ph of skin care products list

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.

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST TO MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW

Is there any fruit more refreshing than watermelon? It’s the ultimate summer snack, but this juicy treat does more than just quench your thirst—it can also soothe overheated skin. While fresh, in-season watermelon is a seasonal delight, you can enjoy the benefits of watermelon skin care any time of year. Instead of buying it, why not make your own?

Whenever you crave that summer vibe (or all year round), this refreshing mist recipe is here to help! While you may not be able to bottle the sensation of biting into a fresh watermelon, this mist comes pretty close. Read on to discover how to create this delightful mist!

BENEFITS OF WATERMELON FOR SKIN CARE

You might be wondering what benefits watermelon mist offers for your skin and whether watermelon skincare is more than just a trend.

The truth is, watermelon isn’t just a summer favorite; it’s a valuable addition to your skincare routine. This refreshing fruit is packed with lycopene, a crucial carotenoid that helps protect our skin from sun damage. In fact, some sunscreens are formulated using lycopene extracted from watermelon!

While the exact amount of lycopene in processed watermelon extract isn’t fully known, and nothing can replace a well-formulated sunscreen, watermelon still brings a wealth of benefits to your skin.

Beyond its carotenoid content, watermelon is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote healthy, radiant skin. And let’s be honest—a glowing complexion is what we all want, especially when it comes to achieving that coveted watermelon glow!

Other benefits of watermelon for skin care:

Watermelon is packed with vitamins, solutes, and amino acids that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Notably, it’s particularly rich in citrulline, an amino acid that supports collagen production. This makes it a great choice for boosting skin elasticity.

Additionally, watermelon can help reduce inflammation and redness after sun exposure, making it a perfect post-sun treatment. Its high vitamin C content not only brightens the skin but also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Plus, with its significant lycopene content, watermelon aids in repairing UV damage.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the skin benefits of watermelon.

It’s becoming increasingly clear why a watermelon facial mist (along with other DIY watermelon skincare products) can enhance your skincare routine.

WATERMELON EXTRACT IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

The maximum recommended concentration for watermelon fruit extract in skincare is only about 0.5%. This is why many commercially available watermelon cosmetics often include added fragrance to enhance the scent. Without fragrance, these products would lack the appealing watermelon aroma that attracts consumers.

While products that smell like candy can be tempting, those of us with sensitive or reactive skin often avoid fragrances due to potential irritation. This caution can also apply to anyone conscious of the health and environmental implications of synthetic fragrances.

In my DIY watermelon face spray, even though I wish it had the same delightful candy scent that some commercial products, like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line, are said to have, it doesn’t. Instead, it offers a light, fruity aroma that is entirely natural and free from synthetic fragrances that could irritate your skin.

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 91.5 ml distilled water (see notes)
  • 5 g vegetable glycerin or propanediol
  • 2 g Linatural natural preservative
  • 1 g aloe vera 200x powder
  • 0.5 g watermelon powder fruit extract
  • Pinch of pink beet powder

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

  • 1 g allantoin powder
  • 1 g panthenol liquid
  • 1 g sorbitan oleate

EQUIPMENT

  • Glass lab beakers
  • Cosmetic scale (0.1 g precision)
  • Pipettes for measuring
  • Mini stainless steel whisk
  • Small funnel
  • 4 oz fine mist spray bottle (see notes)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Sanitize Your Workspace: Ensure all tools, equipment, and your work area are clean and sanitized. Wash everything with hot, soapy water and then spray with 70% alcohol. Allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Mix Glycerin and Watermelon Powder:
    • Weigh the vegetable glycerin into a small beaker.
    • Add the watermelon powder and whisk to combine.
  • Incorporate Aloe Powder:
    • Gradually sprinkle the aloe powder into the glycerin mixture, whisking well to prevent clumping.
  • Add Beet Powder:
    • Stir in the pink beet powder until fully dissolved.
  • Include Optional Ingredients:
    • If using, add allantoin, panthenol, and sorbitan oleate at this stage.
  • Combine with Water:
    • Add the distilled water and gently whisk to blend all ingredients.
  • Add Preservative:
    • Finally, mix in the preservative gently.
  • Transfer to Bottle:
    • Pour the mixture into your fine mist spray bottle, and your face spray is ready to use!

RECIPE NOTES

  • Safety & Cleanliness: It’s crucial to ensure all tools and surfaces are sanitized to avoid bacterial contamination in homemade skincare.
  • Storage & Shelf Life: Store your watermelon spray in a cool, dark place or in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It’s best to use the spray within six months to minimize contamination risks.
  • Batch Size: This recipe yields 100 ml of face mist, which fits perfectly in a 4 oz spray bottle. If you prefer a specific bottle type, the one shown in the photos is from Rail19, though they currently offer only larger sizes.
  • Measuring Ingredients: The total weight of your ingredients should equal 100 g. If you’re adding optional ingredients, subtract their combined weight from the water. Remember, 1 ml of water equals 1 g. For example, if you add 3 g of optional ingredients, reduce the water to 88.5 ml.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can use liquid watermelon extract instead of watermelon powder, allowing for a higher percentage (1 to 3%) compared to the powder’s maximum of 0.5%.

CONCLUSION

With this simple DIY watermelon face mist, you can easily incorporate the refreshing and hydrating benefits of watermelon into your daily skincare routine. This natural and affordable recipe is perfect for all skin types, especially those seeking a radiant and glowing complexion. So, why not give it a try and experience the transformative power of watermelon on your skin? Remember, a little natural care can go a long way in achieving a healthy and beautiful you.