AFTERCARE
TIPS ADVICE PRODUCTS

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Art Bound Studio's Tattoo Artists have created art on your flesh, here are our recommendations for how to properly heal and keep your tattoo looking like brand new.
The 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.

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.

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.
Choose a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.
Cream sunscreen works better than oil or sprays.
Mineral sunscreens are considered to be safe.
Safe ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (in cream).
Less environmentally safe ingredients are oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, repeating every two hours.
Avoid tanning beds, and sunlamps.
Use products Art Bound Studio recommends.
infection
The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area where you have the tattoo.
Usually the skin may simply be irritated due to the needle.
This affects sensitive skin the most.
If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days.
Do not scratch your tattoo as it may cause/spread infection.
If your tattoo itches, slap it with a clean hand or simply leave it alone.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:
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FEVER
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HOT / COLD FLASHES
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ABNORMAL SHIVERING
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PUS COMING OUT OF TATTOO AREA
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AREAS OF HARD RAISED SKIN TISSUE
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EXTREME SWELLING OF TATTOO AREA
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RED LESIONS COMING OUT OF TATTOO AREA
SEE YOUR DOCTOR