It’s no secret that getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment – you put in the time, money and effort to find the best artist and wear your creation forever. But many people overlook another aspect of that decision: maintaining your tattoo in the long term with good habits.
Tattoos are indeed permanent, but that doesn’t mean they’ll look the same forever. Without good skin care and a balanced lifestyle, your tattoo may not maintain its original color and shape.
If you’ve neglected maintaining your tattoo for years, don’t worry: there are ways to rejuvenate your tattoo, and you can commit to a routine that fits your budget and schedule.
Whether you’re healing your first tattoo or getting the most out of your old ink, let’s take a look at the pillars of long-term tattoo care.
First, the basics of aftercare
They say the best time to start a good habit is yesterday. In other words, it’s never too early or too late to take care of your ink, no matter how old it is.
There are some unavoidable aspects to tattoo aging, such as loss of skin elasticity and ink degradation over time, but if you start out the right way, your long-term care efforts will be much more effective and rewarding.
So, if you’re thinking about long-term tattoo care, remember that it all begins the moment your artist applies your tattoo.
Let’s quickly review the basics of tattoo aftercare so that you can adopt these best practices the next time you get a new tattoo.
Learn the basics
The basics of tattoo aftercare are pretty simple to sum up: keep the area clean, moisturize with a moisturizing gel, and don’t pick at any scabs that form. Of course, the details of caring for a new tattoo can get a little hazy, especially if you’re experiencing physical discomfort or stress.
Our best advice is to just take it easy and follow our time-tested best practices: the more closely you follow the aftercare instructions, the better your ink will blend into your skin, heal, and look more beautiful than ever.
Stay out of the sun, wear loose clothing, and be disciplined during the first few weeks of the healing process. It takes determination and planning, but the results will be worth the wait.
Get into the habit of cleaning
One of the best ways to support your aftercare strategy is to set up a simple, easy-to-follow routine that can be followed repeatedly without hesitation. Think of it like an autopilot: everything is in place all the time, it’s an easy, repeatable process that can never fail.
For example, keep a mild, fragrance-free soap near your sink or shower and fresh paper towels to pat your skin dry after washing, and keep your regular soothing gel nearby when you feel an itch to soothe and hydrate the area.
It may sound obvious, but planning ahead with the right products and procedures will keep you on track for a safe and successful healing phase. Combine this with other aftercare best practices and you’ll have an edge in long-term maintenance.
Fighting Fade: 4 Tips
After a month or so, your new tattoo will be fully set and the scab will fall off on its own. It will still take a few months for the deeper layers of skin to fully heal, but the hard work is almost over.
This marks the transition from the healing phase of your tattoo to the maintenance phase. Unfortunately, this is where many tattoo enthusiasts make the mistake of thinking that their tattoo work is complete. While tattoo maintenance isn’t complicated, it’s easy to forget the basics of tattoo maintenance and cause your tattoo to fade faster than necessary.
What causes a tattoo to fade or change shape over time? In part, this is simply the natural process of the ink breaking down in the skin and replacing cells in the body. As we age, reduced collagen production can cause the skin to lose elasticity, leading to sagging and a change in the shape of your tattoo.
But all is not lost when it comes to fading. Besides proper aftercare, there are many ways to maintain your tattoo, so get started now! Here are some tips to prevent fading and keep your tattoo looking great for the long haul.
Keep the lotion flowing
Regardless of the season or exposure to sunlight, using a moisturizer on your ink is one of the best ways to combat the effects of fading.
While we typically focus on skin care products for the face, the rest of your skin is just as important, especially if you have a tattoo. Our lightweight daily body lotion is formulated for long-term tattoo care and is perfect for daily use in any environment. Be sure to use an appropriate SPF, as some skin care products contain ingredients that can increase your sensitivity to the sun.
Just like you cared for your new tattoo during the healing period, apply lotion once or twice daily to keep your skin moisturized and healthy. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s easy to forget about once your tattoo heals. Learn from others’ mistakes and make applying lotion a daily necessity from now on.
Stay safe in the sun
Many beauty experts recommend avoiding the sun altogether as a way to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. It seems simple in theory, but let’s be realistic: Summer is the time to soak up some sun and show off your amazing artwork.
First, sunscreen is your go-to when spending time in the sun. Make sure you adhere to SPF and use a sunscreen that is specially formulated for tattoos. This will keep your tattoo color fresh and bright, and protect it from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Secondly, minimize your time in direct sunlight during your beach trip or relaxing at the pool. If you feel overheated, don’t hesitate to hide in the shade or wear a light, long-sleeved shirt. Finally, after sun exposure, don’t forget to moisturize and hydrate to avoid dryness and sunburn.
Remember: a little bit of sunlight can give your tattoo a healthy glow without damaging it.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Your skin covers a lot of space – up to 22 square feet, depending on your body size. Skin health is also a reliable indicator of your overall health and vitality, so taking care of your skin starts with taking care of the rest of your body.
It’s no wonder then that people with great skin tend to have better diet, exercise, and sleep habits. If any of these are lacking, you’re more likely to suffer from sagging skin, wrinkles, fading tattoos, and other problems.
After all, tattoo maintenance isn’t just about what’s skin deep: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep will ensure your tattoo looks just as beautiful as the rest of your body as you age.
Maintaining your tattoo long-term doesn’t just involve doing the right things for your health — it also involves avoiding certain habits that can speed up aging and fading of your ink.
Habits like excessive drinking, smoking, and other vices tend to show up on your skin, and tattoos are no exception. While it’s okay to have a little fun every now and then, aim to cut down on the number of everyday habits that may be damaging to the overall long-term quality of your tattoo and skin.
Consider a touch-up
At some point, you might consider returning to your tattoo artist to “touch up” your tattoo with new ink. This is a common practice in the tattoo industry, and most artists will be happy to do so for a reasonable price compared to the cost of a new tattoo.
While touch-ups won’t completely restore your tattoo to its original glory, a talented artist can improve the foundation. We recommend waiting at least a few years for the ink to fully set before booking a touch-up appointment.
Remember, all of the original aftercare methods apply to caring for your new ink after a touch-up, so this is the perfect opportunity to start your ink fresh again by regularly using lotion, sunscreen, and the other tips we’ve outlined here.
Take care of your ink
Caring for your tattoo extends well beyond the first month of healing. Your tattoo is an extension of your natural skin, so treat it like any other part of your body. Using lotion, managing sun exposure, and practicing a healthy lifestyle will help you last a long time on your tattoo journey, no matter when or where you started.
Mad Rabbit’s collection of products covers all aspects of tattoo care and durability, giving you everything you need to maintain a beautiful tattoo for the long term.
source:
How tattoos “move” as we age | University College London
Why tattoos fade so quickly | Allure
8 Tattoos that Get Better with Age, According to Tattoo Artists | Bustle
