Is it normal for a tattoo to peel? This is a common question that's asked by most people who have gotten a tattoo. This article guides you on how to take care of your tattoo and answers all your questions regarding tattoo peeling.
The art of tattooing is not new, it was in practice since ages. Earlier they were considered an important part of a ritual, but they are considered more of a fashion statement. Today tattoos are a common sight on teens and adults, and even kids sport temporary tattoos nowadays. Their popularity has spread so much, that one in every five Americans has a tattoo.
People get tattoos for various reasons, some to show their love for their partner, some for religious meanings, while most of them get it because someone they know has got a tattoo. Now, it’s not bad to get a tattoo, but it’s also necessary to understand the different changes that your skin undergoes when it gets inked. In this article we are going to clear a very common doubt asked by teens and adults all around; is tattoo peeling normal?
People who have gotten their first tattoo might not know much about its effect on the skin. Before you go for a tattoo, it is essential that you understand what different changes will happen once you have gotten yourself a tattoo. Don’t panic if the skin starts to peel off after the first week. Peeling and flaking of skin is perfectly normal.
Before your tattoo starts to peel, it would look like its covered with a whitish cracking film. After some days you are going to notice your skin going all pale and flaky as dead skin starts to fall. In some cases, people have also seen a duplicate part of their tattoo peeling off. It is weird to see all this, but there’s no need to worry as this is the body’s way of healing itself. The best thing to do is to allow the process to happen and make sure you avoid scratching, picking or peeling it. You can apply tattoo aftercare lotion if the area becomes too itchy and dry.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo healing is different for every individual, which makes it difficult to decide the exact timeline for the healing process. It is impossible to determine how soon will someone heal as everyone’s skin is different. The type of skin also plays an important role in healing, those with sensitive skin will obviously take longer than people having normal skin to heal. The healing process also depends on the area where you got your tattoo. However, there are some aftercare instructions that everyone should follow after getting inked.
- Tattoo care starts as soon as you get the tattoo. Your tattoo should be covered with a bandage for at least 3 to 4 hours to protect it from sunlight and dirt as your tattoo is like an open wound and you wouldn’t want the tattooed area to get infected.
- If the tattoo area is large make sure the bandage is kept for a longer time and remember, never re-bandage.
- After the tattooed area has become dry, wash your tattoo with warm water and an antibacterial soap, pat dry it with a towel. Apply very little aftercare tattoo lotion or you can also use an ointment specially designed for tattoo care.
- You can apply the ointment whenever the tattoo is feeling dry and itchy, but beware of over moisturizing. In the initial days, apply body moisturizer at least two times for at least two weeks.
- Keeping the tattoo clean is very important, but long showers and baths should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
- To avoid scabbing of tattoos, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes during the first two weeks as it may lead to irritation. Try wearing cotton clothes instead of polyester.
So, is the peeling of skin normal after getting inked? I think it’s very normal and an important part of the skin’s healing. There have been cases where I have seen many people regretting after getting a tattoo, so be very sure before getting that ink on your skin. Also don’t get tattoos under the influence of alcohol and drugs, it can be pretty dangerous for the health.
