Tattoo Aftercare Essential Tips for Proper Healing

You can wash your tattoo as often as three to four times daily with mild soap and water. Use a block of fragrance-free soap, and rinse well.

You can also clean the area with a unique tattoo cleanser. It's best to avoid using petroleum or oil products, as they can clog the skin and prevent it from breathing.

Wash Daily

After the tattoo is wrapped up, wash the skin daily with antibacterial soap that's fragrance-free and lukewarm water. Don't rub the tattoo, as it's likely to sting or get scratchy. Instead, gently dab the area with a clean paper towel. This will also help keep the new skin moist. While cleaning the tattoo, you may notice some blood or clear plasma on your hands and towels, but that's normal.

You might even see some scabs form on tattoos during the first few days. Don't pick at them, though, as they are necessary to protect the fresh new skin and allow it to heal.

Once the scabs have formed, wash the tattoo twice daily and apply whatever ointment your artist recommends. Some artists recommend antibacterial or ointment, while others favor lotions made with shea butter. Avoid foams, which are often alcohol-based and won't be as hydrating for the skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin is an important step to take. However, figuring out how much moisturizer your tattoo needs can be tricky. You don't want to over-moisturize, but you don't want to under-moisturize.

Over-moisturizing can cause scabs to form, pulling away from the ink and leaving it looking blotchy. It can also lead to itching, making you scratch your new tattoo. This can cause scarring or even a bacterial infection.

Avoid using ointments that contain petroleum jelly. It's also best to avoid oily lotions, as these can clog pores. Instead, try moisturizer, which helps restore lost moisture to the skin while it protects your tattoo and prevents dryness. It is fast-absorbing and formulated with a blend of shea, mango, aloe butter, and green tea extract. 

Avoid Scratching

Scratching a new tattoo can cause it to bleed, leading to an infection. It can also damage the design and cause the color to fade, so resist the urge to scratch. Instead, use a fragrance-free lotion or tattoo skin care ointment to keep the skin hydrated and soft.

Excessive skin-to-skin contact can spread bacteria and cause chaffing, so try to avoid touching the tattoo with your hands (especially if you have unwashed fingers). This can also irritate the delicate healing tissue. Instead, have a friend or family member apply your soothing gel for a few days to help keep the area protected.

Avoid working out while your tattoo is healing, as this can expose it to bacteria and cause chaffing, stretching, and tearing of the newly formed scabs. It can also cause a rash. If you must work out, wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the area to breathe.

Avoid Contact with Water

Once your tattoo is healed, you should avoid contact with water to keep it from becoming dry and damaged. This means no swimming, showering with a heavy stream of water (which can cause bacterial infection), and no baths until your new tattoo has completely healed.

Your artist will put a protective bandage over your tattoo before you leave the shop. This will help absorb blood, goop, anesthetic cream, and fresh ink and keep it clean from germs while it heals.

Once you remove the bandage, applying only a thin layer of ointment is essential. Too much can suffocate your tattoo and prevent it from breathing, which can delay healing. A sterile, unscented, petrolatum-based product is an excellent choice for tattoo aftercare. Alternatively, you can use a lotion with panthenol, an ingredient that helps soothe the itch and keep your tattoo healthy and vibrant. Lastly, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.