Why Is My Tattoo Fading While Healing?

Why Is My Tattoo Fading While Healing
This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.

  • Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
  • Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
  • But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;

Let’s have a look.

Is it normal for tattoos to look faded while healing?

Because we’re a skincare company for the tattooed, we often get questions about the tattoo healing process. A tattoo is essentially an open wound, and but it’s a little different in the sense that this particular wound was most likely expensive, plus there’s ink in the wound, and we want that ink to stay put, heal beautifully and ensure both our investment and our skin is protected.

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to healing. And as you’re reading please note that if you have a question or concern about your healing tattoo, listen to your artist, or consult with a medical professional to ensure you’re getting the best advice for your healing ink.

How long does it take a tattoo to heal? It depends on the person and the location of the tattoo. Sometimes a tattoo can look healed on the surface but the layers under the skin are still being repaired. Two months is on the longer spectrum of healing time by most standards, but it’s a good rule of thumb to make extra sure your skin has fully healed — we say this because products with SPF can irritate healing skin, so the two-month mark is a good rule of thumb to be extra-sure your skin has fully recovered.

My tattoo is peeling and itching. Is that normal?  Yes! It’s perfectly normal for a tattoo to peel like a sunburn — and itch like a sunburn. Make sure you resist the temptation to scratch or peel off the skin as that can pull out your ink.

Rather, let the skin flake off on its own. To help with this maddeningly itchy, peeling phase, our Tattoo Goo Lotion has an ingredient called Panthenol that helps relieve the itch. You can learn more about our lotion here. The skin that is peeling is colored like the tattoo—is my tattoo coming off? No, this is a natural part of a healing tattoo.

  • The top layer of dead skin has been colored or dyed during the tattooing process;
  • That outer layer will fall off revealing the fresh skin underneath;
  • My tattoo looks like it’s fading;
  • Is that normal? A tattoo is VERY bright when it is first completed but during the healing process, it starts to look discolored and dull;
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Don’t worry, when the tattoo is finished healing, the color will come back. My tattoo is scabbing. Is that normal?  Yes! Scabbing is typically normal and happens during the healing process of a tattoo. Just like any open wound, your body is creating its natural defense to guard it against infection while the skin underneath repairs itself.

  • If the skin does scab, it’s very important that you don’t pick or pull at the scabs since that can pull out your ink and in some extreme cases, lead to scarring;
  • What causes scabbing with a tattoo? Like with any open wound, your body responds by producing plasma  A lack of moisture can also cause scabbing;

The philosophy behind all Tattoo Goo products revolves around the importance of replacing the moisture that’s lost in the skin during the tattooing process. By doing this, it can help prevent scabbing as well as speed up healing time. My tattoo seems to be losing ink.

  1. It is runny, wet and it looks like the ink is coming out;
  2. What should I do? It sounds like the tattoo is leaching;
  3. When too much aftercare is applied, the body will naturally try to push whatever is on top off so it can breathe;

Wash the tattoo off and pat it dry. Do not put anything on it for one day. After that, start using Tattoo Goo® Lotion around three times a day—be sure not to over apply. Continue using the lotion until it heals completely. It may scab a bit, but do not pick the scabs—let them fall off naturally.

  1. Can I wash my tattoo? Yes, you should wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with a product such as Tattoo Goo® Deep Cleansing Soap;
  2. Do not use a washcloth, use only your hands, gently wash off the tattoo and pat it dry;

Let it air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying aftercare. It is important that it is completely dry before applying aftercare. Do not soak the tattoo in water, swim, etc. until the tattoo is completely healed. Should I re-bandage my tattoo? No, once you’ve taken off the original bandage, you should not re-bandage your tattoo.

  • The tattooed skin needs to breathe in order to heal faster and more effectively;
  • Can I use sunscreen on my tattoo while it is healing? Sunscreen should not be used on a healing tattoo as it has many chemicals that can cause adverse reactions;
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You should keep the tattoo out of the sun until it is completely healed. Most artists recommend two weeks or more. After it is healed, you should always use sunscreen, such as Tattoo Goo Renew® SPF 50+ if your tattoo is going to be exposed. Tattoo Goo® Salve and Lotion contain no sunscreen.

Why is my tattoo losing color while healing?

When your tattoo peels, it shouldn’t fade or lose color significantly. A tattoo will normally start peeling in the first week of healing, usually 5-7 days in. However, for some, the peeling may start earlier, say 3 days after tattooing. A peeling tattoo is the body’s way of regenerating dead skin cells.

Why is my tattoo fading I just got it?

Why Tattoos Look Dull While Healing – During the healing stage, your tattoo is more than likely to appear dull or faded. It usually occurs around the scabbing and peeling phases, and is a result of the repeated poking and damage caused by the needles.

  1. The tattooing process prompts your body to kill off and shed the damaged skin cells, while it regenerates brand new skin over the tattooed area;
  2. As this old, damaged layer of skin dies, it sits on the surface for a while, forming a translucent layer over your tattoo, giving it a faded, milky appearance;

If this is your first tattoo, it’s only normal to feel alarmed or disappointed, however, it should regain its vibrant look within a month or two (some tattoos, especially larger ones, can even shed their skin twice). While it can take some time for your tattoo to look completely clean and sharp, be rest assured that the dullness will dissipate over time as more and more dead skin continues to flake away.

How do you keep tattoos from fading while healing?

Why does my tattoo look like it’s missing ink?

You’ve recently had your first tattoo, and you’re doing everything your artist told you to do, following their instructions to the letter. But to your horror, you can see that the ink is coming off as you shower! Is this normal or is it the tattoo not healing properly?! – The quick answer is that yes, it’s perfectly normal for ink to come away as a tattoo heals.

Ink is driven deep into the skin by the tattoo needles, but some will be on the surface of the skin, and some others will collect in scabs above the tattoo. It is normal for some of this excess ink to be lost as the body tried to repair the wound that the needles made in your skin.

There will still be enough ink for your tattoo to look bright and intense, if you follow instructions carefully. Just remember to blot tattoos dry with a paper towel, rather than rubbing with a cotton one, and wear loose clothes over it, rather than anything tight.

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Why does my new tattoo look like it’s coming off?

– Peeling is a normal and expected part of tattoo healing. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis , or the outer layer of skin, and the dermis, which lies beneath. This process creates thousands of small wounds that damage skin cells. Tattoos usually take about 2 weeks to heal, but it can take longer for the skin to fully recover.

  • Peeling usually occurs a few days after getting the tattoo, as the skin begins to heal and regenerate itself;
  • The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells;
  • As the skin exfoliates itself, a layer of dead skin cells and ink pigment peels off, allowing new cells to grow;

Although some peeling is normal, excessive peeling could indicate a problem, especially if there are symptoms of infection and inflammation.

How do I know if I messed up my tattoo?

How do you know if your tattoo isn’t healing right?

Is it possible to over moisturize a tattoo?

What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;

  • Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
  • Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
  • Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
  • Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
  • Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out

To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.

Why does my tattoo look faded after 3 days?

This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.

  • Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
  • Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
  • But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;

Let’s have a look.