'Keep It Clean!' How to Take Care of Your Fresh Tattoo | Ask the Artist
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ต.ค. 2021
- Let's face it, tattoo aftercare is super important. Tattooers can only do so much and once you leave the shop, the responsibility lies on you. We gathered some of our favorite tattooers to discuss their top tips for keeping a tattoo healthy during the healing process and ensuring your new piece will look its best for the long haul. Take a look at their aftercare advice and let us which tips you'll be following in the comments below.
Welcome to Ask the Artist, where your favorite artists share their honest opinions on all things tattooing. From aftercare to tips for first time clients, this is the place to have your burning questions answered by the best of the best.
Anthony Michaels / antmikes
Halle / paperrcutt
Jake Karamol / jakekaramol
Reese Hilburn / theartofreese
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Go into your local swimming pool to clean and wash it. Then go into the sun to dry it naturally. I find toothpaste to be the best moisturizer, dilute with water obviously.
PLEASEEEEEEWE
Imagine how a tattoo would look after this destroying process
@@754fr i hope no one is dumb enough to take this advice.
Dude this shit burns, even used water. What brand did you use?
@@armandovaldes7502 noooooo
PSA: You can do everything under the sun, but not all tattoos will heal the way you want. I got a new tattoo and it's healed somewhat poorly simply because my skin didn't want to take all the ink. The pink turned into a muted red and it was slightly patchy. Artists understand and as long as you ain't picking it, you should be able to get it touched up!
100% couldnt agree more! I was boredline perfect with my hand tattoos in terms of aftercare, but they didnt heal perfectly skin is skin and my skin does not heal perfectly!
@@jackfischer9321 I thought that was just me I did my absolute best with trying to heal my hand tattoo and it was a rough heal definently making sure its fully healed before a touch up
I always felt like I was getting different advice from different artists, but this video kind of confirms that.
My last tattoo artist used second skin, told me to remove it after a day. After that, just made sure to not keep it directly under the shower, mildly washed it with antibacterial soap once aday, and rubbed moisturizer on it twice a day. Doing this for a week or so. All good.
Same with the tattoo artist before that, except she wrapped it with plastic wrap instead of second skin, removed it after a few hours, and then started the "keep it clean, but don't rub it, while still keeping it somewhat moisturized without sealing it off completely" process.
All my tattoos healed with second skin. It gets really annoying around day 3-4, but the result is good and no hassle.
My artist recently had me use Saniderm and omg I will never go back to regular healing.
I use Dermalize and its the same thing. A literal miracle.
i tried it once and had a really bad reaction to the areas i was shave, not tattoo. So i have done usual blue wrap since
i use my spit, tattoos heal like a champ 🤟🏼
I will literally refuse a tattoo if there's no second skin/sanaderm
Aftercare is 100% the worst part of getting a tattoo for me
C'mon, it's not that difficult. And what's a week or more of annoyance that ends up with a tattoo you'll love forever and ever?
@@inked Haha, true. I still get anxiety about it every single time though 😅
@@coffeelover1763 it depends. if your tattoo staying as fresh and good looking as possible for the rest of your life is important to you, then it is a life long responsibility and something you always need to think of. But after your tattoo is healed, if blurred out lines or faded color isn’t something that concerns or bothers you then not so much.
Agreed. I hate the four days of putting on that crap
Saniderm and second skin it. That’s it.
I guess I prefer to keep it simple. Non-scented soap, pat dry, and a tiny bit of lotion a few times a day. Although recently I did have an artist specifically tell me to NOT use antibacterial soap which I thought was interesting. He said to use something gentle like Dr. Bronners castille soap. I had never heard of healing a tattoo that way but I tried it and it worked great!
I used dial gold antibacterial soap and I went for the outline then 2 months later the shading. Nothing ever happened even though it's my first one, it healed well and never got an infection , but it's different for everyone
but after shading I didn't use any ointments, I just washed it with the soap let it dry and it was good
Antibacterial agents in soap are quite harsh on skin, and at least when washing hands don't do anything since non-antibacterial soap will wash bacteria away. IDK if regular soap would work as well trying to rinse it off with a rag or paper towel since there isn't any flowing water.
@@SuperBobKing i used the bar soap not the hand washing one
My tattoo artist said it was fine, i can use it on my body why not my tattoo
Watching videos like this and reading so many thoughtful comments makes it all the more bizarre to me when tattoed people are criticized for being "reckless" and having "poor impulse control" lol It takes effort & discipline to protect your ink as it heals and afterwards as well (of course, some of us may be but that also goes for non- tattoed people) !
You’ll b surprised
that doesn't correlate at all. being impulsive doesn't mean being lazy about aftercare lol.
As someone who is very panicky when it comes to open wounds, second skin is the best thing ever!!! have several tattoos, all with second skin and i will probably freak out if i ever visit a tattoo studio and they tell me they have none haha
Just got a tattoo done yesterday. It was my first one and I forgot how wounds worked for a minute. I had to get reassured.
@@roxassora2706 haha this is how i feel everytime i get a piercing a couple hours later i’m like “omg she stabbed me”😂
I keep extra saniderm/tegaderm at home!!
I enjoy second skin.. actually the itch is more bearable with it on for me
My most recent tattoo was the first one using second skin and frankly, I won't go back lol. It does get a little itchy and annoying after day 3-4, but the fact that it keeps it clean and protected during the most vulnerable days of healing, I will deal with the little bit of discomfort. I took Benadryl in case I ended up being allergic to the material or adhesive. The tattoo was on the front of my leg and partial foot, with the second skin I was able to comfortably wear socks. It was worth it.
I love second skin but I only keep it on until day 3 max and then I start to clean/moisturize it
i have extreme eczema, so i’ve been wrapped for 3 tattoos and got recovery derm for my fourth tattoo. really liked recovery derm! kept it on for 3 days, took it off, dial gold and an aftercare lotion my shop makes. but also aquaphor.
Ive used two types of the second skin and had a reaction to one, but overall I've loved them. I will always use a second skin, I just bring the type that works for me to my appointments.
What kind is that
As a Type 1diabetic I tend to heal quite slowly but I've had the best success with a combination of saniderm / dermalize, Palmers Cocoa Butter, and tight blood glucose management. My artist applies dermalise before I leave which I replace after 48hours with a fresh layer (of course after cleaning the tat) then keep that on for atleast 3-4days (or however long it hangs on). After that just keep it clean with light coats of coca butter 2-3 times a day or whenever it gets tight / dry
Love second skin! My last two tattoos healed better than my previous ones!
It was a fun surprise after my first tattoo that all the products my artist recommended were the ones I use normally since my skin is very reactive (fragrance-free, sensitive skin lubriderm & fragrance-free infant formula Dr. Bronners). They're also very economical products!
Not a tattoo artist , but a tattoo cosmetic creator. I am quite amazed by how some people think they should take care of their tattoos. Many people come to my shop either not knowing what to do or are very surprise that there are other balms to take care of your tattoos AFTER the healing part as well
This may not be true for everyone, but for me I’ve just been washing mine with an antibacterial soap, patting dry with a clean paper towel and using Aquaphor on it. I tend to keep it out of the sun whenever possible, at least for now. But I have a natural sunscreen I bought for it that has excellent reviews and is good on sensitive skin while consistently keeping the tattoos of people I know safe from the sun. That’s for when it’s all healed up and ready to be out during the summer. It’s been 3 weeks now and it’s looking great. These are the things that were recommended to me.
My artist uses second skin and I love it. 2-3 days on the tattoo just too protect it from the elements and rubbing when it’s fresh. Especially cause I’m a mechanic and work in some pretty hot/cold and dirty environments. After that a nice A&D ointment and dial gold soap.
I wash with dove unscented then use aquaphor for about 2 days. After that initial healing I use some brand name lotion.
I used vaseline on my 2nd and way too much of it. It peeled a bit longer but no loss of quality.
My strat has been washing and applying a layer of aquaphor 2-3 times a day for days 1-4 or when the skin starts peeling, whichever comes first' then swapping to lubriderm 3 times a day, but only washing in the morning and and before bed. Tapering off washing when the final scabs are gone if there are any. Sometimes that process has lasted 2 weeks, most recently that whole thing took 8 days. Just varies but I think my guy has improved his technique a lot.
For me its a thin layer of aquaphor after washing the tat for 3-4 days and then change to hustle butter. When its done healing I use hustle butter every now and then, its keeps the colors intact and bright.
I'm allergic to the adhesive on the saniderm/second skin. so it's plastic wrap for an hour or so, warm water and soap, super thin layer of ointment for a day or 2. then over to lubriderm. never had any issues so far (other than the monster welts i got from the 1 time i used saniderm)
Ive always kept my tattoos wrapped for the first 3 days after getting the tattoo, wash, apply bepanthen and change the wrap 3 times a day for 3 days then after the 3 days i stop wrapping and switch to aveeno moisturizer and have never had any issues.
Out the gate since '01 Ive done liquid dial and A&D until healed then CeraVe is my lotion. My tattoos still look amazing.
Sanidem with Hustle butter always works for me. If not, Hustle butter itself or Virgin coconut oil after 3-4 days is always a win win too
I have a lot of tattoos and have tried different methods, if you decide to try Saniderm it's cool but take into consideration that it shrinks a bit so it's better to use a bigger piece than you think you need.
Also, be careful with sweat bags that can appear, you have to remove them asap, you can get a nasty irritation, just poke it with a needle and drain the sweat out.
Poking is the opposite of what you should do. Because once you let it leak then it welcomes and traps bacteria. You’re lucky you haven’t gotten infected. But I’ve heard many horror stories from the Parlors
Good timing on this video, I'm due to take my saniderm off tomorrow. My artist suggested antibacterial soap with a pump instead of a bar so I'm going to the store tonight 😆
How long did you keep it on my friend 3 days?
@@MrBarboza92 I think I kept it on for 48 hours, but it might have been 3 days. Long enough for the plasma to be reabsorbed. It healed up well and almost a year later it still looks new!
This was really helpful actually. Thank you.
Cetaphil soap free cleaner and unscented lubriderm lotion has been treating me pretty well on my most recent tattoo
Do consume vitamin E once a day after getting a tattoo, it does helped me boost my skin condition and keeping it moist. I did that after I got my second tattoo and it healed way better with little itch compared to the previous one where i didnt consumed any
As a client I have mainly used second skin/ saniderm and whenever an artist wraps it I feel like it’s the 1800’s
I’ve always done lots of dial, a and d or aquaphor and after a few days / week start moisturizer. I’m trying saniderm on a larger piece in 2 weeks.
got my first yesterday... Thank you for this
2:29 *"Finding a happy balance between dry and and and moist".*
Yes to lubriderm! I'm very knowledgeable about skincare products and aquaphor is a no go, any ointment really especially neosporan.
I’d be really interested to hear tattoo artists general skin care routines. I’m guessing many take care of their own canvases.
“Air dry”
i can only wear second skin, saniderm, derm shield, etc for about 24-36 hours. after that my non tattooed skin starts to rash. one time it basically cut my skin open at the edge of the piece (it was on for 3 days). i do like it for those first 24 hours though where it feels like my tattoo is at its most vulnerable. Antimicrobial soap + aquaphor afterwards and it’s been perfect
I've had four different advices from artists:
1) wrap until your home. Take off. Use bepathen tattoo creme 3 times. Cold showers, no soap, not even anti bacterial
2) wrap until you can take it off at home. Air for a day, one cold wash, just use vaseline once or twice a day
3) lukewarm wash twice a day, use antibacterial soap, coat 4 times a day, change bedsheets after the first two days, try and keep leg from being covered unless you need to out in the sun then deffo cover
I never had a second skin. Always had them wrapped. Take off after a hour or two, gently wash and pat dry. Use aquaphor after 24 hrs for a few days then lubriderm.
This is why I prefer single needle work 😊 heals fast no itch no pain and the quality is badass, obviously my artist specializes in single needle work
Id love to find a second skin that I can use for my sensitive skin...I'm a tattoo artist and tried sani-derm out to keep my fresh ink covered while I tattoo ppl...however I found that I'm severely allergic and the sani-derm rips my skin off and gives me horrible breakouts...I had it tear my skin so bad that it removed part of one of my old tattoos that was next to the new one I was healing...I've tried spray on bandage as an alternative but that burns and never really works right for me either
this... saniderm/second skin destroyed one of my tattoos. i'm little bit of aquaphore and a lot of fresh air from now on
Very good aftercare tips plus Reese is 🔥🔥🔥🚨
Best soap to get - Vegetable glycerin! Get the natural plant based version. Works great and affordable.
ive always done aquaphor until it started peeling, then switched to lubriderm, although my biggest piece i only used lubriderm straight from the get go. is it mainly just personal choice?
What i usually do, avoid sun at all costs and use some cicaplast to speed up the process. Fully healled 10-14 days.
Hussle butter is the best!!! I’ve used aquaphor and A&D but aquphor definitely better until I found hussle butter more of a moisturizer than a thick clear topical, goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a crazy residue.
I usually use hustle butter all natural and not tested on animals it’s vegan 🌱 the product is great and smells so good!
I find that clear plastic bags are easier to work with in comparison to saran wrap. It wont cling to itself and does the same job
Cams tattoo wax twice a day for 4 days then non scented lotion for the next week and a half. My last 3 tattoos never even peeled and the colors are popping!
I like to use saniderm but I noticed I usually get a reaction just on the edges of it. So my tattoo is totally fine but I have scabbing and scarring where the adhesive just seems to pull the skin up.
I use aquafor for the first 2-3 days then lubriderm for years. Been working perfectly 🤷♂️
Thanks for this video. I'll be going to get my first tattoo next month. I meet with the tattoo artist next week for the consultation and to put down a deposit.
Woot im early for once!! hustle butter/saniderm for the win!
My artist just put Saran Wrap on it after an hour take it off have a shower with mid temp water don’t let the water hit directly let it flow down the tattoo use non scented soap and air dry after shower and no cream or after care product and tattoo turned out amazing weird how there is so many ways to do it
My last tattoo the artist gave me some Saniderm and woo my skin did not like that. I am 100% a lubriderm fan for aftercare. But just like everything else each person is different.
I guess I'm old school. Tattoo me and let me walk out. I've got the lotion, the water and soap, and the experience.
@@coffeelover1763 no it means our tattoos healed well. I use a tiny bit of ointment and then lotion and kind cleaning after. All still super fresh including my fifteen year old tattoo.
@@missmarthafawker I have a couple that are fifteen yrs old that look great too. I follow the same method.
I always forget what to do and I ask my tattoo artist every time. I got like 20 tattoos - at least one a year for the last 10 years and I never remember
omg had a big tattoo with second skin on it .pealing that off was like skinning myself.
I keep mine wrapped for a few hours after getting tatted then i wash with dial unscented anti bacterial soap. Then pat down w clean paper towels and air dry for 20 min. Then use a little amount of aquafor, rub in real good (ouch!) then remove excess w papertowel. I'll saran wrap 1st night. Next morning remove wrap and wash goo off w my dial and lukewarm water. Wear loose fitting clothes over for couple weeks. I only use aquafor first full day and then move to lubriderm. I'll use lubiderm couple times a day (small amount) and still do while its fully healed. Sunlight is a big one i like to avoid even after it's been healed for months. OCD i guess. I avoided swimming whole summer getting sleeve finished. I only put sunscreen on the top half of sleeve since its 10 years old and used an UV protection sleeve for bottom new half because i didnt want sunscreen on it. My artist liked that idea and it worked phenominally! I was in the Florida sun keeping it protected, new ink too! My last sesh was in sept last year and ive still been keeping minimal sunlight on it lol. I believe the healing stage is sooo important (it does factor the longevity) especially investing alot of money in.
I died when he said we are so stoked about this lion and pocket watch we got 😂😂😂
just got my tattoo saturday lmao perfect timing
Same homie
I litterally got tattooed two hours ago 😀
For both of my tattoos I kept them wrapped for 24 hours (no second skin is was just some sort of paper wrap?) and washed them in the shower with warm water and scent less Aveno soap, aquaphor on after it’s patted dry and boom
I kept it protected from water and sun and dirt for about 2 weeks I kept it cleaned with polysprone and water. Unscented plane lotion. I honestly never heard of second skin
Literally just used water to wash all my tattoos and that's it, no soap, no moisturizer nothing, I think people get way too anxious over the healing process, just keep it clean, dont scrape or scratch it, and wash it once in a while, easy. There was once I rewrapped a fresh tattoo on the first night with just gladwrap while i slept but yeah that's it.
I have my legs, arms, back and stomach tattooed. I keep the healing process simple: aquaphor the first few days, keep it clean, then a thin layer of lotion. I've never had an issue. I thought about getting second skin but I'm just not interested. What I'm doing now works, why change?
I personally never use soap. Just let water gently run over it or dab it with gauze to keep it clean and use bepanthen. Let the body handle it mostly on its own and I almost never had to touch it up!
Aquaphor works wonders!
All my tattoos (19 and counting) i did the same thing that seems to really work for me. I keep under the plastic for the first or the first two nights -depending on how much it bleeds- and during the day I wash it 2 times a day or 3 times -again, depending on the bleeding- and when it coagulated enough and there is this thin scab I just keep it clean washing it once a day and hydrating once a day.. it keeps it clean -remember even though it is not bleeding it is still a wound- and keeps it from itching
I also avoid fattyy foods, cut back on alcohol and smoking
thankssss
Saniderm, moisturiser, and the good old LITFA piercing adage.
Keep it wrapped for an hour or 2. Warm soapy water to clean and pat dry. Apply Palmers fragrance free cocoa butter a few times throughout the day. Used to use bepanthen till they changed the formula. Only ever had issues with one of my tattoos which is the time I went away and forgot the cocoa butter.
So when you leave the shop 4 hours later remove the plastic wrap then wash with cold water and dove bar soap, let air dry and then use aquaphore light coating. Repeat every 4/6 hours. Or 3 times a day and if you can keep it out of the sun, and keep covered with loose soft clothing if possible. If it’s on your hands try to not wear gloves of any kind til it heals and don’t touch your tattoos more than you have too that over time will cause them to dull
I have soo many tattoos and the first artists would tell me to wash then apply ointment! Don't do that! Ink comes out of the tattoo and I almost always caught an infection. Our artist now is amazing and he says to leave the plastic on for an hour remove it. Wash it with antibacterial soap apply bactine max morning and night.Let it dry once you start peeling apply very little lubriderm lotion whenever you see it peeling. And wash it morning and night.my husband and my tattoos stay bold and beautiful each time❤❤
I used aquaphor for the first 2 days then lubriderm afterwards
Washing 3 times a day with a neutral soap
Exactly what I do, too.
Same. My artists recommended aquaphor the first time he tattooed me years ago and I've been following the same routine since. Never got infected or had any issues healing. Once completely healed, I use a regular moisturizer daily.
That’s what I did with 4 of my tattoos before saniderm. Saniderm is a miracle worker.
Mine has faded out quite a bit after 12 months. Used the recommended cream given to me by the artist. But it was hot where I was and I was sweating constantly. Winter is here now - time for a touch up.
That cream is a gimmick bro they tell you to use that so that it does fade so that you come back and you get it redone and give them more money lol just use regular everyday lotion 👍
Get touch ups. Use saniderm for 4-7 days. That’s it.
Usually fading is caused by too much sun if it's fading that happened after it fully healed. I mean, the ink of the tattoo will settle during the healing process so it's not going to look quite as vibrant as when it was done but it should still look solid yanno?
You can really use any regular lotion to moisturize a fully healed tattoo. For healing I use Redemption tattoo balm. What cream did you use? The cream your artist recommended is most certainly not a scam that will fade your tattoo 😐
I keep the saniderm on my joint until i get home. After that i let it breathe. Wash and moisturize with coconut oil or and oil shits me for our skin like argon or castor. I’ve never had any issues thank God. No leakage ever
Saniderm, aquaphor, lubriderm, the ink trinity
that was a good video and funny thank you
I think I’m in love with the first girl 🥰😍
I just got my first tattoo yesterday and it’s a huge ass tattoo lol so I’m looking at it through the second skin all nervous lol
My process is I leave the second skin on for two days then take it off in the shower or I soak it ( water makes it easier and less painful to take off) then I wash it twice a day with soap and I use Aveeno oatmeal baby lotion to moisturize the tattoo after I wash it.
I tried using saniderm on my blacked out leg and i think it was just too much skin to wrap. seems better for a smaller tattoo.
I am one of those who had a really bad allergic reaction to the Saniderm /Second Skin.
Does it matter what soap, ointment, lotion, or sunscreen I use after my tattoo is fully healed?
Just got my first tattoo! I’m using an antibacterial soap and LIGHT coconut massage oil. Any issues with these?
Just got my first tattoo and am in the lotion phase lotion twice a day along with antibacterial soap and water I use dial gold soap no issues so far I text pics to my artist he says I look fine I got the tat on Saturday for lotion I use lubriderm
My artist just wrap’s the tattoo in foil, then i’ll take it of in a couple of hours, clean the wound and just use some bepanthen for aftercare.
I feel like alot of after care is pointless information.I take my wrap off as soon as I get home takes me about 20 mins. Get in the shower clean with soap and that's it I pretty much dry heal all my Tats. Occasionally put some moisturiser on when it starts to scabbing and cracking. I've dry healed all my Tats and I got two full sleeves and nearly full leg
@@MrWoollySheepGames exactly this
I do this as well!
I cut my finger really deep while wood carving and couldn't be bothered to do anything other than hold it shut with a paper towel. So a tattoo is gonna be a job.
Clean Warm water dry it & cocoa butter that’s all I do. My tattoos look great.
I use Recovery Derm Shield now over saniderm. I never even got the redness I just like recovery more 😂
Hustle butter ❤
I can concure on the reaction on with saniderm. Ive encountered a few patients who had a reaction.
Iight I'm confused after I wash it should I use an ointment or a fragrance free lotion?
How much time should it usually takes to heal completely? Is it a good idea to get tattooed a month before summertime?
Depends on the method my boiiiii. Sansiderm or Tegaderm heals mine up in 7 days completely skipping the peeling phase. But everyone’s different. But none should really take a month to heal. But it still may be sensitive so I’d avoid direct sun exposure for a month or so
I use tegaderm bcuz the adhesive in saniderm is too rough on my skin. Also been trying inkeeze's ink guard spray on bandage which has worked well for me on small to medium tattoos. My dad tried liquid bandaid and said it worked well for his chest piece.
I tried tegaderm but it didn’t make it through one shower, work great over night but just didn’t have staying power. So I went old school healing. Glad it works for you.
What about mad rabbit ? It’s a new product I’ve come across I’ve never used it tho. Any thoughts on it ?
I’m planning on getting a tattoo however I play football, should I wait until the season is over to let it heal on its own or just smack saniderm and let it be
I'm no expert, but I would wait till after the season. Sun exposure and sweat might not be the best mix.
Wash 3-4-5 times, pat dry, A&D for three days then switch to Lubriderm for well. . . ever. Keep the skin soft and moisturized.
I just got my tat n was super curious if i needed to use Aquaphor or should i just jump in Lubriderm the first day in i used Aquaphor a bit but than switched to Lubriderm its go to know i dont need to Aquaphor ill just stick with Lubriderm from day 1
No shit auqaphor is all I use now. I tried it first on my chest piece and my entire chest was healed in a week! Surprised the shit out of me cause it was a huge piece
Same. I keep the healing process simple. I'm usually healed in a week as well!
How often would you use it?