The tattoo healing tips, instructions, and recommended products below will help prevent scarring (raised flesh).
All skin heals differently, however with proper treatment and care you can avoid most issues that can cause a good tattoo to be ruined.
PRE-CARE
Properly Prepare Yourself
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Do Eat
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Do Shave
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Do Shower
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Do Moisturize
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Do Sleep Well
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Do Get Hydrated
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Do Bring Snacks
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Do Dress Appropriate
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Do Bring Water / Coconut Water
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Don't Go Tanning
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Don't Drink Alcohol
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Don't Do Skin Exfoliation
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Don't Have Heavy Workouts
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Avoid wearing tight clothing. Clothes will stick to your new flesh art. This is why it is best to dress appropriately for your tattoo session and avoid wearing clothing that would cover the flesh canvas area.
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It is important to communicate with your artist any medical concerns or anxieties before your session. Use the online booking form to address your concerns and share your flesh art ideas directly with your artist.
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During your session, if you feel dizzy, light-headed, or above normal discomfort, immediately address it with your artist. Don't overdo it on the water before your session to avoid frequent bathroom breaks.
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Eat a decent meal with carbs 2 hours before your session and bring a light snack or candy to your session to offset any dizziness or low blood sugar.
AFTERCARE
Love Your New Art
WASHING
Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily WITH an antibacterial soap (i.e. Dial) until the scabs are gone. Wash with only your clean hand and not a sponge, or towel. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap, clean hand only, and lukewarm water until it's fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.
DRYING
Pat with a soft paper towel (VIVA brand is best.)
Do not dry using a rubbing motion or an abrasive towel. Paper towels are best to assure clean drying surface.
Do NOT reuse your drying towel.
MOISTURIZING
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer after every wash, and in between washes with a clean hand.
Do not apply too much moisturizer as it will cause the skin to suffocate and the tattoo to not heal properly, or create infection.
SUNSCREEN
Never apply sunscreen to a tattoo in the healing stage after your tattoo has completely healed sunscreen applied to tattoos that come in contact with the sun will keep it looking new and fresh.
Sunscreen specifically designed for tattoos is not any better than regular sunscreen.
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We recommend Redemtion Tattoo Lubricant
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We recommend Art Bound Tattoo Art Balm for aftercare
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Choose a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.
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Cream sunscreen works better than oil or sprays.
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Mineral sunscreens are considered to be safe.
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Safe ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (in cream).
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Less environmentally safe ingredients are oxybenzone and octinoxate.
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Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, repeating every two hours.
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Avoid tanning beds, and sunlamps.
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Call Art Bound Studio if you have any healing issues.
