Tattoo tips: skin care for body art

TATTOOS have become increasingly accepted as an art form and a way of self-expression.  Far from being associated with raucous rock stars and dangerous prison inmates, tats are now an accepted art form -- especially among millennials. In the United States, according to the Pew Research Center, about 40% of Americans ages 26 to 40 have tattoos as do more than a third of Americans ages 18 to 25.

When considering a new tattoo, consider getting it on skin that is free of moles(American Academy of Dermatology)

Reality series and conventions have been devoted to this art form, and like “real art”, it can be an expensive. What “investors” may not realize is that they also need to have the right environment.

“As a permanent and often pricey form of body art, tattoos are an investment,” said board-certified dermatologist Bruce E. Katz, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in New York City, New York. “In order to protect that investment, it’s important to take steps to keep tattooed skin healthy and vibrant.”

To keep your tattoo looking its best, Dr. Katz recommends the following tips in these instances:

Tattooed skin feels dry Water-based lotion or creams only! Petroleum-based products, such as petroleum jelly, can cause the ink to fade, so apply a water-based lotion or cream to the tattoo.

You’re out in the sun Protect your tattooed skin from tattoo-fading, cancer-causing UV light by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply at least every two hours.

You feel like getting a tan Stay out of tanning beds and away from sunlamps, which may also fade the ink in tattoos and increase your risk of skin cancer. In some people, the UV light from these devices may also react with the tattoo ink, causing a painful skin reaction.

Changes in your tattooed skin A bad reaction to the ink in a tattoo can happen immediately after getting a tattoo or years later. See a board-certified dermatologist if you have a skin reaction or if your tattooed skin is changing in any way. A change could also be a sign of skin disease.

Stay clear of moles When considering a new tattoo, consider getting it on skin that is free of moles. A tattoo can make it more difficult to see the earliest signs of skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly treatable.

“If you have questions about tattoos or if you no longer want a tattoo, speak with your dermatologist,” Dr. Katz also advised. “Although many tattoo removal kits are available online, these products are not regulated by the FDA and have led to permanent skin injuries. A dermatologist can provide you with safe options for removing an unwanted tattoo.”