Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, but before you get inked up, it’s important to understand how to properly care for your fresh tattoo. Can you ice a new tattoo? I’m going to let you know if it’s safe to ice a new tattoo, and what you could use instead of ice. Keep on reading to find out…
Understanding the Tattoo Healing Process
The tattoo healing process can be an uncomfortable and lengthy one. It will take at least two weeks for your skin to heal properly, although the actual length of time varies on an individual basis.
During this time, there are certain factors that should be taken into consideration, such as swelling, inflammation, and scab formation. Swelling is normal during the initial stage of the healing process and can cause mild discomfort in the tattooed area.
The inflammation causes a red or pinkish hue to spread over the ink area and may remain for several days or even weeks as skin cells regenerate.
As new layers of skin form underneath, it can lead to dryness, cracking, and scab formation; however it is important that no picking is done as this could result in infection or damage to newly forming layers of skin beneath.
After about two weeks, you should begin to notice signs of improvement such as clearer colors, a smoother texture in the tattooed area, less swelling & tenderness and minimal scarring if any at all.
However during these few weeks, it is important that adequate care is given by keeping the area clean with lukewarm water twice daily, patting lightly with a soft towel afterward then applying ointment-based cream lightly if needed.
What Is The Best Aftercare Process For New Tattoos?
Immediately after getting a tattoo, the area should be washed with clean lukewarm water and mild, unscented soap to disinfect the area.
After gently patting the skin dry with a sterile cloth or towel, a thin layer of non-scented lotion containing medical grade petroleum jelly or Vaseline, should be applied to help keep the skin hydrated. It’s important not to apply too much, as this can lead to infection.
It’s also important to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks to avoid fading or discoloration.
Wear loose-fitting clothing over your tattoo during this time, too, so it isn’t rubbed against furniture or other items that could cause irritation or prematurely damage the design.
During sleep, you may want to cover up your tattoo with breathable fabric like cotton gauze which will protect against contamination from sweat, dust and dirt.
Continue using lots of unscented lotion over the next few weeks while ensuring you don’t pick at any scabs that form, as they are essential in healing your fresh ink properly – picking them off could cause scarring and affect its appearance.
Consistently cleaning and moisturizing your new ink multiple times throughout the day, is key in keeping it looking great long term; it also helps aid in its healing process by preventing infection, as recommended by any tattoo artist.
How To Minimize Swelling And Pain Of A New Tattoo
As part of the healing process, your new tattoo may swell and be painful; however, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce swelling and pain so that you heal quickly.
You must keep your tattoo clean as it heals. Cleanse the area 2–3 times a day with gentle soap and lukewarm water.
Avoid scrubbing or using any harsh substances or alcohol, as these can irritate the skin and delay healing. You should also avoid submerging your new tattoo in bathwater or Jacuzzi tub for at least two weeks during the healing process.
It’s also helpful to apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and gently press against the area for 15–20 minutes, several times per day, until the swelling subsides.
This will help reduce redness, inflammation, soreness, tenderness and irritation caused by swelling in your new tattoo site.
Finally, mild itching is a normal part of any tattoo healing process due to tissue regeneration in this area. Lightly scratching your skin may help relieve mild itching sensations – just make sure not to pick or scratch too harshly.
Keeping your skin moisturized helps ward off an infected tattoo as well as calm irritated areas – use a thin layer of ointment like aftercare cream regularly throughout the day while your tattoo is still healing.
Can You Ice a New Tattoo?
When you ice a new tattoo, you can potentially help reduce swelling, bruising, and pain by constricting blood flow to the area. However, using ice incorrectly may cause tissue damage and negatively impact the tattoo’s appearance.
Never apply ice directly to the tattooed skin, as this can lead to frostbite and damage the tattoo ink on the outer layer of the skin.
What Are The Benefits of Icing a New Tattoo?
Reducing Swelling and Bruising
When you ice a tattoo, it can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for larger tattoos or those located in areas prone to swelling.
Ice constricts blood vessels, limiting blood flow and curbing swelling in the process. Similarly, icing can reduce bruising and discomfort for those with sensitive skin.
Soothing Itchiness and Discomfort
New tattoos are often itchy and uncomfortable due to the body’s natural healing process. Icing a fresh tattoo can help soothe itchiness and ease the pain, providing temporary relief before your tattoo fully heals.
Speeding up the Recovery Process
Although there’s limited scientific evidence to support this claim, some believe that applying ice to a tattoo may speed up the healing process by limiting blood flow to the damaged area, ultimately allowing your body to focus more energy on recovery.
How to Apply Ice to a Fresh Tattoo Safely
Creating a Cold Compress at Home
You can easily make a cold compress using a plastic bag filled with ice cubes. Wrap the ice pack in a clean towel or paper towel to protect your skin, and never apply the ice directly onto the tattoo area, as this can lead to frostbite.
Using a Clean Towel or Paper Towel Barrier
When icing a new tattoo, always use a barrier between the ice and your skin. A clean towel or paper towel works well for this purpose. The barrier ensures you don’t damage your tattoo ink and helps prevent tissue damage due to frostbite.
Tattoo Aftercare Tips
How to Properly Clean and Moisturize a New Tattoo
Cleaning and moisturizing a new tattoo is essential in ensuring the longevity of the art. The first step is to wash the tattoo; gently cleanse with an antibacterial soap or any other mild, fragrance-free soap twice a day.
Then pat dry lightly with a paper towel until no moisture remains on the skin. Avoid scrubbing and rubbing your tattoo as this could damage it.
After that, apply a thin layer – approximately enough to cover the entire tattoo – of unscented lotion or ointment to keep it moisturized, preferably one specifically designed for tattoos such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Reapply throughout the day whenever necessary until healed and fully saturated. Lastly, make sure to wash your hands before touching your tattoo or applying those products just mentioned.
Protecting Your Tattoo from Sunlight and Contaminants
Sunlight can fade and contaminate tattoos, causing them to look faded or blurry overtime. To keep your tattoo looking fresh and new, it is important to protect it with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when going outside for prolonged periods of time.
Make sure to keep your tattoo clean by washing it regularly with warm water and mild soap. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer such as Vitamin E oil or lotion after the skin has had a chance to air-dry.
Alternatives to Icing for Tattoo Aftercare
Utilizing Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
If you’re unable or prefer not to use ice or cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage swelling and discomfort during the healing process.
Applying Topical Creams and Ointments
Topical creams and ointments, such as those containing hydrocortisone, can help soothe itchiness and mild inflammation.
Even if you decide to ice your tattoo, using an ointment is a good idea, to keep your new ink hydrated, whilst the tattoo is healing. Your tattoo artist will give you some specific product recommendations, and will tell you to use antibacterial soap in the days after getting your ink.
Summary
Using an ice compress is a popular practice for reducing swelling, bruising and pain, however there are risks associated with directly applying ice to the skin. To avoid damaging your tattoo or risking frostbite and infection, always use a barrier between the ice pack and your skin., when using ice on a new tattoo
Alternatives such as refrigerated gel packs, cooling creams, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can provide similar benefits without posing any risks. Constantly cleanse and moisturize your tattoo correctly during the healing process for best results.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.