Did you know there are really key factors you need to know about how caring for a new tattoo? Whether it's your first tattoo or your fiftieth, people still have many differing views on how long it should remain covered, when it should be washed and what, if any, tattoo creams should be used. But by paying attention to the following simple steps, you will avoid tattoo infection and have a design that not only looks great, but is healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Cleansing

initially your tattooist will apply a gauze bandage or patch to protect the freshly damaged skin, remembering that a tattoo is really an open wound, even if it looks artistic! This should be left on for about 4 hours then carefully removed, possibly even as you shower, to avoid peeling any areas of inked skin that may have stuck to the patch. Gentle washing with mild soap and warm water will be fine, but don't rub too hard and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

To keep your tat infection free, make sure you avoid letting other people touch it and wash your hands thoroughly before you touch it. The tattoo does not need to be kept covered and heals within about 2 weeks, but take care and patch it temporarily if it will be exposed to dirt or bumped while working, playing sport, etc. It's a good idea to avoid excess sweating if possible.

Protection

When showering is fine to clean your tattoo do not soak in water and avoid swimming, or soaking in a bath or spa for at least 2-3 weeks. Over-hydration of the skin may cause the ink to wash out or fade and there could be a higher risk of infection in the soft tissue.

The sun is also a problem for Simple Patch Work Tattoos, both new and old. Even short periods of exposure can lead to fading and damage of your tattoo, so it's best to keep your new tat lightly covered or under loose clothing for at least 2-3 weeks. Don't use sunscreen/sunblock creams or sprays until after the skin has fully healed, to help avoid infection!

Healing

Avoid rubbing or picking at the tattooed skin, even if it itches or scabs. If you pick or scratch the healing layers of skin, you may end up with a design that appears faded or slightly patchy, as the ink needs time to settle into the middle layers of your skin. I highly recommend using a good moisturizer like Aveeno daily moisturizer lotion.

Final Tips

By cleansing and then applying just a small amount of that cream 2-3 times a day, my tattoo didn't scab! I simply had soft little inky flakes of skin wipe off each time I showered or moisturized for the first week no nasty, itchy scabs to deal with and my newly tattooed skin felt soft, without being greasy or over-hydrated.