Ensure your skin is in good condition. Drink plenty of water so your skin is well hydrated. Use a skin moisturizer.
Take Vitamin C and Zinc to boost your immune system thus helping your tattoo to heal quicker.
Try to keep out of the sun as much as possible.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting your ink because alcohol thins the blood which could result in heavy bleeding when getting your tattoo.
Always go to a professional artist, shop around first, watch them work and make sure the tattoo parlour is clean and sterile.
Eat, rest well and make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your appointment otherwise you may experience light-headedness.
Caring For Tattoos
Now the tattoo is done and the next stage is getting it to heal properly and continue to look great for years to come. Professional salons will provide you with an information and after-care sheet. The basics are:-
A few hours after you get home you can remove the bandage, wipe off the ointment and oozing body fluid with a tissue.
Wash carefully with an anti-bacterial soap and dry thoroughly by gently patting the wound. This is a major factor in the speed of healing.
Apply a cream or ointment containing Vitamin E three or four times a day. Vitamin E has moisturizing properties and promotes healing. Re-apply bandage.
Avoid soaking or submerging in water, such as swimming or bathing during the healing process. Doing so could result in colour loss, scarring or infection.
Avoid exposing the tattoo to the sun. Too much sun exposure could cause your tattoo to lose some of its colour. After the tattoo has healed, you should apply sunscreen before exposure to the sun. This is necessary for the life of your tattoo, sunlight being the biggest reason for tattoo fading.
After a day or two, you will notice that the tattoo will begin to scab. Do not rub, scratch or pick at the tattoo as this can cause damage. Allow the scabs to fall off naturally.
Within a week or so, your tattoo should be completely healed and ready to show off. With proper treatment and care, you will have a tattoo you can enjoy for years and years to come.
If you experience any problems consult your own doctor or tattoo artist for more help.
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