I got my first tattoo when I was 15, and now that I'm 26, I've stopped counting my tattoos. I think she might be 34 years old or she might be 35 years old. As the tattoo needle traces my skin, an inexplicable adrenaline rushes through my body. With over 30 tattoos, it's no exaggeration to say that I'm addicted to getting tattoos. It started as a meaningful design that held a close place in my heart, but now when I find something I like, it becomes a permanent part of my body. Case in point, I have a traditional Thai sakyan and a lot of cherry tattoos.
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Just like me, millions of people around the world are finding a safe place to get tattoos. According to a report published by Custom Market Insights, the global tattoo industry is only going to explode. The report states that the global tattoo industry's value in 2023 is $27.1 billion, and predicts that by 2032, its value will be a whopping $62.12 billion. Gone are the days when tattoos were socially unacceptable and had to be hidden under clothes or covered up with makeup. Now, I can walk around wearing a tattoo sleeve in a professional setting without worrying about the effects of my tattoo.
However, most people are a little hesitant about getting a tattoo because they are worried about the pain and healing process that comes with it. We'll explain everything you need to know about getting a tattoo and why aftercare is so important. We spoke to Diana Chan, co-founder of Iron Buzz Tattoos, a high-end tattoo studio in Mumbai.
process
“Ink application is a very meticulous process where the needle penetrates the top layer of the skin and deposits the ink between the fourth and fifth layers,” she explains. She added that when the needle is removed, the skin around the ink closes, effectively sealing it inside. Chen explains that this entire process causes trauma to the skin, much like a scratch or abrasion, which triggers the body's natural healing response, which causes a scab to form as the skin heals. .
what happens then
Chen explains that after getting a tattoo, as the skin heals from the trauma, it can release plasma or a colored fluid similar to the tattoo pigment. This discharge is called ooze and usually lasts from 1 to 4 days depending on the intensity of the tattoo process. Tattoos typically include one of four techniques: outlining, shading, dot work, and color packing. Color packing is the most stressful on the skin.
understanding healing
Not everyone is a terrible person like me who doesn't worry about how their tattoo will heal. In general, many people are afraid of blood and scabs. Chen says the tattoo healing process is a delicate journey that usually takes about 14 to 21 days. “Initially, the skin undergoes a healing process from the inside out, meaning that healing begins deep within the skin layers and gradually progresses outward,” she details. . In the first stage, the body works to repair any kind of microscopic damage caused by the tattoo process. According to Chen, scabs will form on the tattooed area. “It's best to leave the scab alone to protect your new tattoo and prevent infection,” she advises.
The importance of aftercare
When I got my second tattoo, which is a beautiful Japanese symbol meaning “ghost,” I made the mistake of not taking care of it and as a result, part of it came off. Yes, my tattoo came off and it hurt and I was sad. So I learned the hard way that tattoo aftercare is very important. Chen details that tattoos need to be cared for during the healing period. “Keeping your tattoo clean will help keep germs out and reduce the risk of infection,” she added. She also details that following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding activities that interfere with the healing process are the keys to healing your tattoo.
However, considering all these factors, it is essential to incorporate certain tattoo care products into your daily routine to nourish your skin and protect it from further infections. People end up using regular moisturizers, oils, and lotions to care for their new tattoos, but often these products contain chemicals that aren't ideal for the skin with the tattoo. This highlights the importance of choosing products specifically tailored to meet the needs of tattooed skin. Chen and her partner, popular tattoo artist Eric Jason D'Souza, have developed Beespoke Tattoo Care, a gentle and effective treatment for tattooed skin. It promises to nourish the skin, promote healing and maintain moisture levels without leaving any residue.
Tattoo studios often create their own aftercare products to offer to their clients, and we are now seeing this expand to other parts of the world. Travis Barker, Kourtney Kardashian's husband and of course the longtime drummer for the rock band Blink-182, recently announced the launch of a special tattoo aftercare collection from his wellness brand Barker Wellness. It was natural for Barker, who has a huge tattoo collection, to try his hand at this. Along with him, Dwayne Johnson, who is known for taking down bad guys, has also launched a tattoo care line as part of his grooming brand Papatui. People have recognized the need to create niche products aimed at tattoo aftercare, and it is no longer limited to a certain segment of the population.
