Your tattoo isn't completely finished when you leave the shop. You still have three weeks to a month of healing to do, and proper aftercare during that time is essential. A tattoo that doesn't heal properly is subject to infection or loss of color. Once your tattoo is completely healed, you can camouflage it with makeup when necessary.
The First Night
The tattoo artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a thick layer of protective ointment. The most commonly used is vitamin A and D ointment, though petroleum jelly is sometimes used as well. After applying the ointment, the artist will cover the tattoo with either plastic wrap or a plastic-covered pad. It is important to leave the pad on for at least four hours, and to leave the plastic wrap on overnight. Even though your first inclination may be to run home, rip it off and wash away the goo, the bandage serves an important purpose while your skin is still secreting plasma. Removing the bandage allows the tattoo to stick to clothes and sheets, causing discomfort and possible ink loss.
The Next Morning
Remove the bandage from your tattoo the morning after you get it. You can then begin cleaning the tattoo daily with unscented liquid antibacterial soap. Bar soap can harbor bacteria and contain irritating perfumes. Likewise, a fresh tattoo should always be dried with clean paper towels to prevent the transmission of bacteria from your bath towel. After drying your tattoo, you can apply a thin layer of tattoo healing ointment. Antibiotic ointments can be irritating, so a neutral preparation containing vitamins A and D works best.
The Second Week
After four to seven days of using ointment, your tattoo will start to dry, scab and flake. This is normal. It is important to resist the temptation to pick at scabs, as this can remove ink and leave the skin open to infection. Your healing tattoo will probably itch. To prevent scabbing, New York City tattoo artist Denise de la Cerda recommends pouring rubbing alcohol directly onto the tattoo when you feel the urge to scratch. Because alcohol dries the skin, you should apply tattoo ointment after use. After the first four days, you can switch from ointment to an unscented water-based lotion.
Avoiding Problems While Healing
Your new tattoo should be kept out of the sun while healing. Refrain from using tanning beds or going into swimming pools or hot tubs. It is important to guard against MRSA, or Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a severe staph infection that can occur if your tattoo comes into contact with contaminated surfaces. Anyone's skin may carry staph, which is harmless until it comes into contact with an open wound. If you notice red blisters beginning to form around the tattoo, see a doctor immediately.
Tattoo Camouflage
Once the tattoo is completely healed, you may wish to use cosmetics to cover it on occasion. Camouflage cosmetics provide full coverage of birthmarks, scars and tattoos, and are manufactured by several different companies. Stores that sell stage makeup, which is heavier than daily-wear makeup, often sell camouflage cosmetics as well. Because tattoos fade over time, an older one may be easier to cover up than a new one. Ask a makeup artist at your favorite cosmetics counter for tips on matching your skin tone and on correct product application. Do not attempt to apply makeup to a tattoo that is less than one month old.
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