Getting a tattoo is an exciting process, but proper aftercare is crucial for healing, maintaining
the vibrancy of your tattoo, and avoiding potential complications. Below is a detailed explanation
of the essential aftercare steps, why they matter, potential issues that can arise if not followed,
and the correct procedures to ensure optimal healing.
1. Keeping the Tattoo Clean (First 24-48 Hours)
After getting your tattoo, the first 24 to 48 hours are the most important in terms of
keeping the tattoo clean. The tattoo will be an open wound, and it is highly susceptible
to infection during this time.
Why it’s important: Tattoos create small puncture wounds in the skin, allowing ink to be deposited
into the dermis. During the initial healing stage, bacteria and germs can easily enter the wound and
cause infections. Keeping the area clean prevents bacteria buildup and lowers the risk of infection.
How to care for it:
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap (no scrubbing, as this can irritate the tattoo).
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of a recommended ointment (such as Aquaphor or a tattoo-specific aftercare ointment).
Avoid thick layers, as this can suffocate the tattoo and trap moisture, encouraging bacteria growth.
Potential issues: Not cleaning the tattoo properly can lead to an infection, which may result in scarring,
fading, or other long-term skin issues. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain.
If you notice any of these, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
2. Keeping the Tattoo Moisturized (First 2-3 Weeks)
Moisturizing your tattoo is essential to ensure the skin remains hydrated and to prevent it from drying out.
Why it’s important: Dry skin can lead to scabbing or flaking, which can result in uneven ink retention and fading.
Moisturizing helps the skin heal without cracking, promoting an even, smooth surface for the ink to settle.
How to care for it:
Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare lotion or ointment (fragrance-free and non-comedogenic)
to keep the tattoo moist.
Reapply the ointment 2-3 times a day or as recommended by your artist.
Avoid using petroleum-based products (such as Vaseline) as they can clog pores and cause the tattoo to heal poorly.
Potential issues: If you do not keep the tattoo moisturized, it can become too dry, leading to scabs
and excessive flaking. This can result in uneven fading or distortion of the design. On the other hand,
over-moisturizing can also cause issues, such as trapping too much moisture and causing the tattoo to
"sweat" under the ointment, which can create an environment for bacteria.
3. Avoiding Sun Exposure (First 2-3 Weeks)
One of the biggest threats to your tattoo during the healing process is exposure to sunlight.
Why it’s important: UV rays from the sun can cause the ink to fade faster, and exposure to sunlight on
an open wound increases the risk of infection. Additionally, sunburns can severely damage the healing skin,
leading to increased scarring and loss of detail in the tattoo.
How to care for it:
Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks, or until the tattoo has fully healed.
If you must go out in the sun, cover the tattoo with clothing or use a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
to protect it from UV rays.
Seek shade whenever possible to prevent unnecessary sun exposure.
Potential issues: Direct sun exposure can cause the ink to fade and discolor, resulting in dull colors.
Sunburn on a healing tattoo can also cause blistering, which leads to scarring and permanent damage to the tattoo.
4. Avoiding Soaking (First 2 Weeks)
Soaking the tattoo in water—whether in a bath, hot tub, pool, or ocean—should be avoided during the healing process.
Why it’s important: Submerging your tattoo in water can cause the ink to spread, and the moisture can
cause the scabs to lift prematurely, leading to color loss and distortion of the tattoo.
It can also introduce bacteria into the healing tattoo, leading to infection.
How to care for it:
Avoid soaking in water for at least 2 weeks after getting the tattoo.
Shower normally, but try not to let the water run directly over the tattoo for long periods.
When washing the tattoo, do so quickly and avoid rubbing it with a towel afterward.
Potential issues: Soaking the tattoo can lead to excessive bleeding or ink leakage.
If the tattoo is submerged in unclean water, it can become infected, and you may experience itching,
redness, or swelling.
5. Not Picking at Scabs or Peeling Skin
As your tattoo heals, you may notice scabs or peeling skin. This is completely normal,
but picking at the scabs can cause serious issues.
Why it’s important: Picking at scabs or peeling skin can pull the ink out, cause scarring,
and affect the final appearance of your tattoo. It can also lead to infection, as your fingers may
introduce bacteria to the tattooed area.
How to care for it:
Resist the urge to scratch or pick at the tattoo, even if it itches.
Allow the skin to peel naturally and let scabs fall off on their own.
Apply a soothing lotion if the itching is too intense to help keep the area moisturized and reduce irritation.
Potential issues: Picking at scabs can cause long-term damage to the tattoo. It can lead to scarring,
patchy areas where the ink was removed, and an uneven healing process.
6. Long-Term Aftercare (Ongoing)
Even after the initial healing period of 2-3 weeks, long-term aftercare is important for
keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.
Why it’s important: Tattoos continue to "settle" into the skin over time.
Proper care ensures that the tattoo maintains its sharpness, and the colors remain vivid for years.
How to care for it:
Continue to moisturize the tattoo to keep the skin hydrated.
Use sunscreen when exposed to the sun, even after the tattoo is fully healed.
Keep the tattoo clean and avoid scratching or excessive rubbing.
Potential issues: Without ongoing protection, tattoos can fade due to sun exposure,
environmental factors, or aging skin.
Conclusion
Proper tattoo aftercare is vital for ensuring that your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its vibrancy. Neglecting to follow these guidelines can lead to infections, scarring, fading, or distortion of the tattoo design.
By keeping the tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun and water, you will help the
tattoo heal properly and ensure that it looks beautiful for years to come. Always consult your
tattoo artist for specific aftercare instructions tailored to your skin and the tattoo you received.