It seems like everyone has a tattoo these days. What used to be the property of sailors, outlaws, and biker gangs is now a popular body decoration for many people. And its not just anchors, skulls, and battleships anymore — from school emblems to Celtic designs to personalized symbols, people have found many ways to express themselves with their tattoos. Maybe youve thought about getting one. But before you head down to the nearest tattoo shop and roll up your sleeve, there are a few things you need to know.
So What Exactly Is a Tattoo?
A tattoo is a puncture wound, made deep in your skin, thats filled with ink. Its made by penetrating your skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area, usually creating some sort of design. What makes tattoos so long-lasting is theyre so deep — the ink isnt injected into the epidermis (the top layer of skin that you continue to produce and shed throughout your lifetime). Instead, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically permanent.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
These are the instructions that we provide to our customers for the care of their new tattoo. These are suggestions based on our many years of experience. Please keep in mind that we would need to see your tattoo before we could offer any suggestions beyond what is listed here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
SUGGESTED CARE
Remove bandage after two-twelve hours, depending on your artists aftercare recommendation. Never re-bandage. Wash tattoo gently with cool, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly, lightly pat dry with a clean towel. With clean hands apply a thin layer of aftercare cream, such as Emu Oil Tattoo Therapy, or H2Ocean cream and work it into the tattoo. Use cream or ointment for the first several days, then use a mild cream-type lotion for the remainder of the healing process. If you have had problems with antibiotic ointments in the past, you may prefer lotion for the entire healing process. Do not over lubricate your tattoo, but don’t allow it to get too dry. It will need to breath.
Do not use alcohol or peroxide.
Do not pick or scratch.
Do not go swimming or soak in water for two weeks, this includes rafting. We suggest you go rafting BEFORE you get your tattoo.
TIPS
Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight during healing. Regular application of sunscreen when your tattoo is exposed to sun or tanning bed (after it is healed) will prolong the life of your tattoo.
If rash occurs (bumps on or around the tattoo as with an allergic reaction) or redness persists, discontinue use of all topical products and call us for suggestions on product alternatives.
The Dungeon Inc. Body Art Studio has an array of after care products.