So, you’ve just gotten the tattoo of your dreams and followed the aftercare instructions to the letter. The tattoo healed perfectly, and you are extremely happy with the results. All done taking care of the tattoo, right? Not quite.
It is normal for tattoos to look the brightest right after the session and for colors to dim slightly as you heal and the ink settles into your skin. Proper after-care will ensure that the tattoo heals beautifully.
As you age, tattoos will naturally fade over time, but there are ways to care for your tattoo to increase the longevity of your ink and help the tattoo remain vibrant and crisp longer. Taking care of your skin is the best way to prevent a tattoo from fading or becoming irregular.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a great tattoo after you have followed the after-care instructions and your tattoo is healed:
Daily lotion application is the best way to keep your tattoo canvas- your skin- hydrated, supple, and healthy
Staying hydrated helps your skin stay moisturized
Avoid harsh or abrasive cleansers or exfoliants when cleaning the skin, which can irritate the skin and fade the tattoo, and instead opt for gentle cleansers
Avoid overexposure to the sun, which will cause fading, especially with a newer tattoo
Avoid overexposure to tanning beds, which also expose the tattoo to UV rays that cause fading
Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoos (and the rest of your skin!) if you are in the sun
Wear protective clothing to shield your tattoo from UV rays if you are in the sun
Avoid smoking, which can make your tattoos fade, bleed out, and/or age poorly because it reduces the body’s collagen production, which reduces skin elasticity
Getting adequate sleep encourages collagen production which can increase skin elasticity and help your tattoo stay looking amazing longer