new tattoo

[merxlin]

Although there has been some good advise here, I would 1) talk with your tattoo artist and 2) do your own web search on tattoo care. I know my artist warns against any antibiotic cremes or oil based lotions, as well as anything that closes off airflow to the art for about 2 weeks. He also warned against prolonged exposure to salt water as salt does have a slight bleaching affect. I was to get a new tat a couple weeks before a week long dive trip to Little Cayman and was strongly advised against it. All this said, the biggest culprit to a fading tattoo is sun. I use SPF 50 on all my tats while they are exposed.

 

[3ddiver]

I also recommend not using an oil based lotion. I think I use Eucerin but I cant say for sure, it is a very good moisturizer. I would not suggest diving until it is completley healed (no more scabs or flakes). I dont think it should still hurt after a week, you may want to talk to your artist about this. As was stated earlier sun kills tattoos so keep it covered with sunscreen or clothing.

 

[Azza]

Bepanthen is the best cream to use on new tats. I have been recommended this by every dermagraphic artist I have ever known.

 

[nivla80]

Dun risk it. Scarring sucks, especially when you just blew like the price of a set of Regs on it.. Let it heal till you can't see anymore scabs and/or flaking skin. Constant soaking in water does NO GOOD at all for a tattoo...

 

[divemaster_jim]

Give it a few days. I've got a tat that should be redone because of that. I didn't wait long enough, lucky for me it wasn't that bad just a couple of really small spots.

 

[wldflwrs03]

I have to agree on waiting until the tat is healed (unless diving dry). Tats cost $$ and time--why risk it?? ALso, once healed, use Vitamin E capsules once a month for about a week (or a few times a week) to keep the colors 'fresh'. Most of mine are 10+ years old and they look relatively 'new' (I am a sun lover and hardly ever cover--I know, my bad).
Have Fun--Peace Out.....

 

[Debay777]

my artist told me to use A and D ointment for a week. For the first 5 nights he suggested that I tape a square of plastic wrap on it loosely, with no A&D so that it could breath. That keeps the ink from drying over and/or seeping and ruining your sheets/clothes. during the day keep it from drying out by constantly applying A&D in small amounts. Seems to work well. After the first 5 days it was nearly healed over. very little scabbing and the normal amount of peeling. MY new tat is about two weeks old. went diving this weekend, no issues. I dove wet with 7.5 mill of protection. It was healed over w/no scabs or soreness.

 

[MSilvia]

If you can't keep it dry while diving, don't dive until it's healed. 10 to 15 days ought to do it.