Dry Healing Aftercare Info
Why Choose The Dry Healing Approach?
The dry healing approach may work well for some people but may not work as well for others. That said, there can be benefits to this healing method. Some people have sensitive skin that reacts to many things such as soaps, alcohol, mineral oil, fregrances, lotions, and even sun exposure.
Dry healing prevents your already sensitive skin from becoming even more irritated on top of being freshly inked. Additionally, remembering to apply aftercare products is a daily habit that is non-negotiable if you choose not to dry heal.
Consider whether, or not you can maintain the daily practice of using a moisturizing agent. Some tattoo enthusiasts swear by the dry heal approach. They consider the skin a “force field” that protects the deeply embedded tattoo ink.
Well, according to this ideology, should anything, including moisturizers, penetrate the top layer of skin, it may lessen the color saturation and vibrancy of their latest work of art.
What Are The Pros of Dry Healing Tattoo?
You should make a confident and informed decision on which healing method you prefer to take. There are several things to consider:
No Additional Cost - Dry healing tattoos require no costs for moisturizers or other skincare solutions.
No Skin Reactions - Irritation and allergic reactions from creams and lotions do not occur when dry healing is the chosen tattoo healing method.
Saves Time & Effort - Dry healing your new ink saves the time and effort of applying a moisturizer several times per day.
What Are The Cons of Dry Healing A Tattoo?
Regardless of which tattoo healing process you choose, the risks remain the same. A needle injucts tiny bits of ink into your skin during the tattoo process, and this causes an open wound on the skin, pron to infection and irritation. Here are the cons of dry tattoo healing:
Dry Skin, Craking Skin - The skin becomes dry and tight during the healing process and sometimes causes skin cracking. Some claim this affects the way the tattoo looks after it heals. Using moisturizer can help prevent dry skin and itching, alleviating this uncomfortable stage of the healing process.
Itching, Flaking, Scabbing, and Peeling - Some people can't resist picking or scratiching at the dry, flaking skin on and around the tattoo. But doing so affects the skin’s dermis (inner layer), where the ink deposits. When the skin is removed prematurely in this area, it also removes bits of ink saturation, thus affecting the appearance of the tattoo after it heals.
Scarring - Never scratch your tattoo, regardless of how much it itches. If you scratch a dry tattoo and remove a layer of the scab, you may remove deeper layers of skin without even realizing it, causing eventual deep scarring and a less than perfect tattoo.
Dry Healing: Do you Still Have To Clean Your Tattoo?
Cleaning your tattoo is never optional—It’s a MUST. Consider the area of tattooed skin like you would consider an open wound. If not properly cleaned, it is prone to infection due to bacteria and germs. Always use a gentle, tattoo-specific soap and warm water to carefully clean that delicate area two to three times per day. Love and care for that new ink—if you put in the love, the ink will give you some love right back in the form of an everlasting masterpiece.
How Should I Dry Heal Tattoos?
Follow these simple, yet crucial steps to keep your tattoo healthy and clean during dry healing:
Avoid all lotions, creams, balms, ointments, and other topical moisturizing agents.
Keep it clean by using gentle anti-bacterial soap and warm water two to three times per day. Dry it with a clean. lint-free tower or air dry. Seriously. Keep it clean.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out.
Don’t touch your tattoo. Touching your tattoo introduces bacteria and germs into the open wound, causing possible infection.
Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to prevent lint and other debris from clinging to the open wound.