Tattoo Aftercare instructions
STARTING OFF RIGHT
You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized instruments and pigments, and after the process, the artist may have dressed the tattoo with a small amount of Tattoo Goo®.
Your tattoo artist might have given you special instructions relating to the aftercare of your specific tattoo, but here are the basics for quick healing, compiled from quality parlor operators worldwide:
- Do not re-bandage the tattoo.
- Do not apply Vaseline, lanolin- or petroleum-based products.
- Do not apply alcohol.
- Do not rub, scratch or pick at the tattoo.
- Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight, swim or soak in a sauna, steam bath or bathtub for two weeks.
- Be sure clothing touching your tattoo is clean and soft.
THE FIRST HOURS
A tattoo is considered minor surgery. It may bleed a bit at first, but it should stop within a couple of hours. Most artists recommend the tattoo be kept bandaged overnight or for at least two to five hours. If the gauze sticks to the skin, soak the area with cold water until the gauze loosens, then remove carefully.
THE FIRST DAYS
Once the tattoo is exposed, wash it carefully in cold water, gently applying antibacterial soap with fingers (never use a cloth) to remove all surface blood. Rinse with cold water, pat dry with a clean towel and air dry for 15 minutes. Then, gently and sparingly apply a thin layer of Tattoo Goo® Salve. Repeat three or four times a day for seven to 10 days.
THE FIRST WEEKS
After five to 14 days, the tattoo may start to peel and scab. This is normal—like a sunburn. DO NOT pick or peel the skin away. Let it fall off naturally during washing or application of Tattoo Goo®. Fresh skin will soon replace the dead skin. Colors may fade a bit during this process but will return when healing is completed.
THE FIRST MONTHS
After a few weeks, all scabbing will be gone, but the area may still be sensitive. Continue regular cleaning and application of Tattoo Goo® Salve or Lotion for proper aftercare of your tattoo.
MOISTURE HELPS HEALING
Tattoo Goo® Salve and Lotion keep your tattoos from drying and the skin areas soft and moist. Always apply sparingly. Too much prevents the skin/tattoo from breathing and can cause leaching of the colors. If this happens, discontinue use, wash the tattoo, pat dry and consult your tattoo artist at your earliest convenience.
WATCH OUT FOR THE SUN
Exposure to the sun is the major cause of tattoo fading, but after a few months you may sunbathe in moderation. Always use a sunblock with at least an SPF 30 that provides UVA and UVB protection.
Piercing Aftercare
1. Keep the piercing clean
To help the healing of a piercing, it must be kept clean at all times. For body piercings, we recommendH2Ocean’s Piercing Aftercare Spray which will help heal the piercing area faster and also avoid infection. For oral piercings, for example, tongue piercings, we recommend H2Ocean’s Healing Rinse Arctic Ocean Mint which will help heal and protect the piercings and it also helps prevent dry mouth.
2. Utilize a healing regimen for new external piercings
At least 3-6 times a day, wet a cotton ball with a H2Ocean’s Piercing Aftercare Spray and gently hold it in the piercing area for approximately 10 minutes. This will serve to loosen any crust that may have formed around the area and also help to take out any dry discharge and lymph secretions.
3. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
New piercings are at a higher risk of getting infected if touched with dirty hands. While it is impossible to avoid touching a new piercing completely, if it is necessary to do so, you should first wash their hands with antibacterial soap. The dry discharge which tends to form around the fresh wound, it’s best not to touch them with your bare hands to avoid introducing bacteria to the area. The best way to deal with dry discharge is to soften them with an aftercare spray and wipe them away using a soft cloth or tissue.
4. Avoid changing or removing jewelry
Jewelry is usually the motivation behind getting a body piercing. It’s important not to rush into changing the jewelry before it heals or you will run into issues getting the new pieces of jewelry into the piercing tract. When changing jewelry with the fistula not fully reinforced, there is a possibility that the piercing tract may close before the new jewelry gets in. We suggest having an experienced professional change the jewelry for the first time and that should happen when piercing area is fully healed. However, you can remove the jewelry in case you are experiencing problems with the piercing material.
5. Avoid going in the pool or ocean
We know you are anxious to show off your new body piercing, especially during the summer when you go to the beach but if you don’t want any issues, stay away from the pool or going in the ocean.
Finally, if a piercing shows signs of being infected, go see a doctor immediately. Issues like swelling and allergic reactions should be addressed immediately, Ignoring an infected piercing could result in more disastrous effects.
Other recommended piercing aftercare tips include:
– Drink plenty of fluids.
– Get enough sleep.
– Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, and nicotine during the healing period.
– Avoid spicy foods if you have a new oral piercing.
Body piercing should be done by a qualified and experienced professional to minimize any risks.
