Tattoo Aftercare 101: Tips and Products to Help You Heal

So, you braved the needle and now you’re rocking that tattoo you’ve been wanting to get for a long time. However, this artwork needs a little TLC to truly shine and last. Tattoo aftercare is very essential, and the first steps you take in the first few weeks can make a difference. Learn tips and explore must-have products to ensure your ink heals beautifully.

What to Expect After Getting Inked

Your tattoo journey doesn’t end at your artist’s place. Tattoo aftercare is crucial, and what you do with your tattoo will affect its healing process. A tattoo takes around two to four weeks to heal and about three to six months to heal underneath. Here’s what you may experience after getting inked.

1. Inflammation

Expect to experience redness, swelling and irritation with a fresh tattoo. These may be uncomfortable, but it’s all normal. After all, you’ve just spent an hour with needles puncturing your skin repeatedly.

2. Itchiness

Tattoos feel itchy during the first two weeks of the healing process. You must never scratch your tattoo when itchiness kicks in.

3. Peeling

Wounds peel, and tattoos are no different. You may experience flaky and scabbing skin. This can be alarming, especially if you don’t have sensitive skin, but it’s actually a good sign that your skin is healing wonderfully.

Tattoo Aftercare Tips

The first stages of the healing process are the most important. Here are tattoo aftercare tips and products that’ll help your skin recover faster. Whether you’re still considering getting a tattoo or you just had one, don’t forget to commit to these tips.

1. Apply Ointment

Tattoo artists apply ointment and wrap new tattoos with a bandage after the process. They must also impart care instructions for you to do at home. Some artists may recommend that you reapply ointment and replace the bandage at a certain amount of time. 

The AfterArt Tattoo Aftercare Balm is a trusted product, garnering plenty of positive reviews online. The formulation aims to soothe freshly tattooed skin, helping minimize irritation and risks of infection. It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making it kinder to your skin and the environment.

$9.99 on Amazon

2. Wrap in a Bandage

While any type of bandage can suffice, a product specifically designed for new tattoos can be more beneficial, especially if you have sensitive skin. This tattoo aftercare bandage roll from Flatoedu is waterproof — you can take a shower without worrying about water running through your tattooed skin. It’s also transparent, allowing you to protect and flex your new tattoo at the same time.

$8.99 on Amazon

3. Wash With Warm Water and Soap

Soak your bandage in warm water to soften it before peeling. Then, wash it with lukewarm water and gentle soap. Wash your tattoo twice a day for two weeks to remove excess ink and germs. It’s also normal to see minimal ink in the sink as you wash.

Use Tattoo Goo’s Antimicrobial Soap for tattoos and piercings, which is formulated to deep cleanse the affected area as gently as possible. It contains olive oil to leave the skin smooth and moisturized. 

$8.35 on Amazon

4. Moisturize 

Week two is where things can be confusing. You may notice flakiness or scabs on your skin. As tough as it is, it’s essential to avoid picking at scabs or scratching your skin to avoid pulling ink out of your skin. Aggressive scratching could ruin your tattoo’s appearance, and since it’s an open wound, picking or scratching may increase your risk of infection.

The Saniderm Daily Tattoo Lotion can help you resist the urge to scratch. It contains natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, which can help keep itching at bay. It also consists of colloidal silver and naturally occurring substances like gluconolactone, which can help boost cellular turnover and speed up skin regeneration.

$24.95 on Amazon

5. Protect From Harmful UV Rays

Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for four weeks after getting your tattoo. Frequent sun exposure can break down collagen in your skin, hampering the healing process. Applying sunscreen daily is your best defense against harmful UV rays. The Sexymix Tattoo Sunscreen is a waterproof, nongreasy product that reflects UVA/UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. It contains Centella Asiatica and glycerin to soothe and preserve your tattoo’s vibrance and detail.

$9.99 on Amazon

6. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Your tattoo artist may recommend avoiding high-intensity workouts after getting a tattoo to avoid sweating, friction and stretching the tattoo. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and exercise can introduce harmful bacteria and sweat to it, increasing the risk of infection. Plus, the discomfort can make focusing more challenging. 

7. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothing can make you uncomfortable and may stick to and rub off your freshly inked tattoo. Opt for something flowy and breathable, like a dress or a skirt. Depending on your tattoo’s location, avoid wearing tight shirts, tights and even socks during your healing process. The tattoo’s healing process takes around two weeks. Until then, prioritize lightweight garments that won’t rub against your skin.

8. Avoid Swimming

Swimming is fun, but it’s best to avoid it until your tattoo has fully healed. Pools and natural bodies of water may expose your tattoo to chemicals and bacteria, which can trigger infection or worsen existing symptoms.

Signs Your Tattoo Isn’t Healing Properly

Discomfort is normal, but the development of these symptoms may suggest your fresh tattoo isn’t healing as it should. Contact your doctor if any of these occur.

• Persistent redness: It’s normal for redness to appear during the first days. Soothing creams or moisturizers usually do the trick, but a type of redness that spreads or darkens may mean you have an infection or allergic reaction.
• Hives: Itchy, bumpy skin may indicate you’re allergic to the ink.
• Yellow or green fluid: Pus oozing out of your tattoo may be a sign of infection.
• Chills or fever: In rare cases, fever and chills may develop when you have an infection or allergic reaction.

Take Care of Your Tattoo

Aftercare doesn’t have to be hard. All it takes is a few precautions, products and patience. Give yourself time to heal so you can finally showcase your ink to the world.