The process of getting a tattoo creates a controlled wound, depositing ink into the dermis layer of the skin. Proper aftercare is necessary for the skin to heal and the artwork to settle permanently. Moisturizing is a primary component of this care, supporting natural healing by keeping the outermost layer, the epidermis, supple and intact. Failing to moisturize compromises the skin’s integrity, making it less elastic and more susceptible to damage during the critical regeneration period. This neglect initiates complications that negatively affect both skin health and the tattoo’s final appearance.
Excessive Scabbing and Cracking
Without adequate moisture, the skin on and around the fresh tattoo dries out rapidly, becoming tight and brittle. Fluids exuded from the wound dry into a thick, hard crust, unlike the light flaking of a properly moisturized heal. This rigid layer lacks the flexibility needed to move with the underlying skin.
When the skin stretches or moves, this inflexible scab cannot accommodate the motion and begins to crack. These cracks create deep fissures in the healing skin, which are painful and disrupt the wound-healing process. The excessive dryness also intensifies the natural itching sensation, tempting the person to scratch. Scratching or picking at these thick, dry scabs can prematurely detach them, forcibly pulling out ink particles settling within the dermis.
Increased Risk of Irritation and Infection
A tattoo that is allowed to dry out develops deep cracks and severe flaking, compromising the skin’s barrier function. When this protective shield is broken, pathogens can enter the wound more easily. This increases the opportunity for bacteria and microorganisms to colonize the area, raising the risk of irritation and infection.
Signs of a serious problem extend beyond the normal redness and swelling of the initial healing phase. If the area exhibits excessive warmth, prolonged or spreading redness, or the presence of pus, it may indicate a microbial infection that requires medical attention. Severe dryness and cracking pose a significant risk by physically breaching the skin’s defense system.
Permanent Damage to Ink Quality and Appearance
Not moisturizing can lead to irreversible damage to the artwork’s quality and appearance. When thick scabs crack and are prematurely dislodged, they pull out the underlying pigment, resulting in patchy or uneven color saturation. These missing sections often require touch-up sessions to correct the unevenness.
Poor healing due to extreme dryness can also lead to the formation of scar tissue, or fibrosis, in the dermis. The body responds to the trauma of deep cracking and prolonged irritation by overproducing collagen to repair the wound. This results in raised, textured areas within the tattoo, permanently altering the skin’s surface and the smoothness of the design. A poorly healed tattoo will often appear dull and faded, lacking the vibrancy and sharpness of a design that was consistently hydrated throughout recovery.