Tattoos are a popular form of body art, and for many people, they are a way to express themselves. However, sometimes tattoos can become wrinkled or distorted over time.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, including weight gain or loss, pregnancy, aging, and even sun exposure.
If you’re wondering why your tattoo is wrinkled, there are a few things to consider:
- First, keep in mind that tattoos are made by injecting ink into the skin;
- As the skin ages, it can lose elasticity and collagen, which can cause the tattoo to appear wrinkled;
- Additionally, if you experience substantial weight gain or loss, this can also affect the appearance of your tattoo;
In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of tattoo wrinkles and discuss ways to prevent them.
Reasons My Tattoo Looks Wrinkly
The Healing Process
After you get a tattoo, your skin goes through a natural healing process. This can cause the tattoo to look wrinkled or puffy.
In most cases, the wrinkles will go away once the healing process is complete.
However, if you have a large tattoo, it may take longer for the wrinkles to disappear. In some cases, they may never completely go away.
Talk to your artist if you’re concerned about how your tattoo is healing. They can give you advice on what to do next.
Hydration Problems
If you’re not properly hydrated, your skin will be more likely to dry out and wrinkle.
Wrinkles can also be caused by sleeping on your stomach or side. This puts pressure on the skin and causes it to wrinkle over time. Try sleeping on your back to avoid this problem.
Poor Nutrition
Wrinkly tattoos can also be a sign of poor nutrition. Be sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can contribute to inflammation and skin aging.
Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage stress levels to support optimal health and skin function.
Skin Type
Depending on the person’s skin type, the tattoo may heal faster or slower than others. In certain circumstances, the wrinkled and glossy appearance of the tattoo might persist longer. This will also be determined by where you get your tattoo.
If they’re done on areas that have been wrinkled or delicate, to begin with, such as the hands, feet, and so on, the skin may become wrinkled during the first three to four weeks.
Lack Of Care
If you don’t take proper care of your tattoo during the healing process, it’s more likely to develop wrinkles. Keep the area clean and moisturized, and avoid picking or scratching at the scabbing. If you experience any redness, swelling, or other unusual symptoms, consult a medical professional.
How To Treat A Wrinkled Tattoo?
If you have wrinkles around your tattoo, there are a few things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin [2]:
- Use a retinoid cream or serum to stimulate collagen production and help reduce wrinkles;
- Apply an anti-wrinkle cream that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin to plump up the skin and smooth outlines;
- Get regular facials and use a jade roller or gua sha tool to massage the area around your tattoo and improve circulation;
- Finally, make sure you’re protecting your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen every day;
With a little care, you can keep your tattoo looking sharp and prevent wrinkles from spoiling the design. Follow these tips and enjoy your beautiful ink for years to come.
How To Care For A Fresh Tattoo?
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. You need to treat it as such and take proper care of it to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and doesn’t get infected.
Here are a few things you need to do [3]:
- Keep the tattoo clean. Gently wash the tattooed area twice a day with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel;
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or lotion. Choose an ointment that doesn’t have petroleum jelly or other harsh chemicals as these can irritate the skin around the tattoo. Apply the ointment or lotion sparingly, just enough to keep the tattoo from drying out;
- Cover the tattoo with a clean, non-stick bandage. Change the bandage at least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty;
- Avoid sun exposure. Keep the tattoo out of the sun for at least the first two weeks after it’s done. After that, you can gradually start exposing it to short periods of sunlight, but be sure to apply sunscreen to protect the tattoo from fading;
- Don’t pick at the scabs. As your tattoo heals, it will form scabs. It’s important not to pick at them as this can cause the ink to bleed and may lead to infection;
- Watch for signs of infection. If you see any redness, swelling, or discharge, contact your doctor right away;
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your tattoo heals properly and stays looking great for years to come. So don’t neglect your tattoo aftercare – it’s just as important as the tattoo itself!
How To Prevent Wrinkled Skin With A Tattoo?
If you’re prone to wrinkling, there are a few things you can do to prevent your tattoo from looking like an old road map [4]:
- Stay out of the sun. Ultraviolet rays will break down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing it to thin and sag;
- Use a good-quality moisturizer every day to keep your skin hydrated. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help draw water into the skin;
- Don’t smoke cigarettes. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin fibers, making skin more likely to wrinkle;
- Take a bath with your new tattoo covered. You don’t want to submerge your tattoo in water at all. Take a shower only, keeping it out of the spray and avoiding hot tubs and swimming pools is advisable. Avoiding even a beach trip is suggested;
- Avoid heavy lotions. Petroleum jelly aids in the protection of your tattoo during the first application. To aid the healing process, try using a lighter moisturizer as you get into the middle phase of recovery;
- Loose clothing is recommended. Some tattoos can accumulate scabs, which may be filled with ink. They’re sticky and soft, so they tear away when you wear clothes over them. For the first month or two after receiving the tattoo, you’ll want to wear something light and loose;
- Sleep on your back. This is the best way to keep wrinkles from forming while you sleep, no matter what your skin type is. Using a silk pillowcase can also help reduce the risk of new wrinkles forming;
If you follow these tips, you should be able to prevent your tattoo from wrinkling. If you do notice some wrinkling, don’t panic! It’s usually not permanent and can be fixed with a few simple treatments.
FAQ
How long will my tattoo look wrinkly?
The greatest tattoo artists will advise you on what to do if you’re concerned about an area being affected, but the vast majority of tattoos will heal in 6-8 weeks. Fresh tattoos can appear wrinkled, glossy, or flaky; others may seem normal with little effects.
The most effective way to avoid a wrinkled appearance is to take good care of your skin. The first step in preventing wrinkling is keeping it clean and bacteria-free, which is followed by hydration and nutrition. When you’re healing from a tattoo, your artist should have given you a tattoo healing lotion to apply on the area twice a day or more, especially if it feels dry and flaky.
Scratching your tattoo is not recommended, no matter what you do. It will most likely feel dry, taut, and itchy, and the urge to scratch away at it as scabs form to heal the skin may be intense. If you do that, you risk severely damaging your brand-new tattoo while it heals. You may end up spoiling your tattoo or, even worse, causing an infection [5].
Should a new tattoo look wrinkled?
No, a new tattoo shouldn’t look wrinkled. If your tattoo looks wrinkled, it could be a sign that the artist didn’t apply the ink properly, or that the tattoo is healing improperly. If you’re concerned about your tattoo’s appearance, talk to your artist or doctor.
Is it normal that my new tattoo is all wrinkled up?
If you’ve just gotten a new tattoo, you might be wondering why it looks all wrinkled up. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal!
When a tattoo is first applied, the skin is stretched out tight. This can cause the tattoo ink to spread out and look blurry. As the skin heals and starts to repair itself, it will shrink back to its original size. This process can cause the tattoo to wrinkle up or become distorted.
Can tattoos cover up wrinkles?
If you’re considering getting a tattoo to cover up wrinkles, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- First, it’s important to choose a design that is the right size for the wrinkle;
- Second, the tattoo should be placed so that it doesn’t make the wrinkle look worse;
- And finally, make sure you find an experienced tattoo artist who can do the job correctly [6];
Useful Video: Dry Healing Your New Tattoo
References:
- https://beauty.onehowto.com/article/my-tattoo-looks-wrinkly-13125.html
- https://www.bangbangtattoo.com/why-does-my-tattoo-look-wrinkled/
- https://beauty.onehowto.com/article/my-tattoo-looks-wrinkly-13125.html
- https://uponbeauty.com/why-does-my-tattoo-look-wrinkly/
- https://luckydevilletattooco.com/wrinkly-tattoos-this-may-be-the-reason-why/
- https://inkartbykate.com/can-tattoos-cover-up-wrinkles-what-you-must-know/