You can damage your new tattoo design on your body during the tattoo healing process. Many people get side effects or other skin issues because of little mistakes. But there is no need to go crazy about it. You only have to take care of the following points to prevent tattoo cracking and drying.
Because of our tattooing profession, we know how to prevent tattoo cracking and drying. New tattoo cracking annoys you very much and keeps you in tension as it should be. However, a cracked skin tattoo or scabbing on tattoos is normal and can heal in time. On the other hand, we have cured so many skin conditions in the past few years. Therefore, we are going to briefly discuss how to prevent skin reactions after tattooing or heal tattoos without getting side effects.
Let us get started:
What Is the Tattoo Cracking Process?
Having scabs on the skin is part of the tattoo healing process. Remember, the newly tattooed skin is an open wound. Also, the only way to heal the tattoo is by scab off naturally. The scabs become very tight on dry skin, and this condition is called tattoo cracking.
What Is the Tattoo Drying Process?
In simple words, tattoo drying is the drying state of the skin. When you do not moisturize the skin enough, it causes massive cracking. Also, you can face excess bleeding. Make sure your skin scabs off properly and does not dry in the process.
Reasons For Tattoo Cracking And Drying
There are many reasons for new tattoo cracking and drying, and we have covered all of them. These reasons are the following:
1. Big Solid Scabs On Your New Tattooed Skin
Only a few people with new tattoos do not get scabs. Meanwhile, the bulk quantity of people gets slight scabbing on the tattooed skin. Also, the scabbing during the healing process is quite normal.
There is nothing to worry about if you have got a solid scab on your new tattoo. The solid scab only prolongs the healing process a bit. Moreover, you can feel little pain if you have got a solid scab on the big tattoo. You can use the tattoo numbing spray to reduce pain. Further, the tattoo will heal with proper aftercare.
2. Extra Dry Skin Or Dehydration
You have to keep moisturizing your skin for a healthy tattoo. It helps to give a shiny look to your tattooed skin. Also, people with dry skin need extra moisturizing care.
Otherwise, you can face new tattoo cracking and drying, prolonging the healing process. Luckily there are many tattoo tanning lotions and moisturizers that prevent your tattoo from cracking and drying.
3. Infected Tattoo
Bad tattoo wrapping cannot protect the tattoo from germs attacks. Also, the tattoo will be infected. Therefore, a professional tattoo artist uses tattoo numbing cream before tattooing and wraps the newly tattooed skin with good hygiene after the session ends.
4. Not Following Your Tattooist’s Instruction
The instructions for tattoo aftercare can vary in different tattoo studios. It is not just because every tattoo artist gives unique recommendations, but every tattoo does not need the same guidelines.
In short, do not follow anybody’s aftercare guidelines. Just follow your tattoo artist’s tips for a healthy tattoo.
5. Washing The Tattooed Skin With Sponge
Keep away the sponge from the newly tattooed skin. In other words, do not use a sponge or any harmful material on the tattoo until it heals. Therefore, you can only wash your new tattoo with soft antibacterial tattoo soap and warm water.
6. Plunging The Tattoo Into Water
Do not dip your body or tattoo area into the water during the tattoo healing process. You have to avoid using the bathtub and a long shower.
7. Drying The Tattoo With A Towel
After getting a tattoo, you cannot use a regular towel on the skin. Also, use a paper towel to dry out newly tattooed skin.
8. Wearing Tight Clothes
Only wear breathable loose clothes during the tattoo healing process because the tight clothes add pressure on the newly tattooed skin which can lead to excess bleeding. Also, the moisture level of the skin will be disturbed.
9. Touching The Tattooed Skin
After getting an attractive tattoo on the body, everyone wants to touch and feel it. We can’t deny that the feeling of touching the tattoo is phenomenal.
But remember, you can only touch your tattoo while washing until it heals. Most importantly, do not let anybody touch your new tattoo during the healing process except the tattoo artist. The bacteria and germs can transfer to the tattoo due to excess touching and cause infection.
10. Pulling Scabs
Let this tattoo healing process complete in which scabs fall off naturally. Also, the act of pulling scabs can remove the tattoo ink. Therefore, do not pull the scabs to maintain the tattoo design.
11. Scratching The Tattooed Skin
You can feel itchiness during the tattoo healing process and want to scratch the scab or tattoo skin very badly. But the scratching can damage the tattoo design and leave spots on the skin.
Moreover, you have to control yourself during this phase. Hence, it is not that difficult. After its end, you can freely enjoy your tattoo art without any issues.
12. Direct Sunlight
You cannot take this point lightly. Avoid the direct sunlight on the new tattoo. Always cover the new tattoo when going outside. Also, take the shady routes to go anywhere.
Adapt this routine for your life. In other words, it will keep your skin safe from skin cancer. Because the strong UV rays can make the skin vulnerable.
13. Too Much Ointment
You can use multiple products for tattoo aftercare. But excess use of anything is bad for tattoo health. Use the ointment once after every dry cleaning of the tattoo. Also, use ointment a maximum of 3-4 times in the peeling phase if needed. Make sure your hands are clean while putting the ointment on a tattoo.
14. Workout With New Tattoo
The tattoo is a marvelous body art that enhances your beauty. If you start stretching your body during the tattoo healing process. The tattoo cracking will happen because of muscle mobility. Also, it will permanently damage the tattoo design. Therefore, stay away from the gym for a while to prevent your tattoo from cracking and drying.
15. Shaving The Newly Tattooed Skin
No matter whether you are a girl or a boy, do not shave on newly tattooed skin. As we know, the newly tattooed skin is an open wound. That is why shaving can prolong the healing procedure or damage the tattooed skin.
Also, tattooed skin gets scabs during healing, and you cannot shave the skin in this phase. Both reasons are enough to avoid shaving the skin until the cracked tattooed skin heals.
16. Swimming With New Tattoo
We always love to go on swimming adventures on summer vacations. Especially with a new tattoo, who will stay away from the swimming pool? But you cannot enjoy swimming until the tattoo heals.
Keep in mind the germs & harmful chemicals in the swimming pool’s water can infect the new tattoo. Also, a lot of water can damage the tattoo ink. You have to keep these things in mind to prevent your tattoo from cracking and drying.
How To Prevent Your New Tattoo From Cracking And Drying? (2023)
There are a few things to keep in mind to prevent your new tattoo from cracking and drying, which are the following:
1. Do Not Touch Or Scratch The Scab
Avoid touching the new tattoo. Also, do not let anybody touch the tattoo. Excess touch can transfer the germs which cause infection. The scabs will fall off naturally in the tattoo healing process. Therefore, there is no need to interact with a tattoo or cracked tattoo during the healing procedure.
2. Regular Tattoo Cleaning
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning the new tattoo or cracked tattoo. Remember, you have to clean the tattoo regularly to reduce dry blood or plasma. Also, you cannot clean the tattoo completely on the first attempt. Moreover, always use mild soap with warm water to clean the new tattoo.
3. Moisturise Properly
The good moisturization helps to give the tattoo a shiny and healthy look. Also, it helps in fast recovery. You can moisturize the skin after blood oozing stops. Moreover, do not apply moisturizer or lotion on the new tattoo during scabbing to prevent tattoo bubbling. But always use a thick layer of tattoo lotion on the tattoo.
4. Always Use A Thin Layer Of Healing Ointment
You can let the tattoo air dry or use a paper towel to dry it by yourself. Do not use vaseline or another normal ointment except petroleum jelly-based ointment. It helps to heal cracked tattoos and protect the tattoo at the same time.
5. Avoid Dehydration And Maintain A Healthy Food Plan
The right nutrition can solve 99.9% of skin issues. There is no doubt about natural food and green vegetable’s benefits. Also, fast food or junk food does not contain vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-beneficial ingredients. Moreover, drink water on time to prevent dehydration. In short, keep your daily eating routine clean.
How To Take Care Of A Cracked Tattoo?
In case, your new tattoo cracking is happening because for any reason. Do not worry about it. You can treat it by following these simple guidelines:
- Apply the tattoo lotion on the cracked tattoos three times daily. Make sure your hands are clean with antibacterial soap when using lotion.
- Cover the tattoo and avoid sunlight.
- Also, drink a lot of water. It prevents the tattoo from cracking and drying.
- If you find any chances of infection. Then, Go and get a check-up of your new tattoo from a certified skin doctor.
- Do not scratch the new tattoo or cracked tattoos whether you feel itchiness or not.
What Is Tattoo Dry Healing Process?
Tattoo healing without using lotions, creams, or ointments is called tattoo dry healing. In other words, you have to air dry your tattoo in this process. Also, you have to clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water in the same way.
Should I Dry Heal A Tattoo?
There are pros and cons to everything. We found two major points of tattoo dry healing methods to help you, which are the following:
Benefit Of Dry Healing A Tattoo
There is no use of lotions, ointments, and creams in this process. It means no artificial or allergic ingredients are used in this method. Also, some of these ingredients can cause skin cancer with long-lasting use. You can call it the natural healing process of the tattoo.
The Disadvantage Of Dry Healing A Tattoo
In the ordinary tattoo healing process, the lotion or any healing product reduces the itchiness and irritation. Besides, you have to control yourself to avoid scratching or rubbing on the new or cracked tattoo.
Your skin can face a shortage of moisture. The scabbing on dry skin may result in the tattoo look after the tattoo healing process is over.
Difference Between Dry Healing And Wrap Healing Of A Tattoo
As we know, the tattoo always stays covered in the wrapper in wrap healing. Besides, dry healing takes place in the open air. But both processes do not depend on any moisturizer. The only difference in both processes is the lymphatic liquid oozing. In other words, the lymphatic liquid oozes out in wrap healing but not in dry healing of a tattoo.
FAQs
How Do I Stop My Tattoo From Cracking?
Why Is My Tattoo Dry And Cracking?
Can You Moisturize A Tattoo Too Much?
How Often Should You Moisturize A Tattoo?
Should I Worry About My Tattoo Cracking?
Why Is My Tattoo Cracking And Bleeding?
Why Does My Tattoo Hurt When I Put Lotion On It?
Why Do Old Tattoos Not Crack?
Conclusion
We have right out all the highlights and little points to guide you in your tattoo healing process. These will help to prevent your tattoo from cracking and drying. In short, do not disturb the tattoo and have a healthy diet plan with a lot of water. In case you are facing both issues before reaching us. Then, we also told you how to take care of your cracked tattoo.
You have to follow all these things and avoid the reasons for new tattoos cracking and drying. Also, these external scabs and peeling can damage the outcome of the tattoo because of your irresponsibility. However, there is nothing to worry about scabbing if you let this tattoo healing pass out naturally.
There is nothing that we did not cover in our article related to tattoo cracking and drying. Moreover, the scabbing and peeling phases are part of the healing procedure. Just take care of all these points to get a healthy and sexy tattoo on your body with comfort.
After ending your tattoo healing process, enjoy and show off your newly tattooed skin to the world. You can comment in the below section for further questions. Please share our article with friends to help them during the tattoo healing process.
Thank You!
Hi, I’m Chloe, a passionate tattoo artist who has been creating stunning tattoos since 2013. Through my blog posts, I aim to provide valuable information and tips on tattoo styles, aftercare, and everything you need to know about getting and maintaining beautiful tattoos.