Ink lovin’
The origin of tattoos is not really known, but the adorning of skin with ink has been practiced since at least Neolithic times.
While in those times the ink probably represented a status symbol of some kind or particular tribe or even a sign of a war monger, today the reasons people get a tattoo are as varied as the style of tattoo they choose to wear. From full body ink to small symbols or inked words fairly hidden on the body, people choose something that will have some kind of meaning to them.
Whatever you choose and wherever you choose to have your tattoo, the inking process on your body is fairly permanent and getting one is not something to take lightly. You must consider a multitude of things – is this marking something you will want to have for the rest of your life? Will it still have the same meaning for you a few years down the track? Will it fade? Will it sag and stretch with your skin? Will it be something you might regret later?
Taking all of the above aspects into consideration, if you decide to go ahead and have one (or more) done, there are steps you must take to care for that ink.
Firstly, caring for your tattoo – after the artist has finished his or her work, the healing of this inking is the final aspect of the art piece. Above all, listen to what your tattoo artist recommends, but you can expect it to take anywhere from 7 to 14 days to look fully healed, but in actuality it can take 4 to 6 weeks for it fully heal under the skin, and that’s if there are no complications.
When you leave the salon, your tattoo will have a thin layer of anti-bacterial ointment on it and then covered with some form of sterile bandaging. How long you leave that bandaging on will depend on how big and where your tattoo is, but be guided by what your artist recommends – generally a couple of hours though.
Once that bandage is off, it is imperative that your newly tattooed skin is kept clean, properly moisturised and that should any sign of infection appear that you seek medical help quickly.
One of the great products you can use in the care of your new tattoo for the ultimate health of your skin is Ink Nurse. Rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, Ink Nurse is designed to relieve the annoying itch while healing skin and restoring elasticity and hydration to the traumatised epidermis.
Easy to apply and instantly absorbed, Ink Nurse is a lightweight and non-greasy cream that allows skin to breathe and heal properly without being suffocated.
- After fresh tattoo has been washed and gently dried, apply a thin layer to the traumatised skin and rub gently until it is absorbed.
- Re-apply whenever the tattoo is feeling dry or beginning to itch or irritate.
- Continue to use on your tattoo post healing process in order to lock in colour pigmentation. Repeated use will keep the tattoo looking bright and bold.
Ink nurse can also be used as a remedy for other skin irritations including eczema, sunburn, cracked and dehydrated skin, as well as a potent daily moisturiser.
100 percent natural, organic, vegan and cruelty free, Ink Nurse contains the active ingredients of grapefruit, avocado, jojoba, coconut, rosehip and shea butter, is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and has been created with the help of some major tattoo artists, industry veterans, expert dermatologists and die-hard tattoo enthusiasts
Ink Nurse – $24.99 (50ml) / $34.99 (100ml)
Available globally – www.ink-nurse.com
