Winter Weather Tattoo Care

Wintertime is so special. It brings Holidays, family gatherings, the New Year, unique winter sports (skiing, sledding and skating), and for many of us with tattoos, DRY SKIN. Yes, the same dry, cold weather that provides so much fun can result in the misery of intractable itch that accompanies dehydrated, flaking skin. 

For some this is simply a nuisance, but for others it eventuates in true skin diseases such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. Skin dryness (or xerosis) can also contribute to worsening symptoms of other skin conditions like psoriasis. One common thread in all xerosis is skin barrier impairment, an interruption in the skin’s integrity that holds in moisture. So, one key is to hydrate the skin with a good moisturizer. This is especially important if the location of your dry skin symptoms coincides with the location of your tattoo. The itching and scratching can compromise the skin barrier and disperse and degrade the ink.

Dermatologists and Tattoo artists alike look for specific features in moisturizers:

• One that absorbs well and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy or sticky several minutes after application.
• Spreadability, providing easy and quick application for those of us who are always in a hurry.
• Ingredients that are effective for hydrating the skin (humectants) and/or help reduce inflammation. These might include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone and/or niacinamide.
• No irritation from preservatives or other ingredients. Dermatologists specifically avoid fragrances, parabens and a preservative called methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (in Kathon CG™).

Other recommendations include:

• Apply baby oil or mineral oil to your wet skin at the end of a shower prior to patting dry. This helps seal in moisture
• Apply any moisturizer to damp skin for the same reason. Re-apply moisturizer several times per day if possible.
• Avoid super-hot water in showers or baths. Heat dilates blood vessels and causes the skin to heat up and helps moisture evaporate.
• Keep the air in your home moist with a humidifier.

One newer tattoo specific product line that is designed for people with tattoos is Proteya. In addition to having the ingredients described above, the Proteya Tattoo products contain NiaZyme, an advanced protease technology with anti-inflammatory properties. With Proteya Tattoo Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Proteya Tattoo Daily Gentle Cleanser and Proteya Tattoo Recovery and Enhancement Lotion, the entire Proteya Tattoo product line can fulfill many of your family’s personal skin care needs.

All of the Proteya products are particularly good for any one with tattoos AND sensitive skin. In addition, the Proteya Tattoo Recovery and Enhancement Lotion contains myristyl nicotinate which has been proven to restore skin barrier function in photo damaged skin.