If you are interested in getting a tattoo, or have recently had a tattoo you may be unaware of the balm tattoo aftercare that is required to ensure a healthy and vibrant result. Buy Britain is here to explain exactly what tattoo balm does as well as how it should be used.
So what does tattoo balm do? Tattoo balm is applied after a fresh tattoo is complete, underneath the plastic wrapping or bandaging, with the purpose of aiding the healing process of the skin. Tattoo Balms that include calendula oil encourage the reduction of scabbing promoting a vibrant end result.
Keep reading to find out more about tattoo balm, including how often to apply tattoo balm, and what happens if you don’t moisturise your new tattoo.
What Does Tattoo Balm Do?
Tattoo balm is part of the aftercare process of getting a tattoo, and is key to ensuring that you get the best results. Tattoo balm is applied after the tattooing is complete and is applied under the plastic wrapping or bandaging which is usually provided to help reduce the risk of infection. The tattoo balm helps with the healing process of the tattoo wound by stopping it from going dry and getting infected.
Tattoo balms that contain ingredients such as calendula oil and candelilla wax are well known for reducing any potential or developed scabbing often experienced in the healing process, as well as ensuring that the wound is moisturised, which will result in a much more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing tattoo.
Is Tattoo Balm Necessary?
A good tattoo balm is necessary if you want to ensure the best tattoo results possible. After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin can take roughly 2-3 weeks to heal and even when it looks healed, you may find that the under layer of skin can take up to 6 months to heal completely. At this point it is tempting to become lax with your tattoo balm recovery process but it is necessary that you remain vigilant to ensure the best results.
Furthermore, the skin around larger tattoos can take even longer to heal, and without applying a tattoo balm, a moisturiser, SPF or even a lotion without alcohol, you may find that the recovery process takes a little longer, especially if you have been picking at the scabbing! Therefore, whatever the size of your new tattoo, it is important to keep up with your aftercare treatment by using a tattoo balm if you want to get the most out of your tattoo.
How Often Should I Apply Tattoo Balm?
To ensure a speedy recovery you should apply tattoo balm at least 3 times per day for roughly 2 weeks underneath the wrapping or bandaging.This will ensure that the fresh ink doesn’t crack and your skin stays as moisturised as possible, which will result in a vibrant tattoo. It is also beneficial to leave the tattoo wound open to fresh air for around 30 minutes between removing the wrapping and applying the moisturising tattoo balm.
It is important to note that even after the recommended two weeks of tattoo balm application, and after the tattoo is healed, applying tattoo balm on a fairly regular basis can still provide benefits. These benefits include maintaining healthy moisturised skin around the tattooed area as well as reviving the colour within the tattoo to make it more vibrant.
What Happens If You Don’t Moisturise Your New Tattoo?
If you choose not to moisturise your tattoo this is known as a process of dry healing and can come with a variety of risks and side effects that you need to be aware of.
Itchiness and Burning
For example, if you choose to not use tattoo balm you may find that your skin begins to itch and burn uncontrollably due to the lack of moisture in the tattooed area, which will result in you struggling to resist the urge to itch. Furthermore, itching the delicate area may result in an infection if the bacteria from your hands and under your fingernails is transferred to the open wound whilst you are itching.
Scabbing and Cracking
Alternatively, you may find, due to the lack of moisturisation, that your tattooed area begins to scab and crack quite deeply which can be very painful and can unfortunately affect how your tattoo looks when it is fully healed.
Dry Skin
If you are not following a tattoo balm tattoo recovery process you may also find that, due to the lack of moisture in the wounded area, the skin begins to tighten which then increases the chances of cracking and scabbing and, again, can affect the end result of the tattoo.
What Happens If I Over Moisturise My Tattoo?
Unfortunately, it is possible to over moisturise your tattoo which means it is even more important to follow our guidelines on moisturising 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks. Over moisturizing your tattoo can result in a variety of issues of which we have listed below:
- Excess moisture can encourage clogged pores and breakouts on your skin
- Excess moisture can create an environment for bacteria to grow
- Excess moisture can lead to inflammation and infection
About Buy Britain
Buy Britain are the largest shoppable marketplace for locally-made products in the UK*, connecting you with amazing businesses from around the country.
Buy Britain offers a tattoo balm that is suitable for all skin types and is made from 100% natural ingredients including calendula oil. For more information about Buy Britain’s products click here.
