It is always expected that a tattoo last forever, at least, that’s usually the idea when you make one, but the truth is that they tend to fade. The colors disappear and fine lines and lettering become blurry and less vibrant.
The speed at which it fades tattoo depends on several factors, including the quality of the ink, skin healththe friction and the Sun exposureBut, fortunately, and it can slow the fading process and make your tattoos stay fresh longer. Let’s look at how to take care of your tattoo so that it survives better in the long run.
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Sun protection is the most important aspect of tattoo aftercare.
Minimize sun exposure
Sun protection reduces the risk of skin cancer and prevents the tattoo from fading quickly. The artists of Oxbow Tattoo in EasthamptonThey explain that the sun is a major factor in the breakdown of all tattoo styles. «All pigment spreads slowly over time, and sun exposure can really accelerate the degradation of a tattoo, regardless of whether it’s black or black and gray.»
To keep your tattoo looking new, use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more . If you can cover your tattoos when it’s sunny, that helps too. On the contrary, moisturize and apply sunscreen frequently .
For long-term care, you should always use sunscreen on tattoos.
Moisturize frequently
How much more hydrated your skin is, the more vibrant and healthy your tattoos will look. Tattoo Moisturizer mentions cocoa butter as highly effective in preventing tattoo aging, saying that «Cocoa butter is rich in healthy fatty acidsas well as vitamins E and K. These are components that help fight, or at least delay, the appearance of skin aging.» , «But you can choose the moisturizer that you like best for your skin type.
Then there are the specific tattoo care products like tattoo cream mad rabbitmade with vitamin C and Erosehip oil, butter cocoaoil of argan Y aloe. You decide whether or not to buy or market a specific tattoo lotion, but the principle is that moisture is important.
If your tattoo starts to fade or become distorted, remember: you can always go back for a touch-up.
Apply special care to tattoos with more exposure
Some parts of the body wear out more than othersand since overexposure can affect the longevity of a tattoo, these areas should be given extra attention.
Oxbow Tattoo mentions the shoulders as an example and recommends applying additional sunscreen. The finger tattoos They are another area where tattoos often fade faster than usual: «We use our hands constantly, so bending and rubbing can contribute to the need for a touch-up in some cases,» they explain. In this case, one special tattoo cream can be a good investment.
If you want your tattoo to continue looking freshly inked long after you’ve done it, it’s important to follow proper aftercare guidelines.
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Stay in touch with your tattoo artist
Yes minimize sun exposure and keep your skin hydrated, your tattoo will resist The test of time (or, at least, it will fade slower than usual), but the longevity of a tattoo begins in the design.
«Tattoo ink has come a long way, and the artists’ application skills really help tattoos stay vibrant and beautiful for many, many years,» he says. Oxbow Tattoo. If the longevity of your tattoo is important to you, talk to your artist about the longevity of your design and the location where you want it to be drawn before inking it. Just as we take special care of our face so that it looks hydrated and healthy, you must also moisturize, apply sunscreen and exfoliate your body so that your tattoos adapt well to your skin and age well.
And be realistic about touch-ups, as your tattoo will probably need it over time as the only way.»real«to keep your tattoo like new, so know the signs that your tattoo is ready for a touch-up. «If your tattoo has lost its vibrancy in color and appears dull or is missing the color that was originally inked, it’s time for a touch-up,» he says. Oxbow Tattoo.
«If the black lines have spread significantly and appear blurry, losing their sharp appearance, you can have your tattoo readjusted to make it look sharp again.»
Why is tattoo aftercare important?
According to New York-based tattoo artist Ghinko, who has a residency at Bang Bang Tattoo, tattoo aftercare is just as important as skin care. “Just as we take special care of our face so that it looks hydrated and healthy, you should also hydrate, [aplicar] sunscreen and exfoliate your body so your tattoos adapt well to your skin and age well,” he explains.
What is the best way to care for a new tattoo?
- Keep it wrapped at first. Often when you get a tattoo, the artist wraps it in cling film to protect it for the first few days to keep out bacteria and prevent rubbing. «Depending on the size and the artist’s advice, you’ll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film for one to three days,» says Ghinko. Apply sunscreen carefully. Avoid direct sun exposure for the first month after getting your tattoo, and be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your tattoo whenever you’re out in the sun to prevent fading.
- Achieves a hydration balance. Be sure to listen to your tattoo artist and apply soothing products and creams that will reduce itchiness, scarring, and tissue damage. Moisturizing your skin helps speed up the healing process.
- Apply occlusives lightly. «People tend to overapply Aquaphor or healing creams, but you’re really supposed to apply a thin layer at a time, so your skin can breathe too,» says Ghinko.
- Treat it with care. «Treat a new tattoo like new stitches,» says Ghinko. «Take it easy.»
What should you not do after getting a tattoo?
- drink alcohol in excess. Ghinko advises not to drink heavily before or after a tattoo. This is because alcohol thins your blood, which could cause you to bleed more than normal during the tattoo and healing process.
- Go swimming. «When a new tattoo is exposed to a pool or lake…it can cause irritation and infection,» says Ghinko. Avoid swimming for two to four weeks after the tattoo.
- Sunbathe. For the first month after your tattoo, avoid sun exposure to prevent fading and color distortion.
- Hydrate excessively. A little hydration is essential, but according to Ghinko, it’s also important to let your skin breathe while it heals.
- Scratch. Tattoos tend to itch while they heal, but resist the urge to scratch, which can irritate or tear the skin. Instead, Ghinko says to slap him.