So you took the plunge: you’ve gotten your first tattoo! In order to keep that ink looking bright and beautiful and healing well, there are a few important tips you should know.

Your artist may bandage your tattoo, or may apply plastic to it to protect it immediately after the tattoo is done. If you’ve done your homework and chosen a reputable, licensed tattoo artist with a clean and professional shop, simply follow the aftercare instructions which should have been given to you at the time of your appointment. If you have any questions, remember to call your artist: they are usually very happy to help and want your tattoo to be the best it can be.

First of all, your tattoo will scab over soon after you get it. This is normal and expected. DON’T pick at the scabs! Wash your tattoo gently with mold soap and water, then massage in a moisturizing agent like Tattoo Goo or one of the many products on the market especially for this purpose.

Some loss of color is normal once the tattoo is fully healed (a process which takes between three and six weeks). At this point, you should have your first “touch up” appointment. A reputable artists does touch ups in the period after the tattoo - usually up to a year - for free or for very low cost; be wary of any artist who does not include free/cheap touch-ups as part of the aftercare of your tattoo (or who tries to push you to have it touched up before it’s healed).

Once it is healed, cover it with sunblock when you go out, if it’s on a part of your body exposed to the sun. This will help your tattoo to stay vibrant looking for years to come.

image: youthspark

tattoos

A virtual makeover is at your fingertips with beauty-related apps to guide you.

Winter weather is here, and with it comes the need for weatherproofing. You protect your house and car from the damaging effect of cold and wind, but what about your face? Cold weather demands some special effort to keep your skin from drying out due to those icy blasts.

The first thing to remember is that, even though the weather outside is cold, the sun is still shining, so keep wearing sun block. Your skin is still susceptible to damaging UV rays even in the winter time, so this is one part of your routine you want to make sure not to give up.

Second, protect the sensitive skin of your lips with a moisturizing lip balm with built-in UV blocker. Remember to apply it before heading outside, and to reapply as needed; lips exposed to cold, drying winds can begin to dry out very quickly, leading to painful chapping.

Make sure you’re diligently following a skin regimen that includes moisturizing the skin. It is very important to keep your skin supple and replenish the fluids lost during the day, so drink plenty of water, too.

Finally, cover up! Frostbite and frost nip can happen before you realize how cold it truly is, so always dress warmly and appropriately for the weather - this might include a warm scarf in addition to hat and gloves.

The weather outside is frightful, but your skin can still be delightful!

image: shape.com

lip balm, moisturizers