How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

The proper aftercare routine will help your skin heal, work to prevent infection, and will maximize vibrancy and longevity of your new tattoo.

Healing aftercare starts the minute the tattoo is finished

You should research the tattoo artist and parlor prior to getting a tattoo and get a sense of their professionalism and reputability. Hopefully you will receive aftercare instructions at the time of your inking, but if not, here you go.

Tattoo Healing Process

Each individual's skin is going to heal at a slightly different rate, so please consider the timelines we are sharing to be flexible. For example, if there is still a good amount of scabs on Day 15, don't worry. If you hit day 45, that might be a problem.

Pre-Tattoo Prep

So you're finally making the big gesture and getting that heart tattoo that says, "Mom". We applaud you for it.

Jokes aside, in the week(s) prior to your arrival at the tattoo parlor/studio of your choice, you should focus on staying hydrated, staying out of the sun, and staying out of trouble. By trouble, we mean don't get bruised or acquire any open cuts or wounds in the area that your future tattoo will leave. That will just postpone your new ink acquisition.

Also, no tanning beds. Same goes from commercial tanning products.

The First 1-2 Days (24-48 hours)

After getting your new tattoo, leave the original bandage in place for 2-4 hours to protect the fresh wound. Once it's time to remove the bandage, thoroughly wash your hands first to ensure you're not introducing any bacteria to the area. Then, gently cleanse the tattoo using lukewarm water (distilled if necessary) and an unscented, true soap. We recommend a good Castile Soap.

Be careful not to scrub or irritate the skin. That's not only a rookie mistake, it can be painful. When you're done washing, pat (or air dry) the area dry with a paper towel. Don't rub the freshly inked up body part, as this can damage the healing tattoo.

You want to be deliberate and careful, so take your time with cleaning the surface of your skin. There's undoubtedly going to be a jumble of blood, ink, plasma and other tissue, and you want none of that remaining on your now-tattooed skin. If all of that forms a layer of hardened crust, removing it will be like sending a bulldozer to a pristine baseball field: disastrous.

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The First 1-2 Weeks

Maintain a consistent cleaning routine, washing your tattoo 2-3 times daily, once again using unscented soap and lukewarm water. For the first 3-5 days, apply a very thin layer of ointment (example: Aquaphor). You should absolutely resist the urge to pick or scratch at scabs that form. Also, keep your tattoo protected from sun exposure, and don't submerge your tattoo in water. For all you Michael Phelps types, that means no swimming, baths, or hot tubs.

We mean it, no hot tubs!

Additionally, wear loose, clean clothing over the tattooed area to prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe properly. To do so is to do yourself a favor.

Day 15 and Beyond

Weeks 3 and 4 are considered to be among the last stages of the healing process. Scabs and flakes are on their way out, provided you didn't go on the attack. There is potential for some dead skin to remain, but worry not, it will soon be gone.

You should definitely continue the moisturizing process.

A tattoo artist cleaning a recently finished tattoo

Post Tattoo Healing Tips

Remember, you're in it for life with the tattoo, so you're in it for life with the aftercare.

Hydration

For how long you ask? For the rest of your life. We're not dermatologists, but we do know that properly hydrated bodies result in properly hydrated and nourished epithelial layers.

If you enjoy a libation or two on the regular, you may want to hold off. Despite the pain reduction of a Painkiller (see what we did there?) or other alcoholic beverage for the ache you may feel from your new tattoo, consuming alcohol will dry out your body and make your skin more susceptible to damage.

Skin Protection & Sunscreen

Unless you plan on remaining housebound for a few weeks after getting inked, or, you live in Alaska and it's Wintertime, you're going to expose yourself to direct sunlight. To prevent further damage, make sure that you are wearing loose-fitting clothes (body part dependent).

We also recommend applying sunscreen, but only after the primary healing process is complete. This is for your long-term benefit. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you select a brand that is copacetic and will not cause any adverse effects.

Possible Adverse Effects & Complications

Post etching, your skin is going to go through some changes. In many ways the process will be no different than the one you've endured throughout your life getting cuts, scrapes and other flesh wounds. However, because you've introduced a foreign agent to your skin (ink), you should be on the lookout for any of the follwing.

Warning Signs

Hot, inflamed skin that continues to swell or worsen after 2-3 days
Foul-smelling discharge or pus (especially if yellow or green)
Spreading redness that extends beyond the tattoo area
Fever or chills, which could indicate systemic infection
Hard, raised tissue developing around the tattoo
Severe pain that increases rather than decreases
Allergic reactions to aftercare products

It is a good idea to document any adverse effects so that you can track the progression of problems. While your tattoo artist will have some insight into what you're up against, the tracking of changes (including any photos) will be more important to the doctors and nurses that treat you, should you require medical attention.

Regular itchy skin isn't necessarily cause for alarm.

A tattoo artist patting an arm tattoo with a clean paper towel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does aftercare begin?

Tattoo aftercare begins the minute the Tattooer puts down the Tattoo Machine and asks you to pay the bill.

What are the best Tattoo Aftercare products?

So you're in the market for tattoo balms and salves (good name for an apothecary). The post ink recovery product market is filled with them, from ointments to UV-blocking sunscreens to tattoo numbing sprays. The choice is yours, but leave options with extraneous dyes on the shelf.

A&D Ointment (Vitamin A + D)
Aloe Vera (long-term care, not first few weeks)
Aquaphor
Cocoa Butter
Hustle Butter
Saniderm

The location of your tattoo will also affect aftercare product choice. A tattoo on your face will force you take a vacation from your favorite facial cleanser.

Is A&D Ointment good, does it make tattoos fade?

A&D ointment contains a combination of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. It helps protect the skin by keeping it moisturized and soft. A&D does this because it contains emollient ingredients such as petroleum jelly, shea butter, and other mineral oils.

On the subject of petroleum jelly, please do not use 100% petroleum-based products and brands such as Vaseline in the first few weeks of aftercare.

How many times a day should I wash my tattoo?

Typically, you want to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day during the first week. Morning and night are good times for it. If you get particularly sweaty or dirty during the day, give it an extra gentle clean, just don't overdo it.

At the start, no washcloths, loofahs, or anything abrasive. Pat it dry before adding ointment.

Saniderm recommends that you not wash everyday if you are using their products.

How many times a day should I moisturize my tattoo?

Once or twice should be sufficient. Following up your wash or a shower, once you're able to, is the easiest way to get your moisturizing routine in. Just don't shower until you lose hot water, that's too much.

Take the time to find a tattoo-safe moisturizing lotion.

Can I shower after getting a tattoo?

Yes, but avoid getting the area wet when the tattoo is fresh. No one expects you to go days and weeks without seeing a bar of soap and some warm water. Also, use a clean towel each time.

If you have a Saniderm bandage or other type of plastic wrap, you may need to ait 24-48 hours before showering.

As for spending time in the bathtub, remember that soaking the fresh ink will fade it.

What is a good sunscreen SPF for Tattoos?

An SPF of 30 or 40 is a good starting point for help protect your tattoo. Aim for Tattoo-Approved broad spectrum mineral sunscreens that are non-tinted. Gentle and sensitive are product labels to look for.

As for ingredients, Zinc Oxide is the right choice, probably around the 20% mark as an active ingredient. A Zinc Oxide lotion or stick (your choice depending on comfort) should help shield your brand from UVA and UVB rays.

Should you put sunscreen on a new Tattoo?

No, you should not apply sunscreen, lotion or stick, to a freshly inked tattoo. Adding foreign chemicals to an open wound is a direct pathway to infection, to say nothing about the potential ruinous effects that it may have on your artwork.

It's true, sunscreen does protect the quality of your tattoo in the long run, you should really wait the 4-8 weeks before applying your favorite sport mineral sunblock.

While we are on the topic, ingredients to avoid when selecting the best sunblock for your new tat include Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. These two harsh chemicals are banned in a variety of states in America as they get absorbed by your skin in larger volumes than deemed appropriate by the FDA.

How long should I keep my tattoo covered?

Keep your fresh ink covered for at least 2-4 hours after leaving the shop. If you used a second skin-type covering like Saniderm or Tegaderm, you'll want to keep that on for about 3-5 days. The first covering put on in the shop is just to protect it during the initial healing phase when it's weeping plasma and ink.

After that initial cover period, your tattoo needs to breathe to heal properly and you'll need to keep it clean and moisturized. If you're using Saniderm and notice any fluid buildup under the bandage, or if it starts peeling off at the edges, it's time to remove it.

Does age affect tattoo care?

In so far as to say that the average healing rate of humans changes by age, yes, age does affect the tattoo aftercare process. The recovery time of being inked as a teenager is less than the recovery time in your 70s. We got to imagine that the skin of those Navy midshipmen who get an anchor tattoo fresh after enlisting at 18 bounces right back.

If you're under 18, first, get parental consent. Only a handful of states allow teenage tattoos. Second, your skin, and thus body, are still growing, which can alter the future appearance of your tat.

Do I need to use antibacterial soap?

Need to use antibacterial soap? No. May want to? Sure.

Tattoo Aftercare Tips for Eczema

Be upfront with your artist if you have ezcema, as some parlors have specialized inks that work better for sensitive skin. You should also acquire some Neosporin, Hydrocortisone cream, and even an Oatmeal bath prior to your appointment.

Concluding Remarks & Key Takeaways

Proper aftercare means everything to a fresh tattoo, from ensuring adequate healing time, to using the best products available during the recovery phase. The risk of infection is too great to leave up to chance. Here are some tips to take home with you.

Things to Remember

Hand Washing. Always make sure that your hands are washed thorough prior to applying ointments, salves, or otherwise. The prevention of infection and bacteria entering the bloodstream is of utmost importance.
Room Temp to Lukewarm Water. We recommend not using extreme temperatures, cold or hot, when cleansing the tattoo. Staying just above room temp in that lukewarm range will serve you and your body art well.
Check Product Attributes and Labels. Alcohol-free. Fragrance-free. Gentle. Mild. The baby aisle at your local market might just be your best friend.
Don't. Wear tight clothing, pick, poke, and prod at scaps, or use harsh detergents.
Do. Protect that tattoo for years to come.