Guide To Long-Term Tattoo Care

Whether you just got your first tattoo or have had artwork for years, keeping your tattoos vibrant and looking fresh long-term is always the goal. You need to play the long game and nourish your skin and art so it stays just as bright as when you first got it. Tattoo care is a habit, not just for a few days after your appointment, but for life.

Long-term tattoo care focuses on minimizing threats to your art from things you can control, like sun exposure, irritation, and dryness. Nourished, moisturized skin makes for brighter, bolder art. Remember: UV rays can fade and blur your ink and dry skin tends to make tattoos look less bold and colorful. Tattoo care starts with skincare.

So let’s talk about how to minimize these threats so your artwork can stay looking fresh, even years later. Who wouldn’t want that?

Tattoo Aftercare Routine to Protect Your Art

A proper tattoo aftercare regimen can help your tattoos look good for life. But it’s not just about slapping on any lotion or cream you can find around your house. It’s about finding the right products, designed for tattooed skin, that can maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo while keeping your skin hydrated.

So read on to learn about the valuable steps of your soon-to-be tattoo care regimen. You won’t regret it…

Moisturizer

Hydration is that secret sauce for keeping your tattoo looking fresh. Moisturizers help skin look and feel soft, smooth, and supple - the type of skin you need for art that pops. However, not all moisturizers are the same. You should get one that’s packed with the right ingredients to promote deep hydration. You want one that is made with a non-irritating formula, and that is clinically and dermatologist-tested. Instead of anything with alcohol, petroleum, or chemicals that you can’t pronounce, go with a daily lotion that is made with naturally-derived and skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, aloe leaf juice, and coconut oil.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for hitting the beach. It’s something you should be using every single day, regardless of where you live. Tattoos or not, daily sunscreen is a habit you should get into. Your future self will thank you.

A daily SPF is a crucial component to your skincare routine. And when it comes to tattoos, the sun can quickly age a tattoo. UV rays can fade and blur sharp lines faster than you think.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, especially on tattooed areas that see direct sunlight. When you use sunscreen make sure you apply it evenly. And remember, a thin layer once a day isn’t gonna cut it. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or spending time outside.

And when you get home from the day, especially a day spent in the sun, make sure to apply moisturizer to keep your skin nourished. You’ll need to replenish your skin’s moisture after a day spent outside.

Tattoo Care Is Skincare

Immediately after getting tattooed, the key to a proper heal is following your artist’s instructions carefully and investing in proper tattoo aftercare. Keeping that best-in-class vibrancy yis all about understanding what’s right for your skin and your tattoos.

Tattooed skin needs to be given extra TLC, starting with a gentle cleanser that keeps the area clean. So, choose cleansers that work without stripping your skin of its natural oils. A lot of antibacterial soap out there may be effective in keeping skin clean, but can dry you out and affect how your tattoo looks. So prioritize finding cleansers that are tough on germs but gentle on the skin.

When it comes to exfoliation, light exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells but don’t overdo it. Over-exfoliating or being too rough can damage the tattooed area. Stick to using a soft washcloth with warm water or gentle exfoliators. Make sure to wait to exfoliate until the tattoo is fully healed, and always check with your artists regarding your specific skin and art.

Lifestyle Factors that Impact How Your Tattoo Looks

Now that we’ve covered skincare, let’s chat about other factors that impact your tattoos. You may be surprised to know that skincare is only half the equation - the other is your lifestyle. It’s about how you live your life (sounds deep, I know).

Hydration & Nutrition: The Inside Out Approach

Thirsty? You should be. Drinking plenty of water helps your overall health, and especially your skin. Good hydration helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and moisturizes your skin from the inside out. This helps your tattoo look clearer and more vibrant, for life. So grab some water and hydrate!

Also, you need to eat right. On a day-to-day basis, go for food options that are nutrient and antioxidant-rich. Fruits and vegetables like avocados, nuts, oranges, lemons, and berries are all great for helping to keep your skin looking fresh and your body feeling good.

Hustle Butter’s Daily Lotion and Revitalizing Stick

It’s safe to say we know tattooed skin - we built our brand with long-term tattoo aftercare in mind. It was with this mission that we launched our two new products, our Daily Rejuvenating Lotion andour Revitalizing Stick. These two products, like all Hustle Butter products, are vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic. They are also dermatologist-tested and made with naturally derived ingredients. These products pack a punch. So what are you waiting for?

Our Rejuvenate Daily Lotion is the ideal choice for daily maintenance. Not only is it super smooth and deeply hydrating, but it is also made with our signature Hustle Butter fragrance that instantly transports you to a tropical island. To use the daily lotion, apply a thin layer to your skin and gently massage it in. The convenient pump format makes it easy to apply all over your body. For best results, apply daily.

Our Revitalizing Stick, the partner-in-crime to the Rejuvenating Daily Lotion, is the perfect solution for tattoo care on the go. Keep it in your purse, car, or bring it on a plane - it’s TSA-safe. To use our revitalizing stick, all you need to do is gently glide it over your tattooed skin. You’ll be impressed by how quickly your tattoos pop.

Your Tattoo, A Lifetime Commitment

Tattoo care doesn’t stop after a few weeks. It’s a lifelong commitment. Remember to moisturize, use sunblock, and take care of yourself - drink water and eat right.

Our full line-up of tattoo aftercare products is specifically formulated to keep your skin looking and feeling great today, tomorrow, and forever. Whether you are in the early stages of healing or years past your last tattoo, tattoo aftercare should remain a top priority. And if you’re new to this, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more great tattoo aftercare tips.