Cameron Pohl is a professional tattoo artist whose work was featured on Season 12 of Ink Master. In the following article, Cam Pohl explains a few simple ways to avoid tattoo scaring.
People get tattoos for any number of reasons: to commemorate a loved one, to pay homage to a favorite character, or just to beautify their bodies and express themselves. While it is exciting to take the leap and get a new tattoo, there are some risks, most notably, scarring.
Cameron Pohl explains that tattoo scarring is when the skin heals poorly post-tattoo. Tattooing ultimately creates a scab on the skin but with proper care, it should heal correctly; however, in some instances the tattoo will not have a smooth finish, resulting in raised skin called keloids.
Hands Off!
Cam Pohl says that many tattoo scars are due to people picking, touching, or scratching their tattoos during the healing process. As the ink heals, it can feel tight and itchy, which makes it hard to leave the tattoo alone. It is necessary though, as touching the healing sight can cause unsightly scarring and ink removal.
Cam Pohl says a good way to avoid touching the sight is to keep the hands busy. Another trick to try is to apply some moisturizing lotion often. Some find that applying a healing bandage will prevent picking at scabbing and accidentally scratching the area.
Follow Proper Aftercare Procedures
Not picking, touching, or scratching a new tattoo is one of the most important parts of the aftercare procedure but there is more to it that is vital to proper healing.
• Keep the Tattoo Clean and Dry
Cameron Pohl says that it is very important to keep a new tattoo clean and dry so it does not attract bacteria and germs, both of which can cause messy scarring. Follow the proper after care techniques providing by the tattoo parlor. When it is time to clean the area, use unscented soap and gently wipe off any blood or loose scabs. Do not pick or force any scabs off. Make sure to also not use any washcloths or sponges.
• Use Moisturizer and SPF
After cleaning a new tattoo, Cam Pohl recommends to always apply moisturizer. Use something that is unscented and will not be heavy as this can prevent the tattoo from getting the air it needs. Aquaphor is a common recommendation by many professionals. Also, avoid exposing the tattoo to the sun as this can damage the colors. Once the tattoo has healed, it is important to use SPF on it to maintain the color and detail.
• Read Reviews
Cam Pohl says that another reason for tattoo scarring is that the artist went too deep into the dermis of the skin, or they ran their machine at too high of a speed. The skin is the largest organ in the human body so when it’s handled roughly, there are more likely to be scars.
One of the easiest ways to avoid this is to read reviews and do research on a specific artist or parlor. Are people saying that the artist has always done good work? Also, check for certifications. Cameron Pohl says that each state will have certain paperwork to tattoo within the state, but every artist should have some kind of proof or certification that they have been approved to do so.
Know Your Body
The last way to avoid scarring after a tattoo is to know your own body. A lot of scarring occurs by allergic reactions to the ink or the materials within needle, or they have sensitive skin, such as eczema.
• Allergies
Tattoo ink is considered safe by the FDA because it is labeled a cosmetic, but that does not mean some people won’t have adverse effects to the ink. There is no specific test to determine if someone will be allergic, but it is good practice to ask the artist what brand of ink they use, or if they know of, or were alerted to any allergens in the product.
Cameron Pohl explains that tattoo needles can also be made of materials that people are allergic to, so similar to the inks, it never hurts to ask the artist about the products they use. An ink or metal allergy can cause itchiness or swelling, which can cause issues with proper healing.
• Sensitive Skin
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can become aggravated when tattooing an affected area, so if an individual struggles with a chronic skin condition, it might be better to pass on the ink session. Skin, especially sensitive skin, could react to a new tattoo poorly, giving way to some unpleasant reactions.
