HOW TO LOOK AFTER A NEW TATTOO

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO

DO

 • Wait 2-4 hours before removing the dressing.

• Wash your hands only with antibacterial soap before removing the dressing.

• Use plain warm water to clean the skin over your new tattoo.
(Soap strips away the natural oils your body is trying to produce to help heal the skin. (If you were in hospital with a wound they would not be putting soap into it)

• DO NOT use a face/wash cloth. Skin on skin is best. Gently use your hand to remove any old blood, mucous or debris.

• Pat dry using a paper towel or clean hand towel. Allow to air dry for a few minutes.

• Apply a small amount, a light film, of your aftercare product.

 Invest in a high quality aftercare like TATTOO AFTERCARE® 

 • Gently massage into the skin.

• Do not over apply. Remember your skin has gone through trauma having been punctured with a row of needles thousands and thousands of times while unloading the ink. So gently does it.

• Do not recover the skin unless your tattoo is oozing fluid. Loose clothing should be sufficient to protect your skin.

• Apply another light film, sparingly, of aftercare 4 hours later.

• Wash the tattoo again at night with warm water and apply another fine layer of aftercare.

 Keeping the skin supple and moisturised during the healing process lessens the chances of scabbing.

• As the healing process progresses washing the tattooed skin with water once a day will be sufficient cleansing. Apply a light application of aftercare 2-4 times daily until the skin has fully healed.

 DONT

• Show your new ink work to all your friends within the first couple of hours. The risk of getting an   infection is much higher in the first few hours after tattooing.• Do not share your aftercare product with anyone – be responsible for your own hygiene.

• During the healing period, stay out of swimming pools, saunas and partaking in water sports until the skin has completely healed. Soaking a new tattoo can cause it to lose its brightness.  It is okay to shower as long as you do not soak the tattooed skin for long periods.

Shirley Jaffrey
The Aftercare Company
Copyright 2012

TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

After your tattoo session – What happens next?

You can expect a little swelling and redness which can last for a few hours. For some people this will go away very quickly. For others it might take longer as they find their skin has become very sensitive following the tattooing process. There may be weeping and some discomfort.

• Each tattoo you have can bring about a different response and for some people no discomfort, redness or swelling. Any symptoms you may have will be temporary.

• You will need to decide how you are going to clean the tattooed skin and what aftercare you will use.

• Tattooed skin will heal on its own without an aftercare but the process can be uncomfortable and the symptoms associated with the process may bring problems. The skin can go very dry and itchy, scabs might form and the chance of picking these due to the itch will increase the risk of infection and loss of ink. The skin could take between 10 – 21 days to heal.

 HEALING PROCESS

As your skin begins to heal the weeping should have stopped. There might be some areas that start to scab. Some people are prone to scabbing. Overworked areas can cause scabbing and for some people their choice of aftercare can cause scabs.

On other areas the skin might start to lightly flake (like skin that peels after sunburn).  This is normal and more noticeable with heavily coloured and full black tattoos. This light flaking may continue for several days then the skin might go shiny – also a bit wrinkly. This is the top layer of skin healing. During this time the skin may become itchy and will be fragile.

The top layer of skin can appear to be fully healed after a few days but the middle layer can still be undergoing change so continue to take care of your skin.

 After a few days the skin can look duller. This is not how your healed tattooed skin will be.

The top and middle layer of skin is undergoing a healing process. As both layers of skin heal your tattoo will start to look brighter.

Once the healing process starts your skin may feel dry and itchy but it should not weep or feel “gloopy”. If this happens change the type of aftercare you are using.

If your skin does scab do not pick them. This can introduce infection and can pull ink out leaving gaps in your ink work. Keep the area moisturized and allow the scabs to fall off naturally.

Keeping the skin moisturized and supple will help prevent scabbing.

The most important thing you can do is invest in a good quality aftercare such as TATTOO AFTERCARE® which will help alleviate and prevent many of the common problems.

Tattoo Aftercare will also protect you skin and help keep the colours vibrant.

CHOOSING AN AFTERCARE PRODUCT

CHOOSING AN AFTERCARE PRODUCT
The cells of your skin were damaged during the tattooing process and the recovery of these cells will be aided by your choice of aftercare and the ingredients that aftercare contains.

 We believe nature has provided us with everything we need to facilitate the proper conditions to aid the recovery of traumatised skin. Always choose 100% natural products for use on broken skin, the ingredients will be tried and tested over hundreds if not thousands of years, unlike the man-made chemical paraben filled products.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS A GOOD PRODUCT? Start by eliminating those that are definitely no good – some information has been provided below to help.

 • A good tattoo aftercare product should contain ingredients that aid the healing process.
• Check the ingredient list for added fragrance, lanolin, alcohols, artificial colours and nut oils.  
   Products containing this type of ingredients are more likely to cause irritations.
 • Read feedback left by customers
 • Email the company and ask them to explain the ingredient list. Reputable companies will have
     already provided this information on their website.
 • When you find a good product leave feedback on resource sites to help others

D
o not accept or purchase a product that is unlabelled. These products will have been taken from their primary container and could be contaminated during transfer.

TYPES OF PRODUCTS YOU MIGHT WANT TO AVOID INCLUDE: PETROLEUM based products

• Which can be water resistant and stops moisture leaving the body. This can cause irritations.

• They clog up pores causing pimples.

• And may affect colour vibrancy.

•They do not contain any skin healing ingredients.

ANTIOBIOTIC CREAMS

These should only be used if you have seen a doctor and have a proven skin infection.

PHARMACY PRODUCTSOver the counter pharmacy products can be recommended by friends. Many are not designed for tattooed skin. Haemorrhoid cream once was a popular choice. Haemorrhoid cream is designed to treat the swollen tissues of haemorrhoids and works by constricting the nearby blood vessels that feed blood and fluid to the area. Healing skin needs a good blood supply.

NAPPY RASH/ Diaper CREAMS

 Baby creams are designed to stop moisture getting into the skin and are not usually recommended for use on broken skin (check manufacturers’ guidelines). They are a barrier cream. Barrier creams lock in moisture that may come after tattooing. Some also contain the ingredient lanolin which some people are allergic too. (If wool jumpers make you itch then an allergy to lanolin is possible)

PARABEN PRESERVATIVES in Aftercare products

 Ethyl Paraben – Methyl Paraben – Butyl Paraben – Propyl Paraben

 The long term effects of using these types of products on our skin are being questioned.  Paraben preservatives are receiving much debate in scientific circles these days after being found in cancerous tumours and in breast cancer tissue in women and in the male reproductive areas. People using aftercare products on broken skin should be aware of the potential long term effects these man-made chemicals may cause to their health and wellbeing in later years.

Some aftercare products on the market today, including soaps, contain these chemicals; some also contain Propylene Glycol an industrial antifreeze solution! The same stuff you use in the car to stop the water freezing in winter. The above information will not be highlighted by the companies vying for your custom but a little research, Google etc, will show the reader more ingredients to be aware of.

DERMATOLOGY TESTING

 If you think your skin may be more sensitive than normal consider doing a mini-patch test before you use a new product. Apply a small amount of product behind your ear or on your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.

Bear in mind that broken skin may still produce a result different to your patch test so when you apply your chosen product to newly tattooed skin apply a small amount over the first hour, and if all goes well apply more.

 Check products that state they have dermatology testing that the tests have been carried out on newly tattooed skin or broken or damaged skin and not just normal skin dermatology tests.

Shirley Jaffrey
The Aftercare CompanyCopyright 2012

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE MY TATTOO TO HEAL?

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE MY TATTOO TO HEAL?

A. The length of time tattooed skin takes to heal is dependent on:

• Your general health. Certain medical conditions i.e. diabetes can affect your healing experience. Check your medical history with your artist.
• The position of the tattoo on the body
• The size of the tattoo
• The ink colours
• The skill of the artist
• How the skin was cared for afterwards
• The aftercare used

 Most of our customers report a 4-7 day healing period for the top layer of skin, however if your tattoo does take longer to heal as long as it is clean, showing no signs of infection then carry on with your aftercare routine and let nature takes its course.

The layers of skin underneath can take a few weeks and sometimes longer to heal fully. Remember the skin is the largest organ of the human body and is also the most versatile.

Shirley Jaffreywww.theaftercarecompany.com
Copyright 2012

Q. Can I have a problem because my skin was shaved before getting a Tattoo?

Q. Can I have a problem because my skin was shaved before getting a Tattoo?

A. Shaving removes the top layer of cells of the epidermis along with the hairs. If an area is particularly hairy, the razor can be brought against the skin a number of times. This can irritate the skin before the tattooing process begins.

When the hairs grow back sometimes they can turn back on themselves and other times grow squint. This can cause pimples about 2-5 days after tattooing. Many areas need to be shaved before tattooing so if the area of skin to be tattooed is very hairy discuss with your tattooist about preparing this area beforehand. Artists use disposable razors and trials have shown these are the best to use.

OTHER COMMON PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE AVOIDED:

Over cleaning, vigorous cleaning, or using a cleanser that is too strong. Over application of aftercare, thick layers of aftercare applied making the skin sweat, and trapping lymph fl uid that needs to be exuded – this can cause a “bubbling” effect on the skin. It can also cause pimples.

(Over application of an aftercare product is the biggest cause of people having a problem with their healing skin – adding too much suffocates the skin. Less is more!)

Friction caused by tight restrictive clothing.

Poor general health i.e. having a tattoo when you have the cold.

Shirley Jaffrey
www.theaftercarecompany.com
Copyright 2012

Q. My Tattoo is still oozing fluid. What should I do?

Q. My Tattoo is still oozing fluid. What should I do?

A. Treat the area gently. During the tattooing process the lymph and sweat glands have been disturbed and they may exude fluid that needs to leave the skin. Over application of an aftercare trapping the excess fluid can cause problems.

Lightly clean the area with warm water. Dab dry using a clean towel or tissue, don’t rub, and allow to air dry for a few minutes. Repeat the process very gently if required. Apply a very light film of aftercare, (less is more!).

If you need to apply a dressing choose a non-stick dressing. If the dressing sticks when you go to remove it use warm water to gently soak the dressing off . Repeat the above process. The excretions will stop as the healing progresses.

If the secretions continue leave the skin for a day without any aftercare and allow it to dry out.
Then follow the above.

Shirley Jaffrey
www.theaftercarecompany.com
Copyright 2012

Looking after a Tattoo for Life

LONG TERM CARE
The ink is placed in the dermis layer of the skin. You view your tattoo looking through the epidermis layer of the skin into the dermis layer. How you care for that top layer of skin will affect how your tattoo looks. Bright healthy skin will give a clearer brighter tattoo. Dull skin can make your tattoo look jaded.

 Moisturizing and sun block play an important part in the long term care of tattooed skin. Treat your tattooed skin as you would your face. Apply a regular moisturiser.
TATTOO AFTERCARE®  can also be used as a daily moisturiser once your tattoo has fully healed. Avoid harsh soaps and cleaners.

IN THE SUNUse a sun block when you are in the sun and avoid using sun beds. The sun is the greatest enemy of tattooed skin and will do more damage than anything else you do. Sun block creams have a complicated ingredient list to ensure they do what they say. Branded sun block companies have huge budgets set aside for the research and development of these products. That is why we recommend that you use a high factor or total sun block product from a well known brand. That way you will be guaranteed the effectiveness of the product you use.

Shirley Jaffrey
www.theaftercarecompany.com
Copyright 2012

Where does the ink go in the skin?

TATTOO INK POSITIONThe skin is made up of three layers – the Epidermis, the Dermis and Subcutaneous tissue.

THE EPIDERMIS

• Outer thinner layer of skin and is made up of four or five cell layers.

 • The thickness of the epidermis varies from person to person and each area of the body. It can be 0.05mm on the eyelids and 1.5mm on the soles of your feet.

• It acts as a protective barrier and contains no blood vessels. It is constantly being replenished and we shed a top layer of epidermis about every two weeks.

THE DERMIS

• Inner layer and is made up of two portions. It varies in thickness. It can be 0.3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back.

• Situated in the dermis are hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, apocrine (scent) glands and eccrine (sweat) glands. Blood vessels and nerves run through this layer.

THE SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE

• Also know as the hypodermis – is a layer of fat, connective tissue and larger blood vessels and nerves. The size of this layer varies throughout the body and from person to person

WHERE DOES THE INK GO?Tattoo needles enter the skin through the epidermis into the dermis. It is in the dermis layer that the ink is placed. The depth in which the needles go in will vary across the body and from person to person.

Shirley Jaffreywww.theaftercarecompany.com
Copyright 2012

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO CLEANING AND AFTERCARE PRODUCTS

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO CLEANING AND AFTERCARE PRODUCTS
The majority of people whether it is their first tattoo or one of many experience no problems during the healing process. However some people may have an allergic reactions to products used during and after the tattooing process.

Having a reaction affects the way the tattoo looks when it is healing and can be uncomfortable. For most people they will be able to treat the problem at home. Healing can take longer but the skin will settle and most people will find that their tattoo is unharmed. There may be some touch ups needed but this can occur also for people who have had a problem free healing process.

ALLERGIC REACTIONSWith the increase in the number of people getting tattooed and the increase in sensitivity to products and ingredients there is a small risk that you may be allergic to the cleaning agents used, soaps, latex gloves, the aftercare product and the tattoo ink.

There are two main types of reaction:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis or Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITISIrritant contact dermatitis occurs when the body becomes irritated by the off ending agent damaging the skin. Common causes: soaps, detergents, chemical based or added fragrance products. This can be products used to clean the skin or some types of aftercare/skin care products.  The skin is often more painful than itchy. It can develop a red scaling rash. The area can be tight and red. Pimples can appear. The time taken for the reaction to occur can vary from within a few minutes to over days if the exposure is to a weaker irritant over time i.e. soap.

OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES of allergic reaction:
Latex Gloves, Medical Tape, Laundry Detergent used to wash your clothes.

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITISAllergic Contact Dermatitis happens when a person is allergic to a specific ingredient or ingredients in a product. The scale of the reaction can be from mild irritation to a more serious reaction. The affected area can become red, itchy, and sore, blisters may form. There can be small/large pimples or hives around the area. Allergic reactions can show immediately but can also occur 24-48 hours after contact. The blistered skin can become infected.

TREATMENT• Stop using any product you are applying to your skin.

• Avoid using any soap or cleanser.

• An over the counter painkiller and antihistamine tablets can help ease the irritated skin.

• Use ice cubes wrapped in a cotton cover to ease swelling and redness (do not apply ice cubes direct onto the skin)

• A very light application of olive oil for a couple of days can help keep the tattooed skin softened without causing more problems. |

• As redness subsides start using an aftercare product which contains skin soothing agents.

• Do not squeeze or pick any blisters. If irritation is prolonged or worsens your doctor will advise best treatment.

ALLERGIC REACTION TO TATTOO INKSAllergic Reaction to Tattoo Inks – Not overly common but can happen. If you were allergic to the tattoo ink then that area would never fully heal. Certain hues of RED BLUE and GREEN seem to be the most common colours for allergies and black ink the least.

If after six weeks you are still having problems you may have to consider that you have had a reaction to the ink pigment. If this is the case your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist and they will advise what treatment you will need.

It is also possible not to have any problems then as long as a year later find the tattoo ink starts to blister and come away from your skin. If this happens inform the artist who did your work. You could also register the information on tattoo forum sites. Your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS can vary from a mild irritation to a severe reaction. Having not had a reaction before to a particular product or cleaning agent does not mean that you will never develop an allergy to that product.

DERMATOLOGY TESTING
 If you think your skin may be more sensitive than normal consider doing a mini-patch test before you use a new product. Apply a small amount of product behind your ear or on your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.

Bear in mind that broken skin may still produce a result different to your patch test so when you apply your chosen product to newly tattooed skin apply a small amount over the first hour, and if all goes well apply more.

 Check products that state they have dermatology testing that the tests have been carried out on newly tattooed skin or broken or damaged skin and not just normal skin dermatology tests.

Shirley Jaffrey
The Aftercare Company
Copyright 2012