Tattoo aftercare information
Although a tattoo can be completed within a few hours it can take several weeks for it to heal, and that’s just on the surface. A tattoo can actually take up to 6 months+ to heal properly in the deeper layers of skin. So it’s extremely important to be very mindful whilst the area is still healing in order to avoid infection and to preserve as much saturation and detail as possible.
Some areas are harder to heal as effectively as others, this can be due to your day-to-day activities, tattoo exposure, different toughness’ of skin, area of tattoo etc. Even you’re clothing can end up aggravating and peeling off scabs.
Areas that are prone to fading are hands & fingers and places near constantly stretching/ folding skin such as elbows/ knees/ neck/ wrists. These areas are constantly in use or exposed to the elements.
The initial bandage
Once the tattoo is done, the artist will clean the area and apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment, cream or moisturiser over the entire tattooed area. They will then cover the area completely with plastic wrap/ bandage or other protective barrier.
As tempting as it can be to remove the protective cover to look at the tattoo, the protective barrier should stay on for at least a few hours after the process. The length of time will depend on the size and location of the tattoo.
This covering protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing.
The first wash
After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.
After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and Luke warm water using their fingers.
The moisturiser/ cream/ ointment on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance. This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process.
After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour. When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturiser/ cream/ ointment to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.
Week one
For the first couple of days, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and have a reddish appearance. The colours may also appear very bright against the rest of the skin. The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues.
A person should avoid leaving the tattoo in direct sunlight and submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it.
A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed. How often washing is necessary will vary depending on a person's activity levels and environment.
Someone who is sitting in an air-conditioned office all day may only need to wash the tattoo once a day. But someone who is working in a hot or dirty environment and sweating may need to wash the tattoo every few hours.
It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers only and not a reusable cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.
Scabs will often form in the first few days, and ink may still come up through the skin and need to be washed away. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin.
Any redness or mild swelling usually goes away near the end of the first week.
Week two
Around the beginning of the second week, the scabs will start to flake off. It is important to be especially gentle with washing and moisturising during this week, as it is easy to tear away scabs and damage the tattoo.
The skin is likely to feel very itchy during this week, but it must not be scratched. Additional moisturiser may help relieve the itch. Using a moisturiser that is kept in the refrigerator may also soothe itchy or irritated skin.
Week three and beyond
The final stage of healing can be slow but requires patience. Most of the larger scabs will have flaked and fallen away by now. Small scabs and bits of dead skin may appear, but these will also clear up as the healing process continues.
Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull. This is often referred to as “silver-skin”. Applying moisturizer, and protecting the tattoo from the sun, will help to heal the area.
The outer layers of skin should completely heal by the end of week three. The inner layers of skin can take longer to heal but require much less care.
The chance of infection is reduced once the outer layers of skin have healed, as there is no open wound for bacteria to infect.
Moisturising regularly in the months following the tattoo will help keep it looking bright and clear. Protecting the tattoo from the sun with clothing while it is healing, and applying sunscreen after it has healed, is especially important in the first few months.
Ink rejection or allergy
At any stage in the healing process, the body may reject an ink colour. If the body is allergic to an ink, a raised and painful rash may form on the skin.
Ink allergies may occur because tattoo ink colors contain many different substances. For example, the black ink contains carbon and the red ink contains mercury sulfide.
Anyone experiencing a rash on or around a tattoo should visit a doctor, who can identify and treat the rash. The person may also wish to contact their tattoo artist.
Lotions for tattoo aftercare
A&D ointment is a preferable choice for me personally. It has shown very good results for my clients and myself personally, it’s high fluidity makes it easy to apply without aggravating the scabbed area. There are also aftercare sprays available too which have had good reviews.
Ointments, creams and moisturisers are hard to recommend because of the varying list of ingredients in them, some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in creams & moisturiser so it is important to check before applying any. But tattoo specific creams are usually optimal for most people HOWEVER please check the ingredients before purchasing-red with a medical professional if you need to. For example some natural creams even contain sweet almond oil which may not be suitable for people with nut allergens.
Usually people use:
(please note these are not specific recommendations)
alcohol-free healing ointments, such as Eucerin or Curel
coconut oil
tattoo-specific cream, such as Tattoo Goo
pure cocoa butter or shea butter
It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin.
A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.
BASIC Tips on tattoo care
What to do
A person can take good care of their tattoo by:
Always using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturiser when caring for a tattoo, as harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even damage freshly tattooed skin.
Using a moisturiser that allows the skin to breathe, as clogged pores can cause an infection.
Making sure the area is completely dry before applying aftercare moisturiser, as trapping excess moisture under the skin can lead to irritation and heat rash.
Washing the tattoo regularly but gently, especially after dirty or sweaty activities.
Drinking plenty of water to help keep the skin moist and supple.
While healing, covering the tattoo with clothing or a bandage whenever it might be exposed to the sun.
What not to do
A person can also help the healing process by:
Avoiding soaps and moisturisers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area.
Not picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.
Not scratching the tattoo even if it becomes itchy.
Avoiding non-cosmetic grade petroleum moisturisers, which will clog the pores.
Not using sunscreen on the tattoo until it has fully healed.
Not swimming and bathing until the tattoo has healed.
When to see a doctor
Infection can occur if bacteria gains access to the wound.
If the skin is painful to touch or warm, or there is a rash, then it may be infected.
Tattoo care is simple once the process is understood, but there are still times when a doctor may be needed.
Infection is the most common reason to see a doctor after a tattoo. If a person does not care for it properly, a tattoo can become infected with bacteria.
An infected tattoo will be warm, inflamed, and painful to the touch. The skin may also ooze pus or have a rash.
For any help or questions with the healing process please feel free to contact me.