Quality and durability of a tattoo depend on the skill of the artist and compliance with the rules of care for it. The general scheme of care for the naked picture is approximately the same in all masters, but there are nuances, depending on the technique of applying the sketch and the pigments used. In this article we will list the most known and often recommended means to ensure the correct and timely healing of the tattoo.
How to speed it up and make it less painful?
Healing creams, gels and ointments will help. After the procedure of application of a tattoo the master gave recommendations how to look after a tattoo correctly. When it is possible to remove the film and advised what to use for the fastest healing. But everyone's skin is different, and it's important that the cream is right for you.
How and most importantly, what to choose? Healing products can be purchased in specialized stores and pharmacies. Let's look at what we are offered and what we should pay attention to when buying.
Using Tattoo Healing Film
The use of Suprasorb film and its counterparts is a modern way of tattoo care, promoting rapid wound healing and avoiding regular bandage changes. However, the healing film is not suitable for all types of tattoos. For example, in the case of a dense ink, due to the large amount of secretions, the use of the film can cause inflammation. Only a master can determine the appropriateness of using this method of tattoo care.
Peculiarities of using the tattoo healing film:
- The manufacturers of these products indicate that they can be applied to the skin immediately after the session. However, there are also opponents of this recommendation, who believe that the bulk of the suds should be excreted before that moment. They recommend applying the film the next day.
- Using Suprasorb film, due to its breathable structure, eliminates the need to wash the epithelium, treat the wound with ointments and change bandages.
- The film is removed 5 days after installation. To support full skin regeneration, it is recommended to lubricate the tattoo site with Bepanten, Solcoseril or Doctor Pro for the next 20 days.
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Healing creams, gels and ointments
When choosing a cream, pay attention to the composition (especially allergy sufferers). When developing products, manufacturers took into account the characteristics of the skin and its reaction to the introduction of pigment.
The cream used should not affect the brightness and pattern of the tattoo. Therefore, its composition excludes alcohol, dyes and petroleum derivatives.
Tattoo Goo lotion for tattoo care
Tattoo Goo lotion is odorless and designed for people with sensitive skin. It combines vitamins A and D with other skin health ingredients and proven moisturizers such as cocoa butter.
Tattoo Goo's fast-penetrating, water-based moisturizing lotion helps improve the colors of new and old tattoos without clogging pores (like ointments and balms containing parabens do) and is great for everyday use.
Tattoo Goo does not contain:
- Alcohol
- Petroleum
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Flavorings
Tattoo Goo non-greasy lotion absorbs quickly, penetrates deeply and provides effective protection for skin cells from dryness while taking care of tattoos and skin throughout its life.
What specialty stores offer
The most popular cream is DocPRO Plus (from Tattoo Pharma), which effectively heals the skin and reduces burning.
The cream contains only natural oils, vitamin E and chlorhexidine, which regenerate and protect the pain surface.
DocPRO Plus can be applied at any stage of healing. Apply in a thin layer.
When the profuse lymphatic discharge stops and you can give up the compress, the cream can be applied every 4 hours. Do not forget to rinse the tattoo before.
To prevent inflammation, the cream can be applied under a protective film.
Healing ointment Ok! Tattoo Healing (made in Russia) is anti-allergenic and has no harmful components for tattoos.
It is applied in a thin layer, after rinsing the treated surface.
Healing cream with dispenser (Mustang tattoo) is made on the basis of plant components, has no fats of animal origin and dyes. The brightness of the image is preserved.
It is convenient to carry, thanks to the compact package.
Ink Recover (from Skin2Skin) is created based on natural ingredients:
- aloe vera;
- calendula;
- chamomile.
The composition includes hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes the skin and b glucan, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic function.
The product effectively heals, creates a protective film, preserves bright colors, and protects against infections.
The innovative cream Intenze Tattoo Safe Guard (Intenze) is approved by dermatologists and meets all requirements for healing of the damaged skin after a tattoo. Completely preserves the color pigmentation.
The ingredients include panthenol, aloe vera, vitamin E.
After Inked Moisturizing Tattoo Cream
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer is a body lotion designed to take care of your tattoo session and fully restore the beautiful appearance of your healed tattoo.
After Inked Moisturizing Lotion contains natural ingredients that are non-toxic and reduce irritation or skin damage from a new tattoo.
After Inked is:
- Non-petroleum based
- No parabens
- Odorless
- Vegan
- Made without animal abuse and made with love
- Gluten free
Helps protect the tattoo area long after it has fully healed and can be used as a daily moisturizing lotion.
General Guidelines
Every self-respecting master immediately after the session tells the client what to do to make the skin heal faster. He also explains if it is possible to smear the tattoo with baby cream. If we summarize the main recommendations for care, two important points can be highlighted:
- The epidermis is damaged after the drawing. Most of all, this type of damage resembles an abrasion - when the visible area is partially skinned. It is unpleasant and painful, but with a favorable set of circumstances, everything will come back to normal in 5-7 days. The maximum recovery time of the epidermis is 15 days. Going beyond this time interval means that there are any problems in the human body.
- While the recovery process is going on, damaged skin should be protected from everything - sun, water, pollution and other environmental factors. You will have to give up all bad habits (alcohol and nicotine), not to sunbathe and not to bathe. You must also treat damaged epidermis with special preparations.
The first day
The first three days after the session are considered the most important for fast healing. It is during this period you need to be especially careful to take care of the damaged epidermis.
Can a fresh tattoo be smeared with a child's cream? No, you should not do so. Baby cream is not intended for application to open wounds. It can cause inflammation and various complications.
In order to avoid infection and smearing of the lines, the following recommendations should be followed:
- After the drawing is applied, it is covered with a film. It should be removed after 2-3 hours. If bandages were used (not sticking to the skin), they can be removed after 24 hours.
- Then you need clean hands to wash the injured skin from the bloody liquid - gently, thoroughly, but without pressure. As a detergent take soap without fragrances and dyes and with a neutral pH. Baby soap is the best way to do this.
- After washing, blot the damaged skin with a sterile cloth or bandage. You can dry naturally - in the air for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply any wound-healing preparation.
- Cover the damaged area with clean bandages.
- Repeat for three days twice a day.
How much pain will you have to endure at a tattoo session
As we mentioned at the beginning, pain sensation is directly related to the amount of time the receptor cells send pain signals to the brain. It is in your best interest to keep the session as short as possible. However, its duration is also affected by the complexity of the work, the skill of the craftsman and other external factors.
There are generally accepted rules: a professional will not make you more than three or four hours. If to execute all work for this time it is not possible, he will appoint additional sessions.
Tattooing is most often more scary than painful. In the process of application the sensations are acute for the first 10-15 minutes, then the body gets used to it and for the next three hours it tolerates the "suffering" quite calmly. That is why the session usually does not last longer than four hours, although everything is individual.
Alexander Maryshev, tattoo master, has been doing tattoos for about 20 years.
To reduce the pain during a session, it is recommended to use painkillers (eg, TKTX, Dr. Numb, Painless Tattoos Cream). They are good if you are getting a large size tattoo. Before buying, be sure to consult with the master - he will advise which product is suitable in your case.
It also helps to feel less pain by having the right attitude. During the session, you need to calm down and breathe deeply. You can call a friend for support or listen to your favorite music - all this will help to feel more at ease.
Composition of the ointment
The drug was developed by Kharkov pharmacists in the 1970s. During its half-century history, it has earned the title of one of the main helpers in surgery.
To understand what "Levomekol" is used for, it is necessary to get acquainted with the main active components of the ointment:
- Chloramphenicol - an antibiotic that has bacteriostatic action, is used in medicine and veterinary medicine. Effective against pathogens such as anthrax, typhoid, dysentery, pneumonia, gas gangrene, etc.
- Methyluracil - a substance that stimulates the process of tissue regeneration.
- Polyethylene oxides - auxiliary components, thanks to which an easy and uniform penetration of the main substances into the tissues is provided.
Pharmacological action
The ointment has anti-inflammatory properties, counteracts pathogens, promotes tissue regeneration. Widely used in medicine for healing various kinds of skin injuries, such as:
- burns;
- pressure sores;
- purulent wounds;
- ulcers, abscesses;
- traumatic injuries;
- postoperative stitches;
- acne.
It is used in gynecology (when treating infectious diseases and erosions), dentistry (with inflammation in the mouth), otolaryngology (with maxillary sinusitis, runny nose, purulent inflammation in the ear). It is because of such a wide range of action, many fans of body art, having heard the question whether "Levomecol" for tattoos, sincerely believe that yes.
Types of wound healing means
Bepanten is available as an ointment or cream. Wound healing ointment has a white or yellowish-white color and a homogeneous structure. The product has a slight, specific smell. The main active ingredient in the therapeutic agent is dexpanthenol in a dosage of 50 mg.
It is responsible for accelerating tissue repair processes. In addition, the drug contains chorhexidine, which has a disinfecting and analgesic effect on the damaged skin area. The product contains lanilin, a natural substance of animal origin with hypoallergenic properties.
In the composition there are additional substances that contribute to an even distribution of the active ingredients on the skin. Bepanten also from consists of provitamin B5, which cleanses tissue cells from toxic substances.
This leads to rapid healing of skin wounds. After application to the skin, the substance is converted into pantothenic acid. It begins to actively interact with the cells of tissues, thereby improving the metabolic processes taking place in them. Bepanten does not contain artificial colors, preservatives and fragrances.
The use of this medication will lead to:
- rapid recovery of the skin;
- improvement of the skin;
- nourishing and moisturizing the skin.
Solcoseryl is a universal healing agent, available as ointments and gels. Any form of this medicine contains dialysate, which is an active ingredient derived from calf blood.
It helps improve the synthesis of the accumulator of cellular energy, that is, adenosine triphosphate, blood supply to tissues, accelerates the exchange and cell division, transport of oxygen to the tissues. The ointment is based on white petroleum jelly.
The composition of the medicinal product also includes:
- methylparahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- cholesterol;
- water for injection solutions;
- cetyl alcohol.
Healing ointment for tattoos forms a protective film on the damaged area thanks to the content of fats. They act as auxiliary components. The drug fights oxygen starvation of the skin, accelerates wound healing.
Panthenol is available as an ointment, cream or spray. The active ingredient in its composition is dexpanthenol.
The ointment contains 1.5 g of the active ingredient and such additional components as:
- cetanol;
- dimethicone;
- propylene glycol;
- cetearyl octanoate;
- ketomacrogol;
- propyl parahydroxy benzoate;
- water;
- flavoring.
The ointment has a light yellow color, homogeneous consistency and smell of lanolin. The medication has an anti-inflammatory effect, makes connective tissue stronger, stimulates skin regeneration, normalizes cell metabolism and heals wounds.
It also fights vitamin B5 deficiency. Its deficiency in the human body can lead to failures in the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems.
Doctor Pro is a professional tattoo care product. This gel is created taking into account the peculiarities of skin lesions when the dye is injected. The gel is easily and painlessly applied to the damaged skin, moisturizes it, prevents the skin from drying out and the formation of dry crusts. Doctor Pro accelerates the healing process of the damaged area up to 3 days.
| Composition | Properties |
| Dexpanthenol | Normalizes cellular metabolism, improves skin repair. |
| Chlorhexidine | Elimination of pathogenic bacteria. |
| Alpha bisabolol from Candea tree bark | Killing bacteria, moisturizing, nourishing the dermis, repairing damaged skin, soothing the skin. |
| Azulene from chamomile oil | Moisturizes, accelerates skin regeneration, reduces inflammation, removes unpleasant odor. |
| Shea Butter | Soothes, moisturizes, nourishes the skin, eliminates inflammation, protects and restores the dermis. |
| Lanolin | Healing of damaged areas, softening of the skin, maintenance of tissue moisture. |
| Vitamin F | Elimination of skin irritations, acceleration of wound healing. |
| Tea tree oil | Reduces inflammation, destroys pathogens. |
A healing ointment called Doctor Pro is also used instead of petroleum jelly in the tattooing process.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
Usually, a tattoo done by a professional master in a salon is not harmful to your health. However, it needs careful and proper care. The healing process depends, first of all, on the body, on its ability to perceive such invasion. The role of the master himself is also very important. The master must be highly qualified. In each case the tattoo heals differently.
The average term of healing experienced masters indicate from 7 up to 14 days. In practice, you should count on a later healing time to be ready for any surprises.
Preparations for rapid healing
When people ask if they can dab a tattoo with baby cream, they want to know if using it will heal the damaged skin faster. In fact, in this situation, it is best to use special preparations - disinfectants and healing. Moreover, most ointments from this group not only help to restore the epidermis faster, but also nourish and moisturize the skin. So children's cream is not necessary.
What do you need to use? To get rid of germs, the injured skin should be treated with disinfectants. The most popular preparations are Miramistin and Chlorhexidine. Both are solutions - they can simply be sprinkled on the area with a tattoo or wiped with a moistened sterile bandage.
Peculiarities of using pharmacy remedies
Pharmacy remedies are used in much the same way as professional remedies, but they must be applied less frequently: at the stage of primary restoration - 3-4 times a day, then - 1-2 times a day. Unlike specials, too frequent use is not recommended, as it may damage the pattern or cause an allergic reaction.
With extreme caution, you should use products containing antibiotic. They are good protection against infection (although with proper care this is not particularly necessary), but often cause allergies.
Levomecol and synthomycin can "draw out" the pigment: do not overuse them and if possible use other means, best of all panthenol or Bepanthen.
How to use professional products
There is only one way to use them:
- The first 3-5 days the area of the drawing is washed 4-6 times a day (with antibacterial agent), dried, a thin layer of the product is applied to it, over which a disposable diaper or food film is placed.
- In the following days, until the skin stops peeling (about 2-3 weeks), the cream, gel or ointment is applied 2-3 times a day.
Sometimes, if your skin is very dry, you have to use the products a little longer.
What to pay attention to
It is not necessary to smear a tattoo with a children's cream, especially a fresh one. It can cause inflammation and other skin problems. During the first three days there is an intensive healing process. The skin itches and crusts appear. These do not need to be peeled off, as scars can form. However, there are signs you need to pay attention to:
- The appearance of scars.
- Persistent redness and swelling.
- Purulent or bloody discharge.
- Increased fever.
- Severe itching.
If any of the above symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately.
Factors affecting the speed of regeneration
On how quickly your new tattoo will heal, influenced by a mass of factors. First of all, it is worth highlighting the individual characteristics of the body, the state of immunity. Next, it is necessary to designate the place chosen for the tattoo, its size. Not unimportant and the climate in which the healing process takes place. It is worth to take special care of the tattoo if you plan to go out in the sun in a hot climate. All of the above, of course, plays a role, but the most important thing here - the correct, and most importantly, the timely care.
