Tattoos have become an obsession these days. Especially among teenagers, if you have a tattoo, you are somewhat cool. A tattoo, nowadays, is a symbol of rebellious nature. However, if you saw any old movies, you must have noticed people with tattoos. What does that mean? Are they trying to look cool among their group of friends? No! Earlier, tattoos had meanings! They had some messages to deliver. Anyway, let us not take our article in the wrong direction. That is not my story to tell as of now. Today, in this article, we will get to know How long it takes for a tattoo to heal?
Now, we understand that showing off is part of getting a tattoo process. However, it should be done once the healing process completes. After getting a tattoo, your body needs time to adjust itself with something new embedded. All it needs is some care and lots of time. Therefore, it is better to start the flaunting process afterwards!But, the question is: How should we take care of the tattoo? What is the healing process? Most importantly, why is healing necessary if I am not experiencing any symptoms? In this article, we will answer all types of questions regarding Tattoos and their healing process. Let us begin now!
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
If you wish or plan to get a tattoo, you must know aftercare is equally essential. Aftercare is necessary to overcome the symptoms like pain, itching, swelling etc. However, Some people ignore aftercare, saying that they are not experiencing any symptoms. But, experts recommend taking proper care of your skin after getting a tattoo.
It is common human nature to ask the reason behind everything. So naturally, you wish to know the same! So let me explain why aftercare is essential even if you are not experiencing pain or swelling?
Human skin is divided into three parts. Or in other words, the human body consists of three layers of skin: Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis. The epidermis is the thinnest outer layer of the human body. Therefore, it is fragile and visible to human eyes. However, Dermis and Hypodermis lie inside the human body. Consequently, they play an essential part in the colour and quality of the skin one has.
The tattoo affects all three layers. The epidermis or the outer layers heal faster than the other two layers. The epidermis needs 2-3 weeks of care to heal. However, the different two layers take almost six months to heal. Therefore, even if there are no symptoms, aftercare is necessary. Aftercare will heal all three layers of the skin if you ignore it and do not take care of your skiing afterwards. Trust me, the results can be horrible and will continue to get worse.
Moreover, the general tenure for the tattoo to heal completely is 2-3 weeks. It is importnat to note that healing time is different for each individual. Also, it depends on the size and structure of the tattoo too.
The healing process and its stages:-
In this section of the article, we have divided the healing stages into a few steps. Let us discuss them one by one. Also, we will discuss the do and don’ts after getting a tattoo.
Healing process: Stage 1
Stage one begins when you get the tattoo and probably lasts for 5-6 days. Again, it depends on the size and structure of the tattoo. Once you get the tattoo, they will cover it using a bandage. After a few hours, you are free to remove the application. This is when the aftercare begins! Symptoms Like redness, itching, swelling, allergic reaction, inflammation and burning sensation are the most common symptoms. Your body will start its fight and try to heal. Aftercare will help your body to heal faster.
Healing Process: Stage 2
On the seventh day, stage 2 begins. Stage 2 lasts for 5-6 days generally. Flaky and Itchy skin are the common symptoms in stage 2. You will even doubt if the ink is rubbing off. However, there is nothing to worry about! It is the result of skin flakiness. The ink will remain fixed at its place. Your tattoo will shine after healing completes.
Now, how to overcome this? The first rule is to keep your hands off on and around the tattoo. If you are picking scabs or scratching, stop it immediately. I understand that it is not going to be easy! However, resistance is the key. Instead, moisturizing on and around the tattoo will keep the skiing hydrated. Also, with time, the itching will fade away too.
Healing process: Stage 3
Now, this is the most crucial stage. This stage could last for 10-15 days. This stage will decide if your skin is healing or not. By this time, the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin gets healed. The alarming sign is when the epidermis does not heal by this stage. In this case, you may experience some redness or rashes over the skin around the tattoo. In addition, the tattoo will not look as good as it should. This is because a thick elephant skin type layer can cover the tattoo. This can be the result of not following the hands-off rule. Therefore, it is essential to resist all the urges to scratch. Scratching may also result in the formation of scars or dark patches around the tattoo.
The golden rule or critical solution is to exfoliate and moisturize. Use a good exfoliator and moisturizer. The thick layer over the tattoo eventually faded away. In case the symptoms worsen, go and consult a doctor at once.
Healing process: Stage 4
Stage 4 begins after two months of getting a tattoo. It lasts at least six months. By this time, the upper layer of the skin will be healed completely. However, the inner layers of the skin, Dermis and Hypodermis take time to heal. Some people stop taking care of their tattoo once the epidermis heals. However, it is wise to continue taking care of the tattoo even if it looks healthy. If you stop the tattoo aftercare routine, the inner layers will most likely not heal completely. This can even cause skin cancer in the long term.
Thus, even after a tattoo heals, it is essential to continue with moisturizing, hydrating etc. Another important step is to start using good quality SPF. The heat of the sun on and around the tattoo will not let the skin heal completely. The dangerous rays from sun can cause permanent damage to the tattoo. Therefore, covering the tattoo for at least six months is necessary.
Safety measures one should follow after getting a tattoo?
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal? We did answer the question above. However, I believe it is not the time that the tattoo heals. It entirely depends on the precautions you are taking for a tattoo to heal. Therefore, aftercare is essential. Miracles of aftercare are incredible. It is safe to have a tattoo if you takes proper care.
If you take care of the tattoo properly, it even heals faster than the expected time. All you need to do is to resist and moisturize. Resistance against scratching. Moisturizing the tattoo.
- Do cover your tattoo while in the sun. This is a prevalent mistake one can make after having a tattoo. To flaunt the new tattoo, we commit this mistake. We generally leave the tattoo uncovered to let the people see and admire it. However, this can turn into a nightmare. Therefore, experts recommend you cover it using the proper sunlight clothing before it heals completely. Don’t forget! New tattoos are sun-sensitive.
- Once you get the tattoo, the tattoo artist will put a bandage over it for a shorter period. However, you need to remove this bandage after 2-3 hours. It is essential to leave the wound open because a lack of oxygen and moisture can infect the tattoo. Also, if you keep the tattoo covered with a bandage, it is likely to heal very slowly.
- The mantra for good health is to clean. This is no different in the case of a tattoo. Wash the tattoo twice or thrice using a clean towel and warm water. This will keep the ink intact and remove the bacteria or germs nearby the tattoo. Also, do not use hot water. It may harm the skin. Do not use alcohol or fragrance soap as it may react with the ink. Mild soap is recommended.
- Some people make the mistake of using Vaseline for moisturizing. However, Vaseline is a heavy cream that should not be put on immediately after getting a tattoo. The best product to use over the tattoo is coconut oil. It has faster healing properties and is free from any chemicals.
- Stop scratching and picking scabs. Redness, itching and rashes are coming when you have a tattoo. Picking the scabs will result in damage to the epidermis.
- Use of the scented moisturizers and creams can cause severe damage.
Important note:-
That is all about the precautions! If you follow these steps seriously, you and your tattoo will remain in good health.
Signs that your tattoo is not in good health are:-
If you see these signs, it is time to visit a doctor
- You will get a fever, or you will feel chills. This is the most common sign of tattoo infection.
- If the redness remains more than 4-5 days with a continuous itching. Take the help of a dermatologist.
- Puffiness around the tattoo for more than 6-7 days, Formation of Pus or a fluid around the tattoo are the alarming signs. Focus on aftercare is equally important.
Conclusion: How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
I hope, after reading this article, you all will take care of your new tattoos properly. This article gives you an exact picture of how long does it take for a tattoo to heal? Also, it tells you about common mistakes we all make after getting a tattoo. Aftercare is equally important. Moreover, you can see what recreation you should take if you have any symptoms of infections. Thank you for your time, and take care!
