Your skin will still be sensitive, but you should feel a slight sensation of tightness. Some people describe it as parched skin that feels like it is on the verge of slightly cracking. If your skin feels like this, then now is when to start using lotion on a new tattoo.
It's normal for a brand new tattoo to have some redness around it, and appear swollen for a day or two, especially if it's very large or in a sensitive area. But if the redness and swelling persists for more than a couple of days, or if it gets worse and begins to feel more tender, this could be a cause for concern.
Stress can cause your body to react physically, leading to tightness or spasms. Pain Response: The pain of getting tattooed can trigger a reflexive muscle contraction as your body responds to the discomfort. This is a natural reaction to pain.
Most of the time, the itching is caused by the healing process and is completely normal. There are some other things that might make a tattoo itch, however. These might include an allergic reaction, infection, an underlying skin condition, or environmental factors.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.) Submerge the tattoo in water.
Pain, Swelling and Scabbing (Days 3-6) – The first several days will go by with your tattoo essentially still being a raw open wound. It will likely be painful during cleaning or when clothes/other body parts rub against it. Scabs will start to form towards the end of this stage.
Amongst the factors already mentioned, you may also experience some tightness in the skin around your tattoo – this is due to the skin becoming drier than normal as it heals and is normal. Applying lotion if the skin becomes very tight can lessen the problem somewhat.
You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used!
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.
Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.
Infections: Excessive redness, swelling, or pus are red flags. Allergic reactions: Persistent itching, rashes, or irritation may indicate a reaction to tattoo ink or products. Prolonged healing: If your tattoo isn't healing within the expected timeframe, consult a medical professional.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals which are known carcinogens, was found in a fifth of the samples tested and in 83% of the black inks tested by NICNAS. Other hazardous components included barium, copper, mercury, amines and various colourants.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
Back is Best: Whenever possible, try sleeping on your back to relieve pressure on your tattoo. This helps prevent smudging and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. Don't: Squash Your Art: Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo, especially during the first few nights when it's most sensitive.