It is possible that your tattoo may smudge if you sleep on it, depending on how recently it was done. Newly-done tattoos are still healing, and the skin may be more vulnerable to smearing. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to wait at least two weeks after getting your tattoo before you start sleeping on it, if you can.
If it’s not possible to wait this long, be sure to apply a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to the tattoo beforehand. This will help to keep it from rubbing and smudging against your bed sheets or your clothing.
Also, keep in mind that sleeping on your tattoo may also increase your risk of infection. It is best to sleep with your tattooed side up, to minimize contact with the bed sheets. Furthermore, you should always keep your tattoo area clean and covered with a bandage overnight or when you plan to be inactive for a lengthy period of time.
Following these simple steps can help to ensure that your tattoo remains smudge-free.
Is it OK to sleep on my tattoo?
No, it is not okay to sleep on your tattoo. Doing so can cause your skin to stretch too much while you sleep, potentially leading to it impairing the tattoo’s appearance. Lying on your tattoo can also make the healing process more painful and slow, leaving you more likely to experience itching, irritation, and scabbing.
It can also cause your pores to open and allow infection to enter, potentially leading to an infection. To ensure your tattoo looks good and heals correctly, it is best to keep it away from direct contact with any surfaces while sleeping.
When can I sleep without covering my tattoo?
You may sleep without covering your tattoo after it is fully healed and the skin around it has totally closed. Depending on the type of tattoo you got and the size, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days for the surface of the tattoo to heal.
After that, it can take up to 4 weeks for the tattoo to completely heal and for the skin around it to fully close. During the healing process, your tattoo should be kept clean and moisturized, and it is important to cover it while you sleep to prevent bacteria, dirt and materials from irritating the skin.
After it is completely healed, you can sleep without covering the tattoo.
Can a fresh tattoo rub off?
No, a fresh tattoo should not rub off. If the tattoo artist did their job correctly, the ink should stay in place for many years. However, during the first few weeks after getting a tattoo, it is normal for some parts of the tattoo to seem like they are flaking off.
What you are seeing is actually just a layer of dried plasma, lymph, and red blood cells that forms on top of the tattoo as it heals. As this protective barrier sloughs off, the tattoo will look much sharper and more vibrant.
It is important to avoid picking at the scabbing or peeling away skin cells as this can lead to infection and damage the tattoo. Just keep the area clean and moisturized, and the tattoo should stay in place.
How do I protect my new tattoo while sleeping?
To protect your new tattoo while sleeping, it is important to ensure that it is kept clean and dry. To do this it is recommended that you keep a layer of breathable, non-sticky material such as cotton gauze or a single layer of an absorbent Clingfilm between your sheets and the tattoo.
This will help protect the skin and stop it from sticking to your bedding. It is also a good idea to keep the tattoo covered up with a loose fitting garment such as pyjama sleeves, if possible.
It is also recommended that you re-apply a non-perfumed moisturiser to the new tattoo and then follow this up with a barrier cream to ensure it is well protected. Once the tattoo is dressed, it is vital that you don’t get it wet.
If you need to, you should take extra care when washing and not use anything too hot or cold on the area.
Finally, try to sleep on your back when you can help to prevent the tattoo from bending or being placed in an awkward position. It is also important that you don’t sleep on top of the tattoo or squeeze it with your body.
If your tattoo is on the hands, wrists or arms then the best option would be to use a sling or splint while you sleep. This will help keep the area still and stop it from getting bumped or scratched while you’re asleep.
Should I put aquaphor on my tattoo before bed?
Yes, you should put aquaphor on your tattoo before bed. Aquaphor is an ointment made from a combination of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, wax, and glycerin, and is designed to be used on wounds and irritations on the skin.
It helps to lock moisture in and keep the wound hydrated. This helps to improve the healing process and reduce the appearance of scaring. When using it on a healing tattoo, you should wash the area thoroughly before applying a thin layer of aquaphor.
Repeat this procedure once or twice daily, and definitely before bed. Additionally, if your tattoo area feels dry to the touch, you can put on additional aquaphor before bed.
Can I drink 2 days after getting a tattoo?
Yes, it is generally safe to drink 2 days after getting a tattoo, although there is no hard and fast rule. Typically, it’s best to wait to drink alcohol until at least the day after getting a tattoo so your body has more time to recover and begin the healing process.
Drinking alcohol too soon after getting a tattoo can interfere with the healing process and can even lead to health complications like infection and increased risk of scarring. Additionally, drinking alcohol can lower your resistance to infection, making it more difficult for your body to fight against bacteria and other agents that may harm the tattoo site.
It’s also important to stay extra hydrated during the tattoo healing process and to practice good hygiene. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, so it’s best to wait until your tattoo is completely healed before drinking alcohol.
How often do you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?
For the first few days after getting a new tattoo, it is important to use Aquaphor generously and often. This should occur at least twice a day, morning and night. Prior to showering or bathing, liberally apply Aquaphor to the tattoo and make sure it is evenly spread.
After showering, pat dry the tattoo and apply more Aquaphor to keep the skin moisturized. The goal here is to keep the skin hydrated and avoid any possible scabbing or drying which could lead to pain and infection.
Additionally, when the Aquaphor is gone, make sure more is applied in order to keep the area optimally hydrated.
Can I wrap my tattoo in Saran Wrap?
No, you should not wrap your tattoo in Saran Wrap. The material can cause your tattoo to become irritated, leading to infection and impeding the healing process. Wrapping your tattoo with any type of covering can trap moisture and bacteria, which can cause an infection.
Proper aftercare is the best way to ensure the healing process runs smoothly and your tattoo looks great for years to come. It’s best to leave your new tattoo uncovered unless you’re using a breathable bandage, such as cling wrap, to protect it from general outdoor grime.
Additionally, if your tattoo has been freshly applied, you should keep it exposed to the air for at least several hours before wrapping it up. Allowing the wound to dry completely will help the healing process and reduce the chance of infection.
What should you avoid after getting a tattoo?
It is important to take good care of your new tattoo, as following proper aftercare can ensure your tattoo has a bright, long-lasting appearance. After getting a tattoo, it is important to avoid the following:
1. Sun Exposure: Too much sun can damage the tattoo and cause fading, so it is important to keep your tattoo covered from sunlight for at least two weeks. Sunscreen can also be used as an extra form of protection for an already healed tattoo.
2. Swimming: It is better to avoid swimming for the first two weeks of healing, as the bacteria and other contaminants in chlorinated or saltwater can cause irritation and infections.
3. Hot Tub or Sauna: Similarly to swimming, hot tubs and saunas contain bacteria that can irritate your new tattoo and interfere with the healing process.
4. Very Hot Water: Taking long, hot showers or baths can irritate your tattoo and slow the healing process. Stick to lukewarm temperatures and rinse the tattooed area with mild soap and water.
5. Heavy Workouts: Sweating is normal during the healing process, but it is best to avoid heavy workouts and any activity that results in profuse sweating for the first few weeks.
6. Scratching and Itching: Your tattoo might be slightly itchy or irritated during the healing process, but it is important not to scratch, as this can cause scabbing and can damage the design and color of your tattoo.
Do new tattoos leak ink?
Yes, new tattoos can leak ink. This is normal and not a cause for alarm. In fact, it usually happens during the healing process and indicates that the tattoo is healing properly. The leaking ink is a sign that cells are rebuilding and the tattoo is settling into the skin.
The new skin cells help to prevent ink from fading or the colors from running. During the healing process, the tattoo may leak a small amount of oozing fluid that contains ink, lymph, and other by-products.
This is normal and should not be of concern.
However, if there’s more ink than usual, or the colors seem to be running more than they should, it could be a sign of a more serious problem such as infection or an allergic reaction. In this case, it’s important to seek medical attention right away as it could potentially lead to more serious complications.
It is also important to take proper care of your tattoo to ensure it heals properly. This includes cleaning your tattoo regularly, applying an ointment or moisturizer, and avoiding activities that could irritate it.
Following these steps will help keep your tattoo looking its best for a longer period of time.
Should you cover a tattoo when sleeping?
The answer to whether you should cover a tattoo when sleeping ultimately depends on the type of tattoo, the individual’s lifestyle and environment, and the ink’s healing process. Typically, it is good practice to cover a newly inked piece to minimize exposure to bacteria and airborne particles.
This is especially important during the healing process, as tattoos are considered open wounds as they heal and have a higher risk of becoming infected. Wrapping the tattoo in a sterile bandage or ointment-covered gauze is one option, as is purchasing a specialized sleeve or wrap to protect the area.
Another way to protect a new tattoo is to keep it exposed to the air and maintain a balanced moisture level in the area.
If someone has an older, healed or partially healed tattoo, it is generally safe to sleep without a covering. However, if the tattooed area is exposed to sweat, dirt, or any other irritants overnight, it is always a good idea to cover it or clean it off as soon as possible.
Additionally, if the tattoo is sensitive or irritated, wrapped or unwrapped, it is advised to consult with a medical professional for advice on how to care for the area.
Can I sleep with my tattoo under the sheets?
Yes, you can sleep with your tattoo under the sheets, however it is not recommended to do so. It is particularly important to make sure that you keep the tattoo clean and protected from any dirt or bacteria, which can be more likely to be present under the sheets.
Be sure to keep the area clean and dry, if necessary wrap a thin layer of gauze over the tattoo before you go to sleep. It is also important to make sure you are sleeping on a clean and comfortable surface that won’t cause any irritation to the tattoo.
Additionally, it is best to keep the tattoo uncovered from any blankets or clothing to allow air to the area and allow the healing process to take place.
How long till I can sleep on my tattoo?
It is recommended to wait two to three weeks before sleeping on a new tattoo. Your tattoo needs this time to heal and the healing process involves your tattoos open wounds to close, for the fresh ink to set, and for the area to scab over.
If you sleep on a new tattoo before this amount of time has passed, it can cause discomfort and damage your healing process. It can also lead to deformities in your tattoo, as the ink can be smeared and compromised by the pressure from sleeping on it.
If you must sleep on your tattoo within the two to three week healing windows, use an extra pillow to keep your weight off of the area and use a clean and breathable fabric like a breathable cotton sheets to reduce friction.
However, if possible, avoid sleeping on your tattoo until the full two to three weeks has passed, as it truly is the best way to ensure your new tattoo will heal properly.
How often should I moisturize my new tattoo?
It is important to keep your new tattoo moisturized and help it heal properly. Generally speaking, you should moisturize your new tattoo at least twice a day for the first 3 weeks after receiving the tattoo, and then gradually reduce it to once a day for at least the next two months.
For best results, you should use an unscented, non-alcohol based lotion or moisturizing cream. Apply a small amount of the lotion or cream to the tattoo and gently massage it into the area. Do not rub too hard as this can irritate the skin and cause damage to the tattoo.
You should also avoid soaking your tattoo or exposing it to long periods of sunlight or water during this period of time. If you do venture outdoors, be sure to wear suitable clothing that protects the tattoo from direct sunshine and water.