Are there any tattoo enthusiasts? Did you get a new tattoo? Perfect, because we have important pieces of advice on how to prevent tattoos from fading.
You should do everything you can to preserve those little pieces of work on your body. Certain products help to keep tattoos from fading. But it’s also important to take good care of your skin and follow some guidelines. That is exactly why we are here to help you.
Why are My Tattoos Fading?
First of all, let’s see why your tattoos are fading. There are many reasons. We selected the most common ones for you to be informed.
The Sun
So, you’ve got your lovely summer tattoo and want to show off this piece of art.
As you know, sun exposure is not healthy in general. However, it can excessively shorten the lifespan of your tattoos. Every time you go out and don’t wear an SPF of at least 30, you are at risk of getting your ink ruined.
Ironically, the sun will darken your skin but lighten the darkest parts of the tattoo. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen, even if you won’t be directly in the sun.
Quality of The Ink
Even though you picked the artist that can create miracles on your skin, sometimes the ink is not high-quality. That said, the ink contributes to faster tattoo fading.
If the ink is not the best quality, it will fade over time, even if you are taking good care of your tattoo. It often contains heavy metals and represents a health risk as well. Go to the representative tattoo shops only.
Tattoo Placement
Depending on where you decide your tattoo will be, that is how quickly, or not it will fade. For instance, if your tattoo is on the inside of your tights, it will fade quicker. More friction quicker fading. If you add tight clothes that you usually wear, you will definitely be faced with a faded tattoo very quickly.
Excessive Weight Gain
When you gain weight in a short time, your skin tends to stretch. That can possibly mean that your tattoo will stretch as well. Depending on where your tattoo is and how much it is stretched, ink molecules can break, causing your tattoo to look faded.
Try not to use unnatural ways of gaining weight when you work out and eat healthy food as much as you can.
How to Prevent Tattoos From Fading: 6 Pro Tips
Here are the tips that are coming from the best tattoo artists on how to prevent tattoos from fading.
1. Follow the Instructions About Aftercare
The instructions given by your tattoo artists shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not all tattoo artists think the same, so you should listen only to the one that has done your tattoo. Ignoring these pieces of advice that your tattoo artist gave to you might be one of the main reasons why the tattoo will quickly fade.
2. Be Kind to Your Skin
Don’t forget to hydrate your skin. Dehydration, humidity, and stressing out the skin, in general, can shorten the lifespan of your tattoos.
Drink a lot of water during the day, especially in summer. Avoid sitting in air-conditioned rooms, and start eating healthy – salmon, nuts, fatty acids.
3. Keep Tattoo Clean
Right after getting a tattoo, you should wash it thoroughly. When you get home, treat it as an open wound, which it practically is. Meaning no touching or putting a new layer of balm on top of an old one.
You should warn your friends or family members that your tattoo isn’t for touching, just yet. Make sure to wash it with clean hands and apply calming balm that your tattoo artists gave to you.
4. Avoid the Sun or Use an SPF
It is crucial to avoid the sun for at least two weeks after getting a new tattoo. Not only you shouldn’t allow your skin to burn, but it can also cause blistering and disrupt the healing process.
Once your tattoo is two weeks old, don’t forget to apply an SPF and get out in the sun. However, bear in mind that the sun is one of the biggest reasons tattoo starts to dissapear. Don’t be in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm and opt for protective clothing.
5. Don’t Soak Yourself in the Water
Two weeks after getting a tattoo you should refrain from soaking in the water, except taking a shower. Swimming is definitely something to avoid, as well as wellness, and taking long baths. All of these things will not only make your tattoo fade quicker but also increase the chance of infection.
6. Moisturize your Skin Daily
Ensure that your skin is well moisturized after getting a tattoo. Not only will you avoid flaky skin, but also lotions make your tattoo look shiny and vibrant. Apply a balm, lotion, or creme so your skin is more elastic and hydrated.
The areas you should pay special attention to are your elbows, knees, and hands. They are more likely to be dry and flaky.
How Long Do Tattoos Last Before Fading?
All tattoos will fade, but it is on you to find ways to make them last longer. Aside from tips on how to prevent tattoos from fading, you need to know that they will eventually fade.
Some tattoos fade after only a couple of years, while others can be visible in your old age. If you have done tattoos as a teenager, they will start fading in your 40s and 50s.
Many tattoo artists offer to refresh and touch up your tattoos. Restoring the ink became a very common practice therefore many tattoo artists are willing to do that.
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