You just got a new tattoo and you’re excited to show it off. But when you take a closer look, you realize that your tattoo is shiny. What’s going on? Is your tattoo infected? Don’t worry – this is a common problem with tattoos and it’s usually nothing to worry about.
Yes, your new tattoo will undoubtedly be glossy. This is a typical stage in the healing process, although it is quite usual. The color of your tattoo will be more vivid at this time.
Your skin is regenerating as you heal. Therefore, the fresh new skin that you’re seeing now is old skin restored.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of shiny tattoos and how to fix the problem.
Your New Tattoo Is Shiny: Is This Normal?
1) What Happens To Your Skin
When you get a tattoo, the needle punctures your skin and deposits ink into the second layer of your skin called the dermis. The injury triggers your body’s natural healing response, which causes inflammation and encourages the production of new cells. The new cells push out the old ones and as they do, they carry with them some of the ink from your tattoo. This is why tattoos fade over time.
The inflammatory response also causes your blood vessels to dilate in order to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the area so that it can heal properly. This increased blood flow can make your tattoo appear shiny for the first few days after you get it.
The surface layer that you’re seeing is actually a new layer of skin growing beneath all the scabbing. After this, your skin will exhibit a lovely layer with the tattoo, which will be visible in about two weeks.
When you discover your epidermis is shiny, keep in mind that you’re still in the healing process. It’ll take a few more weeks for your skin to return to normal. Your skin will have a matte finish as a result of this and naturally begin exfoliating again when it’s done.
2) What To Do When Your Tattoo Becomes Shiny
New tattoos are supposed to be shiny. This is because the ink is still settling into the skin. The top layer of skin will eventually flake off, and the tattoo will become duller over time. However, if your tattoo becomes shiny before this happens, it could be a sign of an infection.
If you notice that your tattoo is starting to become shiny, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Infections can cause serious health problems, and they can even lead to death in some cases. If you think you might have an infection, it’s better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor as soon as possible.
3) After The Healing Process is Complete
Once your tattoo has healed, it will go through a few different stages. The first stage is when it’s shiny and new. This is caused by the healing process and is perfectly normal. Your tattoo will eventually lose its shine and become duller in color. This doesn’t mean that your tattoo is fading, it’s just part of the natural healing process.
If you’re concerned about your tattoo losing its shine, talk to your artist or doctor. They’ll be able to tell you if everything is progressing normally or not. In most cases, there’s no need to worry, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
How Long Will The Tattoo Be Shiny?
Typically, it takes approximately 2 to 8 weeks for the shine to fade away as a result of the healing process.
The length of time and recovery may differ from person to person [2].
Irritation, dryness, and cracks are just a few of the symptoms you may encounter. As a result, you’ll need to be even more attentive to your tattoo and the skin as a whole to ensure that the healing is done correctly.
The tattoo fades as soon as the shiny skin sets. You should not be concerned about this; healing times for some individuals may take weeks, which is normal. It may take months for a person’s tattoo to seem completely normal to others, though.
What Happens To The Skin When You Do A Tattoo?
When you get a tattoo, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibers, which give your skin its ability to stretch and bounce back. The ink particles are too big to be absorbed by these fibers, so they remain in the dermis permanently.
Once the epidermis has healed, it will continue to shed dead skin cells at the same rate as before. This means that your tattoo will slowly become less and less visible over time.
Tips To Take Care Of When The Tattoo Gets Shiny:
- Avoid using soap on the tattoo for the first few days;
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser;
- Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion;
- Gently pat the tattoo dry;
- Avoid scrubbing the tattoo;
- Do not pick at the tattoo or peel off any scabs;
If you notice your tattoo is shiny and feels tight, it’s probably due to dehydration. The best way to combat this is by drinking plenty of water and keeping your skin hydrated. If your tattoo continues to be shiny after a week or two, consult your dermatologist or tattoo artist.
FAQ
Why is my newly colored skin shiny?
The first thing you need to know is that shiny skin is totally normal! When your skin heals, it will often go through this phase where it’s slightly raised and super glossy.
There are a few reasons why your tattoo might be extra shiny [3]:
- You’ve been scratching or picking at it;
- You’ve been using too much lotion or ointment;
- Your artist used too much water when they were working on you;
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t worry! Just give your tattoo some time to heal and it should return to normal.
Why does my tattoo look waxy?
If you’ve ever noticed your tattoo looking shiny or waxy, it’s likely due to one of two things: either the healing process or an allergic reaction.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
During the healing process, it’s not uncommon for tattoos to appear shiny. This is because the skin is healing and creating a barrier over the tattoo. The best thing you can do during this time is to keep the area clean and moisturized. Once the tattoo has healed, the shine will go away.
Do tattoos get brighter as they heal?
Tattoos will fade with time, although this isn’t always the case. Following your tattoo artist’s instructions for aftercare is essential, but keep in mind that overexposure to sunlight, allergies, or a weakening skin elasticity might cause a tattoo to lose its quality.
Tattoos can get brighter as they heal for a number of reasons:
- One reason might be that the top layer of skin is healing and the bottom layer is still open. When the top layer of skin starts to heal, it will push out the ink from the bottom layer and make the tattoo appear brighter;
- Another reason might be that when tattoos are first done, they will go through an inflammatory phase where the body’s natural response is to try and push the foreign object (the tattoo) out. This causes swelling and redness, which can make a tattoo appear brighter. Once the inflammation goes down, the tattoo will start to fade and become less bright;
Why do tattoos look dull when healing?
Your skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells. This process is called exfoliation, and it’s what helps keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. When you have a new tattoo, the top layer of skin is still intact, so the tattoo looks nice and sharp. But as your skin starts to shed, the tattoo can start to look dull.
A few things you can do to help preserve the sharpness of your tattoo during the healing process:
- Avoid picking at or scratching your tattoo. This will only make it worse;
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry. Gently wash it with soap and water when needed, but don’t scrub too hard. And make sure to apply a thin layer of lotion to keep it moisturized;
- Stay out of the sun. Too much exposure to UV rays can fade your tattoo;
What is a tattoo blowout?
A tattoo blowout is when your tattoo artist applies too much pressure while inking your skin, resulting in the ink being pushed beyond the intended area of your tattoo [4].
This can cause your tattoo to have blurry lines, and the colors may appear faded or “washed out”.
In some cases, tattoo blowouts can be corrected with additional tattoos; however, this is not always possible or necessary.
Why do black tattoos look gray?
If you’ve ever gotten a black tattoo, you know that they can sometimes look more like a dark gray than a true black. This is because the ink used in black tattoos is not actually solid black.
Rather, it’s made of various shades of gray that are combined to create the appearance of a true black.
When light hits this kind of tattoo, it can cause the different shades of gray to become more visible, resulting in a tattoo that looks shiny or even slightly purple.
What happens if you over-moisturize a tattoo?
If you over-moisturize a tattoo, it can become shiny. This is because the top layer of skin is constantly hydrated and plumped up by the moisturizer, which makes it look shiny. If you’re using an ointment or cream that contains petroleum jelly, this can also make your tattoo appear shiny.
While there’s nothing wrong with using products like these on your tattoo, just be sure to use them sparingly so that your tattoo doesn’t become too shiny [5].
What color tattoo lasts the longest?
The black and gray colors have the longest tattoo lifespans. These dark tints are solid and strong, making them less likely to fade over time. Colors such as pink, yellow, light blue, and green that are bright and vivid tend to fade quicker [6].
Does Vaseline protect tattoos from water?
Vaseline is a petroleum jelly product that can create a barrier on the skin. This barrier can help to protect the tattooed area from water and other external irritants.
However, it’s important to note that Vaseline is not waterproof and will need to be reapplied frequently if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the water.
In addition, Vaseline can cause the tattooed area to heal more slowly due to its occlusive nature. So if you’re looking for a quick fix, this may not be the best option.
Does coconut oil fade tattoos?
Coconut oil won’t damage or fade your tattoo in any way. In fact, it will make your skin look fantastic! Nonetheless, coconut oil alone will not prevent your tattoo from fading [7].
How do I take care of my tattoo the first night?
You should avoid getting your tattoo wet for the first 24 hours. This means keeping it dry when you shower and avoiding pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. Gently clean the tattooed area twice a day with fragrance-free soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to keep the tattoo moisturized. Do not put any other ointments or creams on your tattoo unless directed by your artist or doctor.
Useful Video: TATTOO HEALING PROCESS
References:
- https://authoritytattoo.com/new-tattoo-looks-shiny/
- https://www.tattoothrive.com/how-long-will-tattoo-be-shiny/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/tattoo/comments/3d9zel/why_is_my_newly_colored_skin_shiny/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/body-modification/tattoo-blowout
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/over-moisturizing-tattoo
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/tattoo-colors
- https://www.tattoomoisturiser.co.uk/does-coconut-oil-fade-tattoos/