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THE TATTOO AFTERCARE: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real work begins after you leave the artist’s chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals beautifully and minimizes the risk of infection or complications. This involves a delicate balance of keeping the area clean while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. 

This guide will provide you with essential tips and information on how to care for your fresh tattoo, from the immediate post-tattoo steps to long-term considerations. By following these guidelines, you can help your tattoo heal optimally and enjoy its vibrant colors and intricate designs for years to come.

TATTOO AFTERCARE: FIRST 30 DAYS AND BEYOND

Healing time varies depending on your tattoo’s size and intricacy. Larger tattoos tend to stay red and swollen for longer as they cause more trauma to the skin.

Day 1

When you leave the tattoo studio, your tattoo will be covered with a dressing. Your artist will tell you when to remove it. Plastic wrap and gauze are typically removed after a few hours, while medical-grade adhesive (known as “second skin”) can stay on for several days. Brands like Dermalize, Flexifix, Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tatu-Derm, and Tegaderm are commonly used.


Fluid, including blood, plasma, and excess ink, may ooze from your tattoo. It will also be red, sore, and warm to the touch. When it’s time to remove the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling it off. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap, rinse well, and then lightly pat dry. Afterward, wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Days 2–3:
Your tattoo will likely have a duller, cloudier appearance as your skin starts healing. Scabs may form.


Continue washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and don’t worry if some ink runs into the sink. This is just excess ink coming up through your skin. Let your skin dry completely before applying the recommended ointment or lotion.

Days 4–6:
By now, the second skin should be removed. Some artists suggest running the area under water while peeling off the adhesive. Make sure your hands are clean before starting.
Gently stretch the adhesive and peel it off slowly. Afterward, cleanse the area, let it dry, and apply the recommended ointment or lotion.


Redness should be fading, and light scabbing may appear. Avoid picking at the scabs, as this can cause scarring. Continue washing your tattoo once or twice daily and applying ointment as needed.

Days 6–14:
Scabs will begin to flake off naturally, but don’t pick at them. Pulling them off prematurely can remove ink and cause scarring. Itching is common during this time. To soothe it, use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day. If the tattoo remains red and swollen, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice on possible infection.

Days 15–30:
By now, most scabs should be gone, and any remaining flakes will fall off. The tattooed area may still look dry and dull, but it should start to feel smoother. Continue moisturizing until the skin appears hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer skin layers will have healed, but deeper layers may take 3–4 months to fully heal.

Expect your tattoo to look bright and vivid again by the end of the third month.

Tips for Long-Term Tattoo Care:
Once your tattoo has healed, it’s important to maintain its appearance.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to support overall health and keep your skin elastic.
  • Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage and keep the colors vibrant.
  • Avoid Rapid Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch and distort your tattoo.

SELECTING THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCTS FOR TATTOO AFTERCARE

USE SOAP

Always opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the tattooed area.

Many tattoo artists recommend:

  • Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
  • Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap (although not fragrance-free, some artists recommend it)

USE OINTMENT


For the first day or two, some artists suggest using A+D Original Ointment. Afterward, you can switch to Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm.

USE LOTION

After the first week, you can switch to a lotion to keep the skin hydrated. Just ensure it is free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and additives like colored dyes that can dry out your skin.

Some recommended lotions are:

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
  • Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

AVOID 100% PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

It’s best to avoid using products that are 100% petroleum-based, such as original Vaseline, during the initial healing process.

Petroleum products are thick and can trap moisture, preventing proper airflow to the tattoo. This can hinder healing and may even cause the ink to fade. Always choose products that allow your skin to breathe while supporting the healing process.

COMPLICATIONS DURING THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS

While some discomfort and changes in your tattoo are normal, certain complications can arise. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

INFECTION

Improper care of your tattoo can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include:

  • Redness, warmth, and pain around the tattooed area
  • Leaking pus or other unusual fluids

In rare cases, contamination of tattoo equipment or ink can lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial skin infections have also been reported.

ALLERGIC REACTION

If you’re allergic to the ink, you may experience a red, itchy reaction at the tattoo site. Red dyes are most likely to cause allergies, although blue and black dyes can also trigger skin reactions like photosensitivity. Always consult your artist or a healthcare professional if you suspect an allergic reaction.

SCARRING

Improper healing, such as picking at scabs or damage from the needle, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue can be permanent, so it’s important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo while it heals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should you start aftercare for a new tattoo?
Aftercare begins immediately after your tattoo is completed. Your artist will typically apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Follow their aftercare instructions on when to cleanse and what products to use.

2. How long should you keep your tattoo covered after your appointment?
Keep the dressing on for the duration recommended by your artist, typically anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The dressing prevents bacteria from entering, absorbs excess ink and fluid, and shields the tattoo from friction or irritation.

3. What is proper aftercare for a new tattoo?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the covering.
  • Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
  • Let your skin breathe by keeping the dressing off after initial care.
  • Follow this routine for the first few weeks and avoid sun exposure until fully healed.

4. What should you avoid after getting a new tattoo?

  • Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. Gently patting the area can relieve itching.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or irritate the tattoo.
  • Stay away from bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, or submerging your tattoo in water.
  • Don’t apply sunblock until the tattoo has fully healed, and avoid direct sun exposure during healing.

5. Can you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment on a healing tattoo. Unlike pure petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), Aquaphor is more breathable and allows air to circulate, aiding the healing process without suffocating the skin.

CONCLUSION

A tattoo is not only a form of personal expression and art, but also a medical procedure. The artist uses a needle to deposit ink beneath your skin, which creates a wound. Anytime the skin is broken, there’s a risk of scarring and infection. Proper aftercare is essential to minimize these risks and promote healthy healing of your tattoo.

DOJA CAT WEIGHT LOSS: BEFORE AND AFTER TRANSFORMATION

The world music industry in recent years is considered a period of ‘discovery,’ with more and more talented new faces emerging. However, the standout among them is Doja Cat – a female artist who has been making waves for a long time with her hit songs, reaching every corner. Because of her admirable music career, fans around the world are very concerned about her figure and personal lifestyle. Especially when Doja Cat’s weight dropped from 140 pounds to 120 pounds, it caused a stir. Curiosity on social networks and the need to learn Doja Cat’s weight loss secrets are very high. So how did Doja Cat lose weight? From diet plans and workout routines to before and after differences – here’s everything you need to know about Doja Cat’s body transformation.

WHO IS DOJA CAT?

Doja Cat is a talented American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and started making music early on, sharing it on a platform called SoundCloud. Doja Cat has released successful albums like Amala, Hot Pink, and Planet Her, gaining a lot of popularity in the music industry. She’s won prestigious awards like the Grammy Award and has been recognized by TIME as one of the 100 most influential people in 2023.

Apart from her music, Doja Cat is also known for creating attention-grabbing music videos that become trendy on social media. In 2021, she made headlines for her impressive body transformation, losing weight from 140 pounds to 120 pounds, and her journey is often attributed to her diet plan, body type, and workout routine.

HOW DID DOJA CAT PUT ON WEIGHT?

Was Doja Cat overweight? Not really. But the singer had a body that she wanted to make more toned. When she decided to lose weight, she weighed around 140 pounds. Even though she always lived a healthy life, she dealt with body dysmorphia for most of her life. Body dysmorphia is when someone is very focused on a perceived flaw or defect in their looks, even if others don’t really notice it. This can make it hard for a person to do their daily activities.

In a truthful interview with Cosmopolitan Middle East in 2020, she shared, “Growing up, I definitely had body dysmorphia. Without a doubt. And I’ve had it since. It started in my teens, which I think is where it starts for a lot of people. I started really growing, and I never really thought I looked good in a lot of the stuff I wore.” This made Doja Cat decide to start a weight loss journey to make her body more toned. She ended up losing about 20 pounds. So, how did Doja Cat lose weight? You’ll find everything you need to know about her diet plan, weight loss journey, and workout routines ahead.

DOJA CAT DIET PLAN

Doja Cat’s diet plan is quite simple: eat healthy food consistently and make an effort to avoid junk. Here’s a glimpse into what Doja Cat typically ate every day to lose weight.

For breakfast, she had toast and two eggs. Lunch included vegetables, a tuna or salmon dish, or a spinach tortilla with caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, and hot sauce. Her evening snack consisted of coffee, seaweed chips, and green juices. Dinner usually involved chicken steak, spinach, and salad.

Now, let’s explore how her diet principles contributed to her weight loss.

Avoiding junk food is a simple step towards a healthy lifestyle, making it easier to burn calories without gaining extra ones. Sticking to a healthy diet involves creating a plan and sticking to it, including limiting alcohol intake and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Doja Cat’s diet included a good amount of protein-rich foods, which can make you feel full and reduce hunger, according to the Food Hydrocolloids. Drinking plenty of water aids metabolism and helps in more effective fat loss.

Although not strictly a diet principle, Doja emphasized getting quality sleep during her weight loss journey. Studies have shown that quality sleep helps burn calories efficiently.

DOJA CAT WORKOUT ROUTINE

Doja Cat’s exercise plan focused on working out her whole body and targeting different muscles. We don’t know all the details about how hard or how long she exercised, but it seems she did weight training three times a week, doing three sets of 8–10 reps each time.

Doja Cat’s exercises included things like squats, curls, step-ups on a bench, push-ups, dumbbell presses on an incline, swings with a kettlebell, lunges, and crunches. She also did cardio every day, walking or running on a treadmill for 15 minutes in the morning and using a stationary bike in the evenings to keep her energy up.

From the information we have, we can learn a couple of things from Doja’s workouts. Lifting weights is important, and studies from the University of New South Wales say it’s one of the best ways to burn fat and build muscle. In our experience, lifting weights three times a week is enough for losing fat effectively. Also, Doja’s doing cardio twice a day, both in the morning and evening, adds up to about 150 minutes a week, which is considered ideal for losing weight.

HER WEIGHT LOSS RESULTS

We need to think about two things when looking at Doja Cat’s weight loss: her BMI before and after.

Before losing weight, Doja was 140 pounds and 5’5” tall. This made her BMI 26.1, which is on the higher side of the normal weight range.

Now, she weighs 120 pounds, and her BMI is 20, which is in the middle of the normal weight range.

DOJA CAT CAREER

Doja Cat’s career has been like a rocket going up into the sky! Doja Cat first caught everyone’s attention with her catchy songs and unique style. Her breakout moment came with the viral hit “Mooo!” where she playfully embraced her quirky side. After that, she soared even higher with chart-topping tracks like “Say So” and “Streets.” 

Doja Cat is known for mixing different music genres, creating a cool blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Her fun and confident personality shine through in her music and performances. With awards and millions of fans around the world, Doja Cat is definitely a rising star in the music scene!

DOJA CAT PERSONAL LIFE

Doja Cat doesn’t like talking much about her personal life. She used to live in a fancy house in Beverly Hills, California, which she bought in 2021 for $2.2 million and sold in September 2022 for $2.5 million. She was in a short relationship with a musician named Jawny from August 2019 to February 2020. Even though she hasn’t officially talked about her sexual orientation, Doja Cat has hinted that she likes people she can have a special connection with.

In June 2020, Doja Cat donated $100,000 to the Justice for Breonna Taylor Fund to help support Taylor’s family. But in January 2024, there’s some family trouble. Doja Cat’s mother filed for a temporary restraining order against her older brother, Raman Dalithando Dlamini. It’s said that he’s been mistreating both Doja Cat and their mother.

FAQ

1. Why is Doja Cat not making music?

She just enjoys making music but she’s getting tired of hearing y’all say that she can’t, so she will.

2. Is Doja Cat going on tour 2023?

Yes. On October 31, 2023 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

3. How much is Doja Cat net worth?

Around $8 million.

CONCLUSION

Doja Cat’s weight loss has been talked about, but it’s important to look at her successful career. Her changes in looks show she’s worked hard, not just in how she looks but in her dedication to her work. Even with people watching and judging, Doja Cat keeps making popular music, showing off her creativity and unique style. Her career path proves she’s really talented and determined, and her musical journey is about more than just how she looks.