Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals well and stays vibrant.

Follow these steps to care for your new tattoo.

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First 24 Hours

1. Leave the Second Skin On:

- Keep the second skin on for 24 hours. This helps protect your new tattoo from bacteria and friction.

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2. Remove the Second Skin Carefully:
- After the recommended time, wash your hands thoroughly and gently remove the Second Skin. If it sticks, use lukewarm water to help loosen it.

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3. Clean the Tattoo:
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Use your fingers to gently clean off any ointment, blood, and plasma.
- Avoid using a washcloth or anything abrasive.

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4. Pat Dry:
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.
- Avoid rubbing the area with a towel as this can irritate the skin.

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Initial Few Days (Days 1 - 7/8) 

1. Apply a Thin Layer of Ointment:
- To prevent the tattoo from drying out, apply a very thin layer of tattoo ointment several times a day.

- Do not rub the area too firmly when applying.

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* Recommended ointments:

- Aquaphor Healing Ointment

- Tattoo-specific Bepanthen

- After 3–4 days, as peeling begins, reduce how often you apply ointment and use only a very small amount in a thin layer.
- Continue this until about 80–90% of the peeling has naturally finished.

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2. Clean the Tattoo:

- Wash your tattoo 2–3 times a day with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
- Do not scrub or use towels, washcloths, or sponges.
- When showering, avoid letting strong water pressure hit the tattoo directly.

- After rinsing, gently pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry completely, then apply a very thin layer of ointment.

​3. Do Not Scratch or Pick:
- While the tattoo heals, a scab may peel off. Do not remove this scab. And even if it tickles, don’t scratch it. This can cause scarring and ink loss.

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4. Wear Loose Clothing:
- To avoid irritation, wear loose, clean clothing that won't rub against the tattoo.

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​Ongoing Care (After ~90% Peeling / Weeks 1–4)

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1. Switch to Lotion:

- Once all peeling has naturally finished, switch to a fragrance-free moisturizer (Lubriderm, Aveeno).

- Apply sparingly and avoid over-applying.

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2. Clean the Tattoo:

- Wash your tattoo 1–2 times a day with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, using a gentle touch.

- After washing, gently pat dry with a clean paper towel or a clean personal towel.

- Do not rub.

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3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Water Exposure:

- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.​

- Do not submerge the tattoo in water; avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths.

 

​4. Exercise:

- Avoid exercising for at least 7–10 days to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.

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5. Gardening and Animal Contact:
- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Do not submerge the tattoo in water; avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths. Showers are fine, but keep the tattoo out of direct water flow as much as possible.

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Long-Term Care​

1. Moisturize Regularly:
- Keep your tattoo moisturized even after it has healed. Use a fragrance-free lotion to maintain skin hydration.

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2. Use Sunscreen:
- Protect your tattoo from the sun to prevent fading. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen whenever your tattoo will be exposed to sunlight.

- Tattoos exposed to prolonged sunlight may fade more than tattoos that are not exposed.

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3. Maintain Healthy Skin:
- Stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid excessive sun exposure and harsh chemicals.

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When to Seek Medical Attention​​

Contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe redness, swelling, or pain that gets worse after the first 24-48 hours.

• Pus or green/yellow discharge coming from the tattoo.

• Fever or chills.

• An unpleasant smell from the tattoo site.

• Red streaks moving from the tattoo site towards the heart.

These could be signs of an infection. It is very important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

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Enjoy a tattoo that naturally blends with your skin and becomes stylish over time.

If you need any further information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me !

Thank you :-)

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