Tattoo Aftercare Products Industry: Understanding The Important Steps
Proper aftercare is crucial in the first few weeks of healing to avoid infections and ensure your tattoo stays vibrant and lasts for years. Let’s explore the key steps involved in caring for a new tattoo.
Cleaning and Moisturizing
In the first few days after getting your tattoo, gently clean the area 2-3 times a day using a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Avoid soaking the tattoo or letting it come into contact with standing water while it’s healing. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Then apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment, cream, or lotion made specifically for tattoo care. Look for fragrance-free products containing ingredients like aloe vera to keep the skin moisturized and protected. Avoid scented or thick lotions that can clog pores.
Bandaging and Dressing
Some artists may apply a bandage or second skin over your fresh tattoo. Leave this in place for the recommended time, usually 6-12 hours, before removing it. Global Tattoo Aftercare Products Continue moisturizing as directed. You may need to keep the area covered with a dressing for a few days if it’s in a spot prone to rubbing against clothing. Change the dressing if it gets wet or dirty. Avoid submerging the tattoo for 2-3 weeks to allow the new skin cells to form a protective layer.
Sun Protection
Even after the tattoo has mostly healed, always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if exposing it to sunlight. The UV rays can cause fading over time. New ink is especially vulnerable in the first few months. Be mindful of sun exposure for up to a year as the skin continues to settle. Reapply sunscreen frequently if spending prolonged time outdoors.
Signs of Infection
Watch out for signs your tattoo may be infected like increasing pain, swelling, oozing or crusting pus, redness spreading from the edges, or a fever. See your doctor right away if these symptoms appear as infection needs prompt medical treatment with antibiotics. Follow all aftercare steps carefully to avoid complications and enjoy your fresh design for many years to come.
Main Categories of Tattoo Aftercare Products
With tattooing growing in popularity globally, the market for professional aftercare products has expanded tremendously. Here are some of the leading categories available:
– Antibacterial Soaps – Gentle cleansers made with antibacterial ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or triclosan help reduce potential for infection without over-drying skin. Dial, cetaphil and H2Ocean make popular options.
– Moisturizing Lotions – Fragronee-free lotions containing hydrators like aloe vera, vitamin E, and jojoba oil keep the skin supple without clogging pores. Hustle Butter, Tattoo Goo and Legendary Ink are top lotion brands.
– Healing Balms – Thick balms formulated with antibacterial components form a breathable barrier to retain moisture and promote healing. Hustle Butter, After Inked and Badger Balm are top selling balms globally.
– Ointments – Petrolatum-based ointments create an oclusive layer sealing in hydration. Aquaphor, Bepanthen and Tattoo Goo ointments are respected choices.
– Tattoo Covers & Second Skins – Semipermeable films that adhere directly to tattoos while allowing skin to breathe, like Tegaderm and SANIDERM, protect during initial healing phase.
– Sunscreens – Broad spectrum sunscreens shield fresh tattoos from fading UV rays, popular options by Tattoo Goo, Badger Balm and COOLA work well.
Top Selling Global Tattoo Aftercare Brands
A few industry leading brands dominating the global tattoo aftercare market through wide product ranges and positive brand reputation include:
– Tattoo Goo – Founded in 1995, this California based company offers an extensive line of soaps, balms, lotions and sunscreens popular worldwide.
– Hustle Butter – Established in 2007, their hydrating balms, ointments and lotions containing natural ingredients are fast becoming staples during and after tattoo sessions.
– Badger Balm – Originating in 1981, this natural skin care company provides healing options like ointments, creams and sunscreens formulated without toxic chemicals.
– After Inked – Founded in 2011 in the UK, they offer affordable moisturizers, washes and soothing gels specifically targeting tattooed skin care needs.
– Legendary Ink – Started in 1997, their tattoo lotions, balms and ointments enriched with vitamins A, D and E are consistently top sellers on Amazon.
– Tattoo Junkie – Based in Australia, this company produces popular aftercare soap bars, gels and creams containing natural botanical actives.
As the number of people getting tattooed rises each year, demand for professional products ensuring optimal healing and long lasting results continues to drive industry revenues higher. With new industry players regularly emerging, competition in the space keeps standards high.
Rising Trend of Organic and Natural Ingredients
Paralleling broader wellness trends, there is notable growth in demand for organic, natural and vegan tattoo aftercare options globally. More brands are responding by launching products free of potential irritants like parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes and preservatives. Formulas contain plant-derived hydrators and healers instead, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Australian brands Innifree and Paradise have gained following for natural lines. US brands like Compound Solutions and Inkcurated offer organic serums, oils and balms. As people become more mindful about ingredients, demand for natural choices within the tattoo industry will likely keep momentum into the future.
E-commerce Boosts Online Sales and Selection
E-commerce has massively facilitated the ability of both established and emerging aftercare brands to reach diverse global audience. Leading online retailers like Amazon, iHerb and Cult Beauty now stock major label products as well as niche natual items previously harder to find locally. Customers gain convenient access to an extensive range reviewed by others. This has provided growing sales opportunities for companies while benefitting buyers with more affordable and specialized options at their fingertips. Live help and product consultation also enhance shopping experiences. Strong online presence will remain integral for brands navigating evolving customer preferences in coming years.
The global tattoo aftercare products industry shows no signs of slowing down with numerous new players continually entering this profitable sector. As tattoos gain broader cultural acceptance worldwide, demand for professional products ensuring safe and beautiful healing will only increase further. Top brands continue innovating formulations catering to demand for natural ingredients.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.