tattoos in mind.
8. Using substances with alcohol
Alcohol-based products should be avoided around a fresh tattoo since they can harm the skin and slow the healing process. Drying and itching and burning are two side effects of alcohol drying effects that can make the healing process more unpleasant.
In addition, using an alcohol-based treatment can dry out the skin, leading to cracks that can increase the risk of infection and cause scarring. A tattoo’s ink may become inflamed in this way, hindering its ability to heal normally.
Tattoo aftercare products are specially formulated to be mild and non-irritating, therefore it’s best to avoid using alcohol-based products on a fresh tattoo.
9. Putting unclean hands on a fresh tattoo
New tattoos are more susceptible to infection if touched by someone with unclean hands. During the healing phase, it is crucial to keep the tattoo clean and limit your handling of it.
Be cautious to fully wash your hands with soap and water before touching the tattoo if you find yourself in such a position. A clean, sterile bandage can be used to cover the tattoo and keep germs at bay.
10. Not wearing protective clothing
Another easy way to destroy your new tattoo is by not using protective gear. The tattoo can fade and become inflamed if it is exposed directly to the sun, dust, or other environmental components.
Because the skin is still delicate and sensitive, this is especially crucial while the wound is healing. Always try to hide your new tattoo beneath layers of natural fiber clothing, like cotton, to keep it in pristine condition.
Finally, proper care is crucial to keeping your new tattoo appearing fresh. If you can avoid doing these ten things, your tattoo will retain its vibrant color and high quality for a very long time. Make sure to see your tattoo artist if you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo.
Tips for Taking Care of New Tattoo
Taking care of a new tattoo is crucial for ensuring that it heals well and stays vibrant for years to come. Here are 5 tips for taking care of your new tattoo:
Keep it Clean
Wash your tattoo regularly with lukewarm water and mild soap to remove any dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh soaps or soaking the tattoo in water as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use Aftercare Ointment
Apply a recommended aftercare ointment, such as petroleum jelly or a specialized tattoo ointment, to keep the skin moisturized and prevent scabbing.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Protect your tattoo from direct sun exposure by covering it up with loose-fitting clothing or applying a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can cause the tattoo to fade and become irritated.
Use Ice Packs
Using ice packs can help to reduce swelling and discomfort during the healing process. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and hold it against the tattoo for 10-15 minutes at a time. This will also help to reduce itching and improve circulation to the area.
Avoid Touching
Avoid touching the tattoo, especially with dirty hands, as this can introduce bacteria into the wound and increase the risk of infection.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your new tattoo heals well and stays vibrant for years to come. Remember to always listen to your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a new tattoo to heal?
It typically takes two to four weeks for a new tattoo to heal completely. During this time, you should follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and keep the tattoo clean and moisturized to ensure proper healing.
Is it normal to experience redness, itching, and swelling after getting a tattoo?
Yes, these are normal side effects of the healing process. The body responds to the injury of tattooing by producing inflammation, which can cause redness, itching, and swelling. This usually subsides within a few days to a week.
Can I expose my new tattoo to the sun or swim in the pool?
No, it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure and chlorinated water, as these can cause the tattoo to fade and become irritated. You should also avoid extreme temperatures, such as hot showers and saunas, during the healing process.
How can I protect my tattoo from fading over time?
To protect your tattoo from fading, you should keep it out of direct sunlight and moisturize it regularly. You should also avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and products, such as bleach and alcohol.
Regular touch-ups by your tattoo artist can also help keep your tattoo looking vibrant for years to come.
Wrapping Up
We hope that you’ve got what you were looking for.
From avoiding certain activities and products to protecting the tattoo from the sun and environmental elements, there are several things that can ruin a new tattoo.
By understanding and avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure that your tattoo looks as good as new for years to come and that it remains a source of pride and personal expression for you.
So, it’s crucial to be mindful and attentive during the healing process and to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
