Tattoo care and working out

[Epic Ed]

Got my first ink done last week. I'm almost out of the woods now as far as recovery goes, but I figured I'd post up anyways. I was told to avoid sweating and getting it wet, which pretty much precludes spending any time in the gym. I took one day off and I've been back just doing some low output lifting since last Wednesday. I couldn't just completely stay away.

I talked to a couple of guys at the gym whyo both have tats and one guy said he takes the entire time off any time he gets a tat. Another guy said he still lifts but tries hard to not do anything to saturate it with sweat or make the scabs tear.

So -- what are your thoughts? What do you do after getting a tat to ensure it heals right? Do you completely take the time off or do you continue with your routine with some modification?

 

[RJ]

make the scabs tear.

i heal pretty fast, but this is the only thing i avoid.

 

[TonySuicideKing]

You can work out with fresh tattoo's, just got to keep them lubricated. The only reason they will or should tear is because there getting dried out/scabbing. Days you go working out, (pick up a bottle of petroleum jelly) It will keep it nice and soft, and shouldnt get bothered. Some tearing is inevitable.

Sweeting into it is ok as well. Nothing will effect that, but if you are worried, just slop the petroleum on it, and loosely tape a paper towl over it.

Alot of the people I tattoo or even myself do this. It does wonders

 

[Epic Ed]

Huh -- I was told vaseline is a no-no. You use it? For tattoo healing, I mean. We know you use it for other stuff.

 

[TonySuicideKing]

yes you can use it. Ive noticed it actually helps heal the spot faster.

 

[mindovermatter]

I have heard many different thoughts on this...Not saying mine is right, because what works for one does not work for all. I too heard that vaseline is a no-no also. I have my left/right arm done and a full back piece. I just lube them up with lubriderm hand lotion and I hit the gym hard the day after and I have never had a problem. The key is keeping them wet.

 

[TonySuicideKing]

ive been having all my people i tattoo use vasaline or petroleum jelly. but the key is not to drench them. its just using it enough to keep them moisturized... but as well everyone has there own thing. Alot of people say dont use it, because they will tend to just drench it on. Leaving it so the tattoo cant heal properly, and over moisturizing it and then tending to peel off. Just need to learn how to do it properly is all.