Getting a tattoo is like getting married – you’re in it for life, and if you want to keep your body art vibrant over the years, you need to protect it. Good tattoo hygiene and aftercare do not only help preserve your fresh ink, but it also makes for better and overall more distinct tattoos. No matter what type of tattoo you have or where on your body it’s located, proper care will ensure that your new tat will last (and look great) for many years to come!
The history of tattoos is an interesting one. Tattoos are a form of art that is traced back to ancient times. Tattoos have been found in Egyptian hieroglyphics, Mayan pottery, and even on the bodies of mummies who were preserved through their long journey into death. The first written records date back as far as 3000 BC.
Some people view tattoos as a type of art or expression while others see them as more like an addiction that can’t be escaped from. Yet there is one thing everyone agrees upon: this cultural tradition has been around for millennia and will continue to grow for many years to come!
The ink on your skin is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tattoo designs. From hearts, stars, and anchors to more obscure symbols like spoons or fish hooks – there are a million ways for you to take your body art up a notch. But before you get inked-up, make sure you know what type of tattoo you want (watercolor? realistic? abstract?) so that you can find an artist who specializes in it.
Doing some research before taking any permanent steps will ensure that everyone’s happy with their final product!
Here are 4 essential steps to keep your ink fresh so you can continue to love your tattoo:
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
Tattoo fading is one of the biggest problems that tattoo artists face, and light sources are one of the biggest foes to fresh ink. It’s important for you to understand why and what you can do about it.
We all know that sunlight can fade tattoos, but there are a lot of contributing factors. For instance, the type of ink used and your skin tone will play a huge role as well. Hempzilla’s Fresh Ink Tattoo Cream is made with natural ingredients which have been shown to be effective at preserving tattoos. This cream was designed for the best results when tattooed over an already existing tattoo by using inks that are pigment-based instead of dye bases which contain impurities such as heavy metals like mercury and lead. It also contains ActivAloe that helps the CBD penetrate the skin more deeply, increasing bioavailability.
The placement of your tattoo is also important to consider prior to getting inked because the design will fade more quickly depending on how much exposure it receives to the sun. For instance, getting a tattoo close to your neck, chest, or back makes it more likely to be damaged by excessive sunlight and may cause fading within three years.
A strong SPF is a vital addition to your daily routine, as it will help block out UV rays that break down pigments in your skin while also keeping inflammation and infection at bay. We recommend getting an SPF of 50 and above. You can check out some of the best-rated SPFs for tattoos here! Want to get a tan? Opt for a sunless spray tan!
Know Exactly What You’re Getting
Tattoo ink is a specialized chemical compound formulated specifically for use in tattoo applications. Tattoo artists purchase ink from suppliers who produce their own formulas to meet the needs of particular venues, such as high-end parlors or low-cost shops. Understanding the ingredients and how they work together can help you determine if your artist uses quality products designed to protect your new tattoo investment.
Did you know that tattoo ink used in current tattoos is not as strong as the traditional pigments used decades ago? In addition to the cleanliness of the needles used and the talent of the artist, it is important to ask about the quality of the ink the shop uses. Don’t be afraid to ask anything you need to in order to feel confident in your purchase.
Whether it’s before or after your tat sesh, your artist should have some specific recommendations and expectations that they can help you understand based on the type of ink they use and what they’ve seen work for their other clients!
Stay Hydrated!
Humidity is something that most people don’t think about when they walk outside in the morning and feel a little mist on their face. While dampness can be uncomfortable, it also does more than just make you sweat; it affects your skin as well. Humidity will play an important part in how quickly your tattoo fades away! A big factor in this process is the amount of humidity present during the healing phase.
Did you know that the life of your tattoo is directly related to humidity? Estimates are around a year for every 1% of moisture. If you live in Miami, where there’s over 80% relative humidity, then it could be as little as 8 months or less! Keeping your skin hydrated with moisturizers such as Hempzilla’s CBD Lavender Hand and Body Lotion, which penetrate deeply into the skin will help your skin retain the moisture it needs in addition to drinking your much-needed 8 glasses a day!
Stay Calm and Heal On
Tattoos are an investment in your body. When you have a tattoo done, it’s not just ink on the skin; the process of getting that ink into your skin is actually traumatic to the tissue. It needs time to recover and heal before it can stand up against daily wear and tear.
Tattoo healing is a process that may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and placement of your tattoo. It’s important to pay attention to how you let it heal so that you get the best possible result and keep your new ink healthy.
Tattoos represent more than just ink on skin; they’re memories, stories, a way to express yourself and own your story. No matter where you go in life, you’ll always have tattoos telling the history of who you are and what has made up the person that is YOU.
Tired of the same old selfies? Want our followers to know that you are following us on social media? Follow @hempzillacbd and tag us in your photos for a chance to show off your ink!