After investing time and money into getting a tattoo, you want to remember the importance of tattoo aftercare. Taking proper care of your new ink ensures that your tattoo heals well and remains vibrant for years to come. In this guide, we'll walk you through recommended steps for tattoo aftercare, from the moment you leave the shop to maintaining your tattoo over time.
Generally, there are two recommended methods for tattoo aftercare: (1) the old school method and (2) the second-skin, or Saniderm method.
Immediate Aftercare
The Old School Method
After your tattoo session is over, your artist will apply a sterile wrap over the area. This initial covering protects your fresh tattoo from bacteria and airborne contaminants. You want to keep this on for at least 3-4 hours, but you can leave it on overnight as long as it isn’t too juicy.
When it's time to remove the sterile wrap, make sure your hands are clean. For larger tattoos, it is easier to do this in the shower. After removing the wrap, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap like Dial or a similar product. Avoid using a washcloth or anything abrasive. Pat the area dry or allow it to air dry. Once the area is dry, you can put a very thin layer of Aquaphor or a fragrance-free moisturizer, like Cetaphil or Lubriderm, over the tattoo (with emphasis on “very thin”). If you choose Aquaphor, make sure you only use a small amount and do not use it for more than a day.
The Saniderm Method
Your artist may put Saniderm or a similar second-skin product on your tattoo. This can be left on for 3-4 days. Generally, this method works well for larger pieces, tattoos that are in areas that experience a lot of friction, or places that are difficult to wrap. However, it doesn’t work so great in places that move a lot, like joints.
Similar to the first method, when it’s time to remove the Saniderm, make sure your hands are clean. Sometimes it can be hard to peel off and you want to be careful, removing it in the shower can make it easier. You will clean the tattoo in the same way as described before, making sure not to use anything abrasive against your skin. After the tattoo is dry, use a fragrance-free moisturizer on the area. Do not use Aquaphor if you use this method.
About Saniderm
Some tattooers do not use Saniderm because it can irritate the skin of some people. If you’ve never used Saniderm before, we recommend that you test a patch of skin before using this method to ensure your skin does not have a reaction to the adhesive.
The First Week
Cleaning and Moisturizing the Tattoo
For the first week, clean your tattoo gently twice a day. Use the same mild soap and warm water method. This helps to keep the area free from bacteria and reduces the risk of infection. Moisturize after cleaning.
When using moisturizer, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion after each cleaning. Use moisturizer sparingly, 2-3 times a day max. Avoid over-moisturizing; this can suffocate the skin and prolong healing. Remember that moisturizer is meant to keep the tattoo from drying out, but you don’t want to overdo it.
Things to Avoid
During the first couple of weeks, do not submerge your tattoo in water and limit sun exposure. This means no swimming, baths, hot tubs, and saunas are a bad idea too. If you do go in the sun, do not use sunscreen while your tattoo is still healing. This can irritate the skin.
As your tattoo heals, it will scab and peel. Resist the urge to pick, scratch, or peel–this can cause scarring or infection. Let the skin shed naturally. Keep in mind that this might not be easy since your skin may be itchy during the healing process. Lotion helps with this or you can gently slap the tattooed area to relieve itching. This seems weird but it works, just remember to be gentle.
Do not use any lotions or creams that are scented. Your skin could become irritated or have a reaction which will negatively affect the healing process. And do not use petroleum-based products like Aquaphor after the first day (if you use it at all, some artists will recommend bypassing these kinds of products).
Long-Term Care
Continue Moisturizing
After the first couple of weeks, continue to moisturize your tattoo. A fragrance-free lotion will keep your skin and tattoo hydrated, which helps to maintain its appearance. Keeping your skin healthy will keep your tattoo happy!
Sun Protection
Sun exposure can fade your tattoo over time. Always apply a high SPF sunscreen to your tattoo when it’s exposed to the sun. Look for products that are non-irritating and provide broad-spectrum protection. Make sure you use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.
Professional Advice and Follow-Up
Your artist is a valuable resource. If you have any concerns or if your tattoo requires a touch-up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist or the shop. If you experience unusual symptoms or suspect an infection, seek medical advice.
Conclusion
Tattoo aftercare is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your ink. Taking proper care of your new tattoo will ensure that it heals properly. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving your body art.
Have questions? If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, contact us today and we will be happy to help!