After 18 months of living in and out of lockdown, it’s fair to say we’ve had some extra time on our hands. Now, while some of us may have spent time learning new skills (aka baking all the bread), others have been reflecting on how they will revamp their look post-lockdown.
New research, conducted on behalf of the topical anaesthetic cream, Emla, found that 91% of women and 69% of men in the UK were thinking of changing their look for the ‘new normal’ world. While 34% of the 1,520 people asked are considering a post lockdown tattoo, of whom 58% would get one to celebrate the end of lockdown life!
Whether you want to follow in their footsteps to mark the momentous occasion with some fresh new ink or you’ve been sat on the idea for a while – here’s everything you need to know about caring for a new tattoo – whatever the reason for getting it!
How to care for your tattoo
Once your tattoo artist has finished turning your dream into a reality, they will go through aftercare instructions with you – both verbally and written. But in case you forget anything or are unsure, here are five common pieces of advice to follow to keep your tattoo in tip-top shape.
1. Touch your tattoo with clean hands only
When you clean your tattoo, it’s important to do so with clean hands. We’re not talking a quick splash under running water; we mean a full 20 seconds (or more) with soap to ensure they’re sparkling clean.
2. Wash with antibacterial soap
To help keep your ink protected, your tattoo artist will wrap it up before you leave. It would be best if you kept this wrap on for two to three hours after completion (or however long your artist tells you to). Remember, your tattoo is essentially a wound, so it should be treated as such. Wash your hands before cleaning, and then carefully wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, antibacterial soap a couple of time a day.
3. Regularly apply ointment
Before your artist wraps you up, they will apply a light layer of tattoo ointment to provide a protective barrier and slowly start the healing process. Continue this post-care treatment at home to keep the skin moisturised and to allow your tattoo to heal in its own time.
Not sure which ointment to choose? Bepanthen Tattoo is the go-to ointment for many artists. Its gentle formula helps nourish the skin while helping it heal so you can retain the intricate detail or bold colours of your tatt for years to come!
Bepanthen
Bepanthen® Tattoo Care Ointment with Provitamin B5 50g
£6.99
4. Let the tattoo ‘breath’
Don’t worry, we don’t mean your tattoo is going to come to life or anything! We mean to give it room and expose it to fresh air as much as possible. So, once the first wrap comes off, don’t be tempted to wrap it up again and wear loose-fitting clothes wear possible to avoid irritation.
It is also essential to protect your tattoo from the sun and once it has healed completely, use sunscreen to keep your tattoo (and your skin) protected.
5. Do not pick, poke or play with it!
We hope this goes without saying but avoid rubbing, poking, playing or in any way disturbing your tattoo! The time it takes for a tattoo to heal will solely depend on the size. Your skin will start to peel and then eventually scab; this is all part of the healing process – trust your body!
However, if you are concerned about your tattoo – do not hesitate to revisit your tattoo artist or seek medical advice.
Are you a little nervous?
Getting your first ever tattoo is a big deal. You may have spent endless hours pinning and saving all the designs you love, meticulously deciding where it will be on your body and which artist you will go with. So, of course, when the big day arrives, it is natural to feel a bit nervous. One of the main concerns first-timers have is over how much it will hurt.
Of course, getting a tattoo will come with some element of pain and discomfort. Still, you can help alleviate some of that (and any pre-tattoo anxiety) with Emla Cream* – a numbing agent specifically designed to ease the pain of needle procedures. Apply the Emla Cream an hour before your appointment, wrap it up in a water and airtight dressing and let it get to work! Be careful not to wipe or wash off the cream before you sit in the artist’s chair.
Emla
Emla 5% Cream 30g
£27.10
* Emla Cream contains active substances called lidocaine and prilocaine. Always read the label or accompanying leaflet before using this product.
Home » How To Take Care Of Your New Tattoo
How To Take Care Of Your New Tattoo
Home » How To Take Care Of Your New Tattoo
After 18 months of living in and out of lockdown, it’s fair to say we’ve had some extra time on our hands. Now, while some of us may have spent time learning new skills (aka baking all the bread), others have been reflecting on how they will revamp their look post-lockdown.
New research, conducted on behalf of the topical anaesthetic cream, Emla, found that 91% of women and 69% of men in the UK were thinking of changing their look for the ‘new normal’ world. While 34% of the 1,520 people asked are considering a post lockdown tattoo, of whom 58% would get one to celebrate the end of lockdown life!
Whether you want to follow in their footsteps to mark the momentous occasion with some fresh new ink or you’ve been sat on the idea for a while – here’s everything you need to know about caring for a new tattoo – whatever the reason for getting it!
How to care for your tattoo
Once your tattoo artist has finished turning your dream into a reality, they will go through aftercare instructions with you – both verbally and written. But in case you forget anything or are unsure, here are five common pieces of advice to follow to keep your tattoo in tip-top shape.
1. Touch your tattoo with clean hands only
When you clean your tattoo, it’s important to do so with clean hands. We’re not talking a quick splash under running water; we mean a full 20 seconds (or more) with soap to ensure they’re sparkling clean.
2. Wash with antibacterial soap
To help keep your ink protected, your tattoo artist will wrap it up before you leave. It would be best if you kept this wrap on for two to three hours after completion (or however long your artist tells you to). Remember, your tattoo is essentially a wound, so it should be treated as such. Wash your hands before cleaning, and then carefully wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, antibacterial soap a couple of time a day.
3. Regularly apply ointment
Before your artist wraps you up, they will apply a light layer of tattoo ointment to provide a protective barrier and slowly start the healing process. Continue this post-care treatment at home to keep the skin moisturised and to allow your tattoo to heal in its own time.
Not sure which ointment to choose? Bepanthen Tattoo is the go-to ointment for many artists. Its gentle formula helps nourish the skin while helping it heal so you can retain the intricate detail or bold colours of your tatt for years to come!
4. Let the tattoo ‘breath’
Don’t worry, we don’t mean your tattoo is going to come to life or anything! We mean to give it room and expose it to fresh air as much as possible. So, once the first wrap comes off, don’t be tempted to wrap it up again and wear loose-fitting clothes wear possible to avoid irritation.
It is also essential to protect your tattoo from the sun and once it has healed completely, use sunscreen to keep your tattoo (and your skin) protected.
5. Do not pick, poke or play with it!
We hope this goes without saying but avoid rubbing, poking, playing or in any way disturbing your tattoo! The time it takes for a tattoo to heal will solely depend on the size. Your skin will start to peel and then eventually scab; this is all part of the healing process – trust your body!
However, if you are concerned about your tattoo – do not hesitate to revisit your tattoo artist or seek medical advice.
Are you a little nervous?
Getting your first ever tattoo is a big deal. You may have spent endless hours pinning and saving all the designs you love, meticulously deciding where it will be on your body and which artist you will go with. So, of course, when the big day arrives, it is natural to feel a bit nervous. One of the main concerns first-timers have is over how much it will hurt.
Of course, getting a tattoo will come with some element of pain and discomfort. Still, you can help alleviate some of that (and any pre-tattoo anxiety) with Emla Cream* – a numbing agent specifically designed to ease the pain of needle procedures. Apply the Emla Cream an hour before your appointment, wrap it up in a water and airtight dressing and let it get to work! Be careful not to wipe or wash off the cream before you sit in the artist’s chair.
* Emla Cream contains active substances called lidocaine and prilocaine. Always read the label or accompanying leaflet before using this product.
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