Why Is My Tattoo So Dry – 10 Major Fact You Should To Know

It takes money, time, and thought to get a new tattoo. You may have an emotional attachment to the tattoo or you got the tattoo to appear cool, whatever your reasoning is you don’t want your tattoo to get ruined. Tattoos are quite delicate, especially during the healing phase. Even the slightest mistake can cause your tattoo to get damaged or ruined. When it comes to tattoos getting ruined, one of the most common reasons behind it is dry tattoos.

Many people take care of their sensitive and delicate healing tattoos and keep them away from harm. But they do not realize that overly dryness can also damage their tattoo. And most of the time they don’t even realize the reasoning behind dry tattoos. In this article, I will elaborate on why your tattoo is so dry, the potential danger of a dry tattoo, and how to fix it.

Key Takeaways

• Your tattoo may become overly dry due to frequent wash, swimming into the sea or chlorinated water, not using moisturizer, dehydration, etc.
• There are plenty of risks associated with overly dry tattoos such as delayed healing, excessive scabbing, itching, swelling, irritation, etc.
• You should not scratch, pick, expose it to direct sunlight, or submerged the dry tattoo in water.
• To fix an overly dry tattoo you can take proper aftercare, apply moisturizer twice a day, stay hydrated, etc.
• A healing tattoo would appear a bit dry it is normal, but it is a matter of worry when the tattoo becomes overly dry.
• The dryness of your tattoo can last as long as your tattoo is healing or 12-14 days from getting the tattoo.

Understanding Tattoo Healing & Natural Dryness

So, you got yourself a fresh tattoo, huh? Well, it’s no secret that the healing process can be a bit of a rollercoaster. One of the common things you might experience during the healing stage is dryness. Yeah, that’s right, your beautiful new ink might start feeling like the Sahara Desert. Don’t worry, though, it’s totally normal.

As your body starts repairing itself after the tattooing procedure, it forms a protective layer over the tattooed area. This layer acts as a natural bandage, sealing in the ink and preventing infection. However, it also means that moisture from the skin is trapped underneath, leading to dryness.

You might confuse the normal dryness of a healing tattoo with an over-dried one. It is crucial to understand the difference because natural dryness which is good and a sign of healing tattoo and overly dray tattoo which is an issue.

Extremely dry tattoo is a cause of concern and requires special care to be fixed. It is not a part of the healing process. If you don’t fix it in time it may cause permanent damage to your skin and tattoo.

Length of Dryness During Tattoo Healing Process

It is a reasonable question that how long the dryness of your tattoo would last. Well, the time may vary from person to person because healing time is not the same for all of us. It is mainly due to immune system strength difference. People with stronger immune systems would heal their tattoos faster and will get rid of the dryness of their tattoos earlier. On the other hand people with a weaker immune system would have delayed tattoo healing and the dryness of their tattoo would last longer. There are a few other factors that may affect how long the dryness of your tattoo would stay. Those are:

But in general, the dryness of a healing tattoo should last around 12-14 days after getting the tattoo. And if by any chance you tattoo face a delayed healing for any reason then the dryness of the tattoo could last up to around 1 month. The dryness is caused by scabbing phase. If you take proper care of your tattoo, stay hydrated, and apply moisturizer daily then the scabbing phase should end fast. As a result, the dryness of your tattoo would end faster.

10 Reasons Why Your Tattoo Is so Dry

If you don’t know what is causing your tattoo to become so dry, how are you going to avoid the dryness or fix it? There can be many reasons behind a dry tattoo.

I have listed a few crucial reasons below:

1. Frequent wash

Washing a new tattoo or healing a tattoo is good. You should be washing your tattoo twice or thrice a day till it is fully healed.

But if you go overboard with the washing step and wash your tattoo more than 3-4 times, then the process will strip your tattooed area of natural oils. Your skin produces crucial oil to protect the skin and stripping this oil by frequently washing the area can cause dryness and irritation. When the skin begins to heal, the flakiness will increase. Frequent washing can lead to excessive peeling too.

2. Using harsh soap

I always recommend using a gentle soap that has no harmful chemicals or fragrances and contains natural ingredients for tattoos. Some people think a harsh soap can clean better and provide a healthier tattoo. They can not be any farther from the truth. A harsh soap will not only cause harm to your sensitive tattoo but also cause it to become overly dry.

3. Environmental factors

Your environmental factors can also play a crucial role in your drying tattoo. Exposure to excessive heat, direct sunlight, or low humidity levels can cause the skin to become dry and dehydrated. The same thing can happen if you live in a very cold place. Cold weather can potentially wreak havoc on your tattoo causing it to become overly dry or cracked. Open air is good for your healing body art but be mindful of the environment too.

4. Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater

Swimming can hamper your tattoo healing process. If you go for a swim at your local community pool which has chlorinated water or to the sea which has salt water then you can expect to get a dry tattoo. So make sure to avoid swimming in chemical water or salt water.

5. Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction can cause your tattoo to become overly dry. Using contaminated ink, needles or wrong aftercare can cause allergic reactions. Consult with a doctor If you notice:

Because these are the possible signs of an allergic reaction you might have.

6. Rubbing the tattoo with a cloth

When you are washing the healing tattoo you should use your fingers to gently rub the tattooed area. Using a washcloth to rub the tattooed area abrasively can cause irritation and loss of natural skin oil. As a result, you will be left with a dry tattoo. So, avoid rubbing the tattooed area with a cloth and avoid wearing tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause fabric friction and cause dryness.

7. Not applying moisturize

Moisture is crucial for a healing tattoo. Some people may not face issues if they don’t use moisturizer. But we all have different skin types.

So, even if your buddy didn’t use moisturizer and his tattoo healed fine your tattoo may get overly dry if you do not use moisturizer. Because healing tattoo tends to become dry because of scabs. It is crucial to keep the area mildly moist by applying moisturizer.

A thin layer of moisturizer is good enough, applying too much of it can also cause issues. But if you are trying out a dry healing method after consulting with your tattoo, then no need to apply lotions.

8. Too much moisturizer

Not applying moisturizer can cause overly dry tattoos but too applying too much moisturizer can have the same effect. How so?

When you apply too much moisturizer it can create a layer over your healing tattoo and prevent any moisture from reaching your healing tattoo. Hence your tattoo may get dry even though you are applying moisturizer.

9. Dehydration

If do not drink plenty of water then you may face dehydration which would lead your tattoo to become dry. You have to remember your tattoo is a part of your skin. If your skin becomes dry due to dehydration, so will your tattoo.

10. Too many thick scabs

Scabs cause dry tattoos. So you can expect mild scabbing and dryness while your tattoo is healing. An excessive amount of thick scabs can cause overly dry tattoos and itchiness.

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9 Risks of Tattoo Becoming Too Dry

Dry tattoos can cause many issues for your precious tattoo. To understand the danger of an overly dry tattoo.

I have listed the possible risks that comes with a dry tattoo below:

• Delayed healing: When our tattoo is healing we all want the healing phase to be over as soon as possible. Because the healing phase is boring and annoying. Delayed healing can lead to many issues regarding your tattoo. And a dry tattoo can cause your tattoo to heal slowly and as a result, you will get a delayed healing phase.
• Excessive scabbing: Scabbing is a natural process of healing tattoos. But When you get excessive scabbing it can lead to multiple complex issues. You may lose your patent and end up scratching or picking on the scabs which may ruin your precious tattoo. There can be many reasons behind excessive scabbing and one of the commons reason is dry tattoos. If you don’t hydrate or keep the tattooed area moist it will become overly dry and cause excessive scabs to form.
• Excessive itching: Mild itchiness is normal for any sort of wound or bruise. So you may feel mild itchiness every now and then while your tattoo is healing. This mild itchiness can become excessive due to dry tattoo. A dry tattoo can cause excessive itching that may keep you annoyed all day long.
• Irritation: Nobody likes irritated skin. But dryness can cause irritation especially when it comes to dry tattooed skin. To avoid or minimize irritation make sure to fix your dry tattoo.
• Infection: A dry tattoo can lead to excessive scabbing and when the scabs fell off premature your tattoo will become more sensitive and prone to catch an infection.
• Cracked Tattoo: Tattoos getting cracked can be painful and distressful. One of the prime reasons for cracked tattoos is very dry tattooed skin. When the tattooed area becomes overly dry, even the slightest movement can stretch the skin and cause cracking. Getting a crack on a sensitive area like a healing tattoo can be a pain in the neck.
• Tattoo distortion: Tattoo distortion can easily happen during the healing phase especially if you have a dry tattoo issue. Because dry tattoo causes excessive scabbing, cracked tattoos, and infection which can all lead to your tattoo getting distorted. Getting your adorable tattoo distorted is never wanted, so avoid dry tattoos during the healing phase.
• Tattoo fading Or color loss: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of tattoo ink. Dry skin can cause the colors to appear dull and faded, diminishing the overall visual impact of the tattoo. Not to mention when excessive scabs occur due to dry skin, premature falling of these scabs can also cause tattoo fading or color loss.
• Uneven texture: Tattoos that heal in an overly dry manner may result in an uneven appearance and texture. The skin may become rough, bumpy, or raised, making the tattoo less aesthetically pleasing.

5 Things Not To Do When Tattoo Is Overly Dry

When you have an overly dry tattoo you may feel the urge to scratch or pick on the healing tattoo. But doing such things can ruin your tattoo.

I have mentioned a few thighs below that you should not do when your tattoo is overly dry:

1. Scratching: Dry skin in general cause the urge to scratch. When it comes to a healing tattoo the urge to scratch might get more. And if you have an overly dry tattoo then you may feel like scratching the tattoo is the last thing you want to do. But scratching a healing tattoo can potentially distort the tattoo. So avoid scratching and to ease the urge you can apply moisturizer or healing ointment on the overly dry tattoo.
2. Picking: Too much dryness can cause excessive scabbing. When lots of dry scabs appear on the skin, who would not want to pick on them? But be aware, picking of scabs can cause them to fall off prematurely which can cause tattoo fading and infection.
3. Do not over-moisturize: Lack of moisture can be a prime reason behind your overly dry tattoo. But don’t go over-moisturizing the tattoo to get rid of the dryness. AS over-moisturization can lead to infection, color loss of your tattoo, delayed healing, etc.
4. Avoid direct Sunlight: Exposing your dry tattoo to direct sunlight will not only worsen the dryness but also cause tattoo fading and sunburn. Use clothing to cover the tattoo when you go out in the sun or use a tattoo bandage.
5. Avoid submerging in water: Dried, whitish, tight tattooed skin, wouldn’t it feel good to submerge it in water and let it hydrate? Submerging a healing tattoo or dry tattoo into water is a big no. Submerging dry tattoos may cause the scabs to fall off prematurely and fade the tattoo and it can also cause delayed healing and infection.

10 Ways To Fix Dry Tattoos

There are many ways to fix a dry tattoo. Follow the steps I have provided below:

1. Take proper aftercare: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a proper aftercare routine to keep a tattoo healthy.
2. Moisturizing regularly: You should moisturize your tattoo regularly. Keeping the tattoo mildly moist can fasten the healing and keep it away from becoming overly dry. So make sure to choose a moisturizer that does not contain harmful chemicals or fragrances. As they can harm your fresh ink. Apply the moisturizer once or twice a day. It can prevent tattoo cracking and help during tattoo peeling as well. Keeping the skin moist can speed up the healing of skin cells which will fasten the whole healing process.
3. Avoid over washing: Washing a newly done tattoo is crucial but overwash can do more harm than good. Overwash can fade the healing ink, make it dry along with causing tattoo cracking. So make sure to wash your tattoo twice or thrice a day at most. After washing make sure to use a paper towel to soak the area dry.
4. Protect from excessive Sun exposure: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the tattooed skin to dry out and fade prematurely. Protect your tattoo by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF when you’re going outside. Additionally, consider wearing clothing that covers the tattooed area if sun exposure is unavoidable.
5. Use gentle soap to wash the tattoo: Use soap that is gentle on the skin and does not contain any harmful chemicals or fragrances. Soap that contains fragrance will have abrasive chemicals that may end up burning, drying, or causing irritation on the healing tattoo.
6. Avoid excessive moisture exposure: While it’s crucial to keep your tattoo moisturized, excessive exposure to water (such as prolonged showers or swimming) can lead to drying. Protect your tattoo from direct water contact during the healing phase.
7. Protect from environmental factors: Too hot or too cold weather can cause dry tattoos. So make sure to cover your tattoo and maintain body temperature on the tattooed area as much as possible to reduce dryness due to environmental factors.
8. Stay hydrated: Keeping the tattoos moist by applying moisturizer on the surface is not enough, you need to keep the skin hydrated from the inside as well. So make sure to drink plenty of fluid daily. Staying hydrated will not only reduce the dryness of your tattoo but also keep the tattoo vibrant.
9. Avoid over-moisturizing: While moisturizing is essential, it’s important not to overdo it. Applying too much lotion can clog the pores and interfere with the healing process. Follow the instructions provided by your tattoo artist or consult with a dermatologist for guidance on how often to moisturize your tattoo.
10. Consult with your doctor: If you are following the above steps, yet the dryness is not going away, then I advise you to consult with your doctor. Because there might be an underlying cause behind your tattoo staying dry even after taking proper care.

When Dryness of a Tattoo Calls or Attention?

Now that you know what the natural dryness of a tattoo is, let us break down the traits of a dry tattoo that call for attention.

A few traits that you should not ignore and do your best to fix the dryness are:

• Excessive scabies due to dryness
• Excessive itching due to dryness
• Swelling due to dryness
• Irritation due to dryness
• Redness due to dryness

When the dryness of your tattoo creates the above-mentioned issues then there is a high chance you facing an overly dry tattoo. If you can fix the dryness by applying appropriate methods or an aftercare routine then great!

But, if the dryness remains it could mean you have caught a tattoo infection. I highly recommend you visit a doctor to treat an infected tattoo instead f randomly buying and applying a tattoo healing ointment.

FAQs

Why is my tattoo dry and wrinkled?

A wrinkled tattoo means your tattoo did not go through the natural scabbing phase hence the wrinkles. The tattoo is drying or already dried out but because of lack of moisture and hydration and is facing difficulty to heal.

Why is my tattoo so dry after a week?

Tattoos staying dry or drying after a week is a natural process. The dryness will go away on its own when the tattoo is healed. But make sure the tattoo is not overly dry.

What can I do to reduce the dryness of my tattoo?

The dryness of your tattoo is a natural part of the healing process, but you can take steps to reduce the discomfort. First and foremost, avoid scratching or picking at the dry skin, as it can disrupt the healing and potentially damage your tattoo. Instead, gently moisturize the tattooed area with a tattoo-specific lotion or ointment recommended by your tattoo artist. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer twice a day. However, be careful not to over-moisturize, as excessive moisture can hinder the healing process.

My tattoo is excessively dry and itchy. Is that normal?

Mild itching can be a normal part of the healing process. But, if the dryness is causing other issues such as intense itching, excessive flaking, or prolonged redness, it might be a sign of an allergic reaction, infection, or other complications. If you face such a situation, it’s best to consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They can provide guidance, assess the situation, and recommend any necessary treatment to ensure your tattoo heals properly.

Finial Thoughts

Dryness during the healing or scabbing phase is natural. But if you feel excessive itchiness, irritation, scabbing, swelling, and redness then you probably have overly dry skin. Overly dry skin can lead to tattoo cracking, tattoo distortion, and delayed healing.

To fix overly dry skin make sure to follow proper aftercare instructions, use a gentle tattoo-specific moisturizer and soap. Yes, the dryness is most probably caused by lack of moisture but don’t go overboard and drown it in moisturizer either – moderation is key, my friend.

Some people may go for the tattoo dry healing method but it is not for everyone. If you get a tattoo infection on top of your tattoo being dry then visit a doctor. Infection should be treated by health care professionals only.

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