Tattoos

[unharmed]

I've been reading about aftercare quite a bit recently and it seems every artist has their own opinions and nobody's done any scientific study of which is better. The only consistent piece of advice I've manage to find is that whatever cream you use, don't put it on too thick.

[davito]

Yeah IJ it is a science with the creams I know.
Anyway i fully trust my Artist.
A lot of Artists have their own method and recommendations which is good. Myself have never experienced colorloss issue but have heard of it. But mostly because of user "fault" though when moisturing too much.

[DougNg]

My guy doesn't even use foil. He tapes a couple paper towels on my tattoo and sends me on my way. When I get to the hotel, the paper towel comes off and never goes back on

[Finn666]

so who knows what is too much and what is the right amount?…

[DougNg]

I do this: put a pea sized amount on my finger, then spread as far as that pea will go. Repeat until the entire tattoo is covered

You should just apply enough to make your skin shiny. Any more and your skin won't be able to breathe

[davito]

Tiny bit that you almost do not see it on your skin

Edit like Doug does it, my english failed

[Finn666]

@DougNg:

I do this: put a pea sized amount on my finger, then spread as far as that pea will go. Repeat until the entire tattoo is covered

this sounds like a good advice…thanks guys!

when cleaning do you guys "wash" off the cream first before cleaning the tattoo with fragrance free soap and water or how are the steps of "cleaning"?...sry for being a pain in the ass

[davito]

Just Jump under the shower my friend not too warm and not too hard stream. When dry put on some cream. When i come home from work i put on some cream again but i do not wash again. Important is use washed hands until its healed

[Finn666]

thanks mate!…

[DougNg]

Basically, I treat it as a wound. You don't want it to get too dry, don't let it get too wet, don't fuck with it

[CLJ]

@Finn666:

sry for being a pain in the ass

You are not being a pain in the ass. They are important questions and you've been given some good answers. Aftercare is critical to the final look of your tattoo and is an often under appreciated part of the process.

Happy your first sit went well! It is going to look great when finished.

[elclintor]

Ive tried everything when it comes to healing tattoos, so I'll share what works for me.

I wash twice a day with antibacterial soap. (Dial Gold)
I don't put anything on it for the first 3 days.
When it starts to get dry after the 3rd or 4th day, I use a small amount of Lubriderm fragrance free lotion two or three times a day.

One idea to keep in mind is "less is more".

[JCMx800]

That´s "my" way:
He puts vaseline on my fresh and new tattoo and some foil. After 4 Hours or something I take off the foil and go to my shower. Now I need some hand-warm water straight outta the shower. It´s only handwarm but it BURNS on my new tattoo. My pores open and the spare ink get´s out. Dry low, and then put some nice creme on it, not too thick, clean your fingers before you put the creme on it.
The next days I only use creme once a day.

[CLJ]

I was just about to post my routine but no need as it is the exact same as Clint's.

I sleep with the bandage on and shower in the morning. Its what my artist recommends and it works best for me.

[Finn666]

thanks for sharing all of your experiences guys, it's pretty helpful for a "newcomer" when it comes to tattoos

so I just bought some fragrance free soap, used some luke-warm water to clean of the tattoo, then I've used a tiny amount of soap and went over the tattoo to get it clean. after that I went under the shower, got rid of all the soap and dried it with a paper towel. creamed it again and that's it!
now I'm not sure if I should cream it again before going to bed or if I just should leave it like that and cream in the morning before going to work!?

[JCMx800]

Cream = less is more.

[injunjack]

if it feels dry and tight before bed, cream it, otherwise in the morning is fine. You will notice soon what YOU need.

As Doug said, treat it like a wound, which it actually is.

[DougNg]

Clint's advice is good advice, but you also have to keep in mind of your skin type and where you are right now. My skin is naturally very dry and my tattoo artist is in Las Vegas (desert). If I waited even a day, my tattoo would dry out to the point where it would be painful

[Finn666]

ok thanks guys!…now, after all those words, i think it's time for some pics again

[Katsushin]

@injunjack:

if it feels dry and tight before bed, cream it, otherwise in the morning is fine…

Sorry, too funny.  But he's right…listen to your body and don't over think it.  Your body wants to and will heal itself, you're just creating the conditions to make it a bit easier and more comfortable. 
Enjoy!
(And well done for going big on #1...nice foresight)