After your tattoo is finished, you need to take care of it as much as you did when getting ready for it. You will want to keep your new ink as long as possible. However, that does not mean that you should be careless about how you treat it. Your skin is sensitive after getting a tattoo, so using the right products will help your new ink stay in place and prevent further damage. If you are wondering what happens if you use scented soap on your tattoo, keep reading. This article will answer all your questions and more.
What Happens If You Use Scented Soap On Your Tattoo?
The first thing is to always follow the instructions of your tattoo artist and make sure you know what type of soap they recommend you use. Some may be more sensitive than others so you want to be careful. I always recommend using unscented body washes or soaps that are free of dyes and fragrances if possible to help prevent irritation on your new ink. If you must use scented soap, try to avoid products that are heavily scented as this can lead to dryness and cracking of freshly healed tattoos. so here are things that happen if you use scented soap on your new tattoo.
1. You will delay the healing process
It’s extremely important to keep your tattoo clean, but make sure that you don’t clean it too early in the healing process. The best time to clean your tattoo is when it’s scabbed over. Cleansing it while it’s fresh and open can cause it to become discolored and delay the healing process. This can cause your tattoo to look less vibrant since it takes around 2 weeks for it to start healing. If you’re using an antibacterial soap to keep it clean, you may be adding too much moisture and delaying the healing process even further. If you need to, you can use a cleaning solution like Tattoo Goo to keep your tattoo clean while it’s healing. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t cause any unnecessary damage. If you want to use soap on your new tattoo, make sure that you’re using a mild and fragrance-free variety.
2. Your tattoo will be discolored
If you’re using a soap that’s too strong for your new tattoo, you may end up with it being discolored. If you use a soap with too much fragrance, your skin will produce more oil and end up discolored as a result. This also means that your tattoo will take longer to heal since it’ll be covered in a layer of oil. If you experience itching or irritation, it might be a sign that your soap has caused your tattoo to become discolored. If you use a soap with a strong fragrance, you’re likely going to experience this side effect. If you use a soap that’s too strong, you’ll end up stinging and burning your fresh tattoo. If this happens, you should immediately discontinue use, since it can cause a lot of damage. A fragrance-free soap is the best alternative in this case.
3. The protective layer will be stripped away
The protective layer around your tattoo is there for a reason. It keeps your new piece of art away from bacteria and germs, and it also prevents it from getting damaged. If you use the wrong soap on your tattoo, you’ll strip away this protective layer and leave your tattoo exposed. This means that germs and bacteria will have a chance to enter your skin, which can cause an infection. Using a gentle and fragrance-free soap is an important part of following the proper aftercare instructions for your new tattoo. If you’re still not sure what soap to use, take a look at the ingredients before buying a new bottle. Avoiding soaps that are heavily scented is a good way to start since many of them contain harmful ingredients.
5. Your skin won’t be as soft
If you use the wrong soap on your fresh tattoo, you may notice that your skin doesn’t feel as soft as usual. Using a soap that’s too strong for your skin can cause it to become dry, flaky, and itchy. This can be a real nuisance when it comes to taking care of your new tattoo. It’s no fun scratching at your skin or feeling excessively dry. Gentle and fragrance-free soaps are the best choice for cleaning your fresh tattoo. If you notice that your skin has become excessively dry and itchy, it may be a sign that you’re using the wrong soap. Be sure to avoid too many harsh ingredients and look for a gentle soap that won’t cause you any harm.
Things To Avoid After Getting A Tattoo
- Scented soaps and shampoos: Unless your tattoo artist recommends it, you should avoid using scented soaps and shampoos on your skin. These products can cause irritation and dryness, which can make your skin more susceptible to infection.
- Vigorous scrubbing: It is best to use a gentle, light touch as you clean your skin. Vigorous scrubbing can cause your tattoo to bleed and delay the healing process.
- Salty water: It is also recommended that you avoid soaking your tattoo in salty water. The minerals in salt water can irritate your skin and cause your tattoo to look faded.
- Permanent makeup: If you are getting a permanent makeup procedure done, you should avoid scented products. Permanent makeup usually involves the use of a needle, so using scented products can increase your risk of infection.
How To Prevent Your Scented Soaps From Stripping Your Tattoo?
Change up your shampoos
It’s important to keep in mind that your tattoo is a wound; even if it has healed, it is susceptible to infections, which can cause it to deteriorate. Using a topical antibiotic cream is recommended during the healing process, and antibiotics come with some pretty serious side effects—you probably don’t want a shampoo that contains those ingredients. If you’re still using the same shampoo and conditioner since you got your tattoo, it might be time to change them up. Make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients that could irritate your skin and worsen the healing process. Try to find products without added fragrance. While they might smell great, they can also damage your skin.
Use Tattoo-friendly products
Besides switching up your shampoo and conditioner, you should also be on the lookout for other products you use on your skin, particularly makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreen. Some may contain ingredients that are harmful to your tattoo. If you use makeup, check the label for any ingredients you should avoid. If you can’t find any, just don’t risk it and look for a makeup brand that is tattoo-friendly. For moisturizers, sunscreen, and other skincare products, it’s best to find one that is fragrance-free, water-based, and non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog your pores. If you use a topical ointment on your tattoo, make sure it’s okay to use with a fresh tattoo. Some ointments can actually cause your skin to peel and blister, which could lead to infection.
Use a moisturizing cream
Moisturizers are essential for your skin’s health. They promote skin regeneration and help your skin retain its natural moisture. But as your skin heals, it becomes dry and flaky, which can lead to cracking, scabbing, and possible infection. If you’re experiencing any of those symptoms, it could be your tattoo cream. You should switch to a tattoo-friendly moisturizing cream to prevent this from happening. Moisturizing creams are also helpful for tattoos that are fresh. A freshly inked tattoo needs extra hydration to prevent it from drying out. If you’re not sure what ingredients to look for in a tattoo-friendly moisturizing cream, a dermatologist can help you find the right one for your skin.
Wear sunscreen
This one applies the most after you’ve healed your tattoo. Even though tattoos are permanent, they are still susceptible to damage, such as fading and discoloration. As you know, the sun can fade tattoos. Even if you’re wearing sunscreen, the sun’s rays can still cause harm to your tattoo. To prevent this from happening, you should wear sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher. If you’re going to be outside for long periods of time, make sure to reapply it.
Conclusion
If you have a fresh tattoo, you will want to make sure to clean it properly. Using the wrong products can lead to skin irritation, infections, and even damage to your tattoo. When getting ready for your new tattoo, you will want to avoid using scented soaps, shampoos, and body washes. You can choose to use unscented products instead. If you follow these tips, you will be able to keep your new tattoo clean while it heals.
