Photo by Michael Gilman Tattoos aren’t going anywhere – literally and figuratively. Once considered a bit alternative, recent stats show that nearly 41% of American men and 58% of women have body art (Credit Donkey, 2015).
Getting a tattoo is just the first step though. For many, the hardest part is the maintenance required to keep those images looking pristine long after one gets out of the chair. There’s a million articles on how to take care of fresh ink right after the visit (don’t rub it yo yo), but there’s not much in the literature about caring for a tattoo six months later and beyond.
To that end, Grooming Lounge recently partnered with a brand solely dedicated to treating and preserving tattoos, Electric Ink, to gather expert insights on what folks need to do to take care of tattoos properly for the short and long-term.
You’re excited about your fresh ink and want to show it off -- everybody gets that. But, the most important step in long-term care is to listen to the industry professional’s instructions right after you get a tattoo. Tips may differ from artist to artist, but these directions are tailored to your professional’s process and how their ink heals best. Every body part is different too. Again, that first week or so after is probably the most important to long-term success.
Tattoos are a lot of fun, but since they’re also permanently part of the skin, it’s important to take care of them every single day just as one would the rest of the body. Using a daily moisturizer will ensure skin stays hydrated, elastic and prevents the signs of aging ink. Moisturizing is particularly important for areas of the body that fade more quickly (typically due to regular friction and sun exposure throughout the day) such as elbows, knees and hands. Electric Ink’s Daily Moisturizer uses a slew of nourishing ingredients to protect tattoos from the signs of sun damage and reduce inflammation, while supporting the intensity and vibrancy of ink.
New tattoos are more susceptible to sun-burn – and the sun can cause skin to blister and disrupt the healing process. Long story short, sun exposure is the quickest and easiest way for ink to pre-maturely fade and have you back in the chair for a touch-up. Even after a few weeks when a new tattoo has healed, it’s crucial to always apply sunscreen anytime you’re under the sun.
If you didn’t pay attention to this tip and you’re noticing some faded ink, it’s never too late to salvage your piece. Vibrancy Serum from Electric Ink is a restorative formula loaded with Amino Acids and other hydrating ingredients to improve the skin’s clarity and maintain the ink’s shape. The serum also provides protection from sun damage that dulls ink over time.
One of the biggest drawbacks of tattoos is their susceptibility to infection and skin reactions. This problem can generally be avoided by simply keeping your tat clean. Wash your tattoos thoroughly once a day with clean hands and never put a new layer of ointment on your tattoo without washing the old layer of ointment off.
Once it’s all clean, make the tattoo ready for prime time. Electric Ink’s Defining Body Oil is packed with essential nourishing actives to pamper and protect new tattoos from bacteria and sun-damage, while leaving behind a nice, glossy finish. After all, your tattoo is your brand. Make it shine.
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