GetTattoosIdeas.com – Get Amazing Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo Master Tips

How Often Should You Put Aquaphor On Your Tattoo?

How Often Should You Put Aquaphor On Your Tattoo
two to three times a day You’ll repeat the process of washing, drying, and applying Aquaphor two to three times a day for several days after getting inked.

Can you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Remove the excess – To make sure you’re not using too much, use a clean paper towel to dab off the extra ointment after you apply it. Don’t worry about taking off too much. As long as you’re not wiping it, it should be fine. Again, it only takes a small amount to keep your tattoo protected.

Should I keep putting Aquaphor on my tattoo?

The first 3 – 4 days – We recommend Aquaphor as the healing ointment for your tattoo. Apply a small amount to the tattoo, and rub it in thoroughly, as if you were applying lotion. It should not shine or feel sticky!  If it does, you are using too much ointment!  Wait five minutes after applying ointment, if you can still feel ointment, blot the excess off with a tissue.

Apply the ointment once or twice a day for the first 3 to 4 days, especially if the tattoo feel dry or “tight”. Keeping a light protective layer of moisture will ensure the least amount of scabbing and peeling, thereby reducing any color fade.

Tattoo Aftercare Routine | Tattoo Healing Process

Make sure your hands are freshly washed before applying ointment.

Does Aquaphor fade tattoos?

Inked Ritual and Aquaphor are very different tattoo care products. – Aquaphor and Inked Ritual Tattoo Care are two completely different products with a very different purpose and function for your tattoo aftercare. Aquaphor is a multi-purpose healing ‘ointment’ used for treating diaper rash, chapped lips, dry skin, etc.

It can also be used to sooth minor skin wounds, cuts and scrapes. And for some reason people choose to use Aquaphor to heal their new tattoos. Aquaphor is not a tattoo aftercare product , and if you’ve ever used it on a fresh tattoo, or even considering using it, then you’ll want to read the following first.

INGREDIENTS Aquaphor contains Petrolatum (petroleum) and Mineral oil which is a liquid form of petroleum jelly. These are waste by-products that come from the petroleum oil distillation process during gasoline production. Petrolatum and mineral oil are super cheap and toxic ingredients that should never be used on a large open wound like a tattoo.

Aquaphor also contains   Lanolin Alcohol , which is an oily material from sheep’s wool. Lanolin Alcohol can cause  contact dermatitis  rash or other skin reactions. Even worse. some people have noticed their skin appears lighter from lanolin alcohol use.

FUNCTION Aquaphor seals and suffocates the skin’s surface due to the thick petrolatum and mineral ingredients. Suffocating your fresh tattoo impairs the tattoo recovery and skin healing process, by blocking the skin’s natural respiration. By sealing the surface of your tattooed skin, Aquaphor stops moisture from leaving the skin, which can negatively affect a fresh tattoo during recovery and healing.

  • During post tattoo recovery, y our fresh tattooed skin needs to breathe;
  • Using a petroleum based product like Aquaphor can cause premature skin aging and tattoo fading;
  • Using Aquaphor for tattoo aftercare, poses a risk of damaging your tattoo by causing premature fading;

It has also been found that petrolatum and mineral oil can pull fresh tattoo ink from the skin. Again, another reason to avoid products that contain petrolatum and or mineral oil ingredients. They can make your tattoos heal less vibrant than they could have.

  1. Now I know that many people have used Aquaphor over the years and will disagree, claiming that it has worked fine;
  2. Sure, it may have worked fine, however they are risks, both short term (premature tattoo fading) and long term, such as cancer or other endocrine disorders from the toxins;

So why take the chance of prematurely fading your fresh new tattoo?  Advancements in the skincare industry have greatly evolved over the past few years. There are several excellent all-natural tattoo aftercare products,  formulated specifically for tattoo post-recovery and healing.

Consider choosing one instead of the baby’s diaper rash ointment. INKED RITUAL Tattoo Care  Ok, now let’s discuss Inked Ritual. We’ve had people ask us if Inked Ritual and Aquaphor are the same type of skincare product.

And the answer is no, not at all. Inked Ritual is a Tattoo Care product formulated exclusively to enhance, restore and protect healed tattoos from fading. This intensive skin rejuvenating serum, uses transdermal technology that penetrates and transports potent active ingredients deep into your tattooed skin.

The purpose and function of Inked Ritual is to keep your skin healthy, by boosting collagen production while slowing skin aging. Healthy skin = bold vibrant tattoos. Being a serum, Inked Ritual’s molecular structure is lightweight, non-greasy and will not seal, suffocate or clog your skin’s pores like Aquaphor.

Healthy youthful skin = bold vibrant tattoos for life. Another major difference between Inked Ritual and Aquaphor, is not just the advanced serum technology, but also the bio-active ingredients that Inked Ritual contains. This includes 7 anti-aging Peptides, Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Phospholipids.

Inked Ritual is toxin free. There’s no petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, or alcohol ingredients. Inked Ritual is cruelty- free and vegan-friendly. When it comes to keeping your tattoos looking their best, Inked Ritual is your tattoos first line of defense.

You will see the bold vibrancy of your tattoos change after using it. It works on new and old tattoos, and all skin types. Disclaimer: Inked Ritual was not developed for tattoo recovery, and we do not promote it for tattoo healing. But many customers have used Inked Ritual on their fresh ink, and love the results.

When should I switch from Aquaphor to lotion on my new tattoo?

What to Wear the Day After and How to Deal With Leaky Ink: – So it’s the day after your tattoo and you have to go to work. What do you do about clothing? For starters, you’ll definitely want to wear something loose, or something that doesn’t touch your tattoo at all if possible.

But if it’s winter and you need to wear sweaters or pants over your tattoo, you can cover it with plastic wrap for the length of your commute, then repeat your wash/dry/Aquaphor routine before letting it air out through the day.

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Make sure to wear dark colors in case you have any ink leaking out. You’ll want to occasionally dab at the tattoo with a paper towel to keep it dry, and reapply Aquaphor once or twice throughout the day.

  1. Once you get home, wash/dry/Aquaphor it again and let it air out until bedtime;
  2. I tend to wash my new tattoos two to three times a day, so you may choose to wash it again before bed or just reapply a little more Aquaphor;

Keep doing this for the next four to six days, until scabbing begins to form and your tattoo starts peeling. Once your tattoo starts to scab, switch from Aquaphor to Lubriderm unscented lotion, but continue washing it twice a day.

You might be interested:  What To Bring To A Tattoo Appointment?

When should I stop moisturizing my tattoo?

The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3 to 4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.

How do you know your tattoo is healed?

– It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:

  • Fever or chills. A fever may indicate that your tattoo has become infected, and you should see a doctor right away.
  • Prolonged redness. All tattoos will be somewhat red for a few days after the procedure, but if the redness doesn’t subside , it’s a sign that your tattoo isn’t healing well.
  • Oozing fluid. If fluid or pus is still coming out from your tattoo after 2 or 3 days, it may be infected. See a doctor.
  • Swollen, puffy skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to be raised for a few days, but the surrounding skin shouldn’t be puffy. This may indicate that you’re allergic to the ink.
  • Severe itching or hives. Itchy tattoos can also be a sign that your body is allergic to the ink. The allergic reaction to a tattoo can happen right after, or as much as several years after getting the tattoo.
  • Scarring. Your tattoo will scab over because it’s a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn’t scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin.

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

The takeaway: – Peeling is normal (to an extent) but that doesn’t mean you should peel it yourself. Let your skin do its thing for the two-ish weeks and keep the tattoo clean and dry while it heals for the best results. If you experience any scabbing that seems abnormal (like thickening over the entire tattoo or green or yellow areas that fill up with puss), see your doctor to address the infection.

  1. A poorly healed tattoo sucks but an infection left untreated would be way worse than that, trust;
  2. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses;

You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. io.

How often should I wash my new tattoo?

Download Article Download Article Taking good care of your new tattoo right after you get it will help it heal quickly and stay vibrant. Keep the bandage that your tattoo artist applied on for at least a few hours before gently removing it, washing your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then patting the skin dry. By keeping your skin evenly moisturized and clean, staying out of the sun, and avoiding picking or itching your new design, your tattoo will heal beautifully.

  1. 1 Leave the covering on for 2-3 hours. Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will clean the area, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic. Once you have left the tattoo parlor, resist the temptation to open the bandage. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria and should be left on for up to 3 hours before you remove it. [1]
    • Since different tattoo artists have different methods of wrapping new tattoos, ask your tattoo artist when they recommend removing the bandage. Some artists may not wrap the tattoo at all, depending on the products and technique they use.
    • If you leave the bandage on longer than the artist suggests, you are more prone to infection and the ink may bleed.
  2. 2 Wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from getting infected when you go to touch it. To remove the bandage more easily, you can apply warm water to it to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. Pull the bandage off slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your new tattoo. [2]
    • Throw away the used bandage.

    Advertisement

  3. 3 Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Instead of soaking your tattoo in water, cup your hands together and scoop lukewarm water over it. Use a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to rub the tattoo gently with your fingers, removing all traces of blood, plasma, or leaked ink. [3]
    • Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Do not resume use of the items until the tattoo has healed completely.
    • Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water—the stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo.
  4. 4 Let the tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. While it’s best to let your skin air dry after the tattoo has been cleaned, you can also use a clean, dry paper towel to gently blot the tattoo until it’s dry. Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the paper towel to avoid irritating your skin. [4]
    • Regular towels can irritate your tattoo or cause little bits of fluff to get stuck in them, so it’s best to only use a paper towel for drying.
  5. 5 Apply a non-scented antibacterial cream. Once your tattoo is fully dry, apply a little moisturizing ointment, preferably an all-natural aftercare, to the tattoo. Make sure to apply only a very thin layer and pat it in gently until it’s absorbed by the skin. If you’re not sure what kind of ointment to use, ask your tattoo artist what they recommend for your skin. [5]
    • Aquaphor is a good, recommended option for a moisturizer.
    • Don’t use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, as these are too heavy and may clog the pores.
    • Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, avoid rewrapping it.
  6. 6 Listen to your tattoo artist’s advice. Your tattoo artist will explain how you should care for your tattoo immediately after getting it, so try to follow their instructions. The way they bandage your tattoo may be different from other tattoo artists, so take the advice they give you seriously to ensure your tattoo heals correctly. [6]
    • Write down the instructions they give you on a piece of paper or type them up on your phone so you don’t forget.

    7. Advertisement

  1. 1 Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily until the scabs are gone. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it’s fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. [7]
    • While moisturizing is important, be careful not to smother the tattoo in lotion or ointment—a thin layer is all you need.
    • Continue using an unscented mild soap when washing.
  2. 2 Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. As it heals, your tattoo will start to scab over, which is normal. Let the scabs dry out and fall off by themselves, and don’t speed up the process by picking or scratching at the scabs. This can cause the scabs to fall off too soon, which can leave holes or light spots on the tattoo. [8]
    • Dry, scabbing or peeling skin can become very itchy, but scratching at your tattoo may also cause scabs to fall off.
    • Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem.
  3. 3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. The harsh rays of the sun may cause your skin to blister and bleach some of the colors from your tattoo. For this reason, it is best to keep your tattoo covered and away from the sun for at least 3 to 4 weeks until the initial healing is complete. [9]
    • Once your tattoo is healed, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading.
  4. 4 Avoid soaking the tattoo in water. Until your tattoo is fully healed, don’t swim in a pool or the ocean. Avoid soaking in the bathtub as well. Exposing your tattoo to lots of water can pull the ink out of your skin and do damage to the tattoo’s appearance. The water may also be carrying dirt, bacteria, or other chemicals that can infect your tattoo. [10]
    • It will be safe to resume these activities once your tattoo is healed, but for now you should stick to rinsing your tattoo in the sink or shower.
  5. 5 Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your tattoo. Try not to wear tight or restrictive clothing on the area with your new tattoo, especially at first. As your tattoo heals, it will seep plasma and excess ink, which may cause the clothing to stick to the tattoo. The clothing will then be painful to remove and may rip off any freshly formed scabs. [11]
    • If your clothing does stick to your tattoo, do not pull! First wet the area with water, which should loosen the clothing to where it can be removed without damaging your tattoo.
    • Tight clothing will prevent enough oxygen from getting to your tattoo, and oxygen is essential for the healing process.
  6. 6 Wait for your tattoo to heal before doing strenuous workouts. If the tattoo covers a large surface area or is near your joints (such as elbows and knees), it may take longer to heal if the skin is forced to move around too much during physical activity. The movement will cause the skin to crack and become irritated, prolonging the healing process. [12]
    • If you work in a job that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, you may want to consider having your new tattoo done right before you have a day or 2 off so it has time to heal before you return to work.

    7. Advertisement

When should I stop washing my tattoo twice a day?

What do I need to do? – Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion. Gently rub the product into the tattoo area. DO NOT allow the area to dry but NEVER apply more than a thin layer of aftercare product at one time.

How do you shower with a new tattoo?

So, How Can I Shower Without Disrupting the Tattoo? – Here are few important tips to utilize when showering with a new tattoo;

  • Use a mild, antibacterial soap – it is essential you use a mild, antibacterial, fragrance-free soap when showering with a tattoo, or when washing the tattoo itself. Try to be gentle and do not press or rub the tattoo. Use lukewarm water and try not to lather the soap during the very first tattoo wash.
  • Apply a thin layer of Vaseline – if you want to take a longer shower, you can apply a very thin layer of Vaseline onto a healing tattoo. This should protect the tattoo from the water or a stronger soap. After you’re done with the shower, make sure to remove the Vaseline layer and gently wash the tattoo. Do not apply Vaseline otherwise, because it will clog the tattoo, prevent it from drying, and potentially cause an infection.
  • Avoid using a washcloth or loofah – now, even though we used them to get clean, a washcloth or loofah are filled with all sorts of bacteria and germs. Gross, right? So, to prevent the tattoo from getting infected, avoid showering using these items. Use your hands to shower until the tattoo has healed completely. And even then, make sure to use a new and clean washcloth or loofah.
  • Avoid spraying the tattoo directly – during showering, avoid direct water pressure on the tattoo. It is best to simply stand under the shower and let the water run over the tattooed area.
  • Do not shave the tattooed area – for obvious reasons, you should not shave an open wound, which your tattoo is in the beginning. Be patient and wait for the tattoo to heal, and only then try to carefully shave the area.

What is the best tattoo aftercare?

Why does my tattoo burn when I put Aquaphor on it?

Why Does My Tattoo Feel Like It’s Burning – At the end of the day, a tattoo is just an open wound on one area of your skin. The burning sensation you’re feeling means that your immune system is working to make sure your new tattoo heals properly and efficiently.

  1. When you sit in the chair to get a tattoo, you’re paying a tattoo artist to pierce your skin thousands of times with an electrified needle;
  2. The needle is repeatedly piercing the first layer of skin called the epidermis;

The needle is injecting colored ink into the second layer of your skin, known as the dermis. Because of this, your body must heal the wound by repairing the damaged skin cells. This causes a sensation that many have likened to moderate sunburn throughout the area of the tattoo.

What happens if you use too much Aquaphor?

Side Effects – Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has prescribed this medication , remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual changes in the skin (such as turning white/soft/soggy from too much wetness), signs of skin infection.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction , including: rash , itching /swelling (especially of the face/ tongue /throat), severe dizziness , trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.

fda. gov/medwatch. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

What happens if you apply too much Aquaphor?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using the topical emollient and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where the product was applied.

What happens if you put too much ointment on tattoo?

How Often Should You Put Aquaphor On Your Tattoo NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! There are a lot of different ideas and theories as to what is the best method of aftercare for your tattoo. I honestly believe that not one particular method will work best for everyone, seeing as everyone’s biology is different. I believe it takes time and experience to figure out what particular method works for you. Here is a set of instructions that I believe works well for many people, and have used this method on myself successfully:

  • No more than a few hours after the finish of your tattoo, you should remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. I personally recommend you wash the tattoo with an anti-bacterial hand soap, such as Dial antibacterial hand soap , to reduce your risk of infection. Also, use lukewarm water as opposed to hot water, which would burn the tattoo. It is important to wash the tattoo lightly, but be sure to remove all ointment, blood, and any other residue.
  • After washing the tattoo, apply an ointment. Some commonly recommended ointments would be Bacitracin , A+D Ointment and Aquaphor ; I would recommend staying away from Vaseline and petroleum jelly. It is VERY IMPORTANT to only use a very tiny amount of ointment and that you lightly rub in on in a thin, shiny, “barely there” layer over the tattoo. ”  
  • I would recommend use of the ointment for around 3–5 days. During these days, wash your tattoo every morning right when you wake, and right before bed. It is also important to wash the tattoo several times throughout the day. The more you wash your tattoo, the easier and faster your tattoo will heal. If your tattoo is in a hard-to-reach area, have a friend assist you — just make sure they wash their hands thoroughly before they do so.
    • The tattoo should just have a slight sheen after rubbing in the ointment;
    • Using too much ointment can oversaturate the tattoo and cause excess scabbing, or cause scabs to come off prematurely;
    • It is NOT “the more, the better;

    If you do not keep your tattoo clean, you run the risk of both infection and excess scabbing which could result in poor healing. During these first few days, depending on where your tattoo is located, the tattoo may be prone to swelling. Using a bag of ice, elevating the tattooed area, and taking ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling.

  • Around the third to fifth day, you should notice your tattoo has formed a thin, hard layer, which will begin to peel. The peeling is similar to that of a sunburn peeling — only the skin will come off in the colors of the tattoo. This is normal. At this stage in the healing process, you can switch from using the ointment to a non-scented hand lotion. Aveeno , Curel , and Lubriderm non-scented are some common recommendations.

    For the next two weeks, keep washing the tattoo and use the lotion as needed. Keep the skin moisturized to prevent cracking and bleeding. There may be a couple scabs on your tattoo that take longer to come off then others — some taking up to a few weeks to come off.

    If this is the case, just let the scabs fall off on their own and be mindful not to pull them off prematurely, as this could result in loss of ink. The majority of your tattoo’s healing should be over in 2 weeks, but it does take up to 4 weeks for a tattoo to be fully healed.

Things to avoid during the tattoo healing process:

  • Try not to sleep on your tattoo. For example, if the tattoo is on your back, sleep on your stomach. Not only will the tattoo become stuck to your clothing and linens, it will leave a lovely imprint on your sheets. Should you wake up and your clothes are stuck to your tattoo, do not rip them off, for this could result in the ripping off of scabs.
  • Avoid submerging the tattoo. Soaking in water could cause scabs to come off prematurely. Also, avoid swimming due to possible bacteria and irritants in the water. So no ocean, lake, pool, jacuzzi, or bath tub for two weeks! Showers are okay … and encouraged.
  • Avoid the sun! Getting a sunburn on your tattoo can cause some serious problems. Think of your tattoo as like a bad sunburn; you wouldn’t want to get more sun on it. If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear loose cotton clothing over the tattoo.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing that will rub on the tattoo, as excessive rubbing can lead to scabbing and loss of ink. Some key areas where this is common is around the pants line and the bra line. Try to wear loose fitting cotton clothing over the tattooed area so that it’s breathable, or if you’re not in public, go without! If you had your foot tattooed, try to stick to a more open-type of shoe such as a flip-flop. Also, for the first couple days of healing, the tattoo will tend to “ooze” colors that tend to stain fabric, so don’t wear your Sunday best!  
  • Avoid over-working the tattooed area. For example, if you are an avid gym-goer, lay off the arm exercises for two weeks if you just had your arm tattooed. Or, if you just got your foot tattooed, don’t plan a hiking or a five-hour mall trip. Over-working the tattooed area can result in scabbing and poor healing.

Infection Infection is not super common, but let’s face it: With so many invisible bacteria floating around out there, it’s bound to happen at some point. Here are some tips on dealing with your tattoo should it become infected:

  • First and foremost, find out if your tattoo is indeed infected. Some key signs of tattoo infection are a red haze surrounding the tattoo after it’s already past a week (or more) of the healing process, which could also be accompanied by: a white haze over sections of the tattoo; indentation of the tattoo; extreme scabbing which may turn green or yellowish; a bad smell; and puss.

    Instead, wet the area of clothing that is stuck to the tattoo with water, and it will become unstuck. Working out will also cause you to sweat, which is also not good for the tattoo’s healing process. Contacting your tattoo artist so they may confirm whether or not your tattoo is infected (and suggest ways to combat the infection) is a good idea, although the best way to deal with an infection is by calling your physician.

    He or she will know the absolute best way to combat your infection and may prescribe antibiotics.

  • The best ways to avoid infections are by keeping your tattoo clean and by making your artist aware of any sensitivities or allergies you may have before getting tattooed. For example, many tattoo artists use latex gloves during the tattooing process, so if you have an allergy to latex, let your tattoo artist know so they can switch to nitrile gloves. Also, many people have a sensitivity to certain tattoo inks; red ink is a common color that people have a sensitivity to because of the nickel content in that particular color.

After your tattoo is healed

  • In order to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible, it is important to keep your skin moisturized. And when you’re going to be exposed to sun for a prolonged period, use sunblock to help avoid fading.

Why does my tattoo burn when I put Aquaphor on it?

Why Does My Tattoo Feel Like It’s Burning – At the end of the day, a tattoo is just an open wound on one area of your skin. The burning sensation you’re feeling means that your immune system is working to make sure your new tattoo heals properly and efficiently.

When you sit in the chair to get a tattoo, you’re paying a tattoo artist to pierce your skin thousands of times with an electrified needle. The needle is repeatedly piercing the first layer of skin called the epidermis.

The needle is injecting colored ink into the second layer of your skin, known as the dermis. Because of this, your body must heal the wound by repairing the damaged skin cells. This causes a sensation that many have likened to moderate sunburn throughout the area of the tattoo.