Tattoo Aftercare: Tips And Instructions - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeTattoo aftercare tips

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Peter Morales-Brown — Updated on August 28, 2024

Instructions
Aftercare lotions
Care tips
When to see a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Tattoo aftercare is an important part of preserving a tattoo. A person should gently wash and moisturize the tattoo regularly, and avoid sun exposure until the tattoo is fully healed.

Tattoo aftercare can be confusing, especially if it is a person’s first tattoo. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to care for a new tattoo and tips for keeping tattooed skin looking young and healthy.

These guidelines are based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research.

Step-by-step aftercare instructions

Person with a tattoo shielding their eyes from the sun with their arm. — Olga Pankova/Getty Images

Proper aftercare in the first few weeks after getting a tattoo can help prevent an infection and keep the tattoo looking good.

The initial bandage

Tattoo aftercare starts in the tattoo shop. Once the tattoo is done, the artist will apply a thin layer of tattoo jelly or moisturizer over the entire tattooed area. They will then cover the area completely with plastic wrap or a bandage.

As tempting as it can be to remove the protective cover to look at the tattoo, the bandage or plastic wrap 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 handwashing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers.

The moisturizer 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 moisturizer to the tattoo but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.

Week one

Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash. A person with a fresh tattoo should follow their tattoo artist’s instructions on when to start using moisturizer.

For the first couple of days, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and have a reddish appearance. The colors 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 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. However, 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 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.

In general, scabbing is not a sign of improper wound care. Scabs will form anytime the skin is injured and can be a sign of healthy tissue forming underneath the wound.

Keeping some form of antibiotic ointment or moisturizer under a bandage (as long as there is no known allergy) on the wound can help it heal better, and the sooner this is done the better healing will happen with less chances of scarring.

Any redness or other skin color changes and 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 moisturizing 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. However, it must not be scratched. Additional moisturizer may help relieve the itch. Using a moisturizer that is kept in the refrigerator may also soothe itchy or irritated skin.

If necessary, an over-the-counter product, such as Benadryl, may be taken by mouth to help relieve the itching.

Learn more about why tattoos can be itchy.

Week three and beyond

The final stage of healing can be slow and requires patience. Most of the larger scabs will have flaked and fallen away by now. Small scabs and bits of dead skin may appear. However, these will also clear up as the healing process continues.

Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull. Applying moisturizer and protecting the tattoo from the sun will help with these issues.

The skin should completely heal by the end of week three. The inner layers of skin can take longer to heal. However, they 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.

Moisturizing regularly in the months following will help keep the tattoo 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 color. If the body is allergic to an ink, a raised and painful rash may form on the skin.

To avoid ink rejection, some tattoo artists will do an allergy test with the color in question by applying a small amount to the skin. If it causes a reaction, it is not safe to use.

Ink allergies may occur because tattoo ink colors contain many different substances. For example, black ink contains carbon, and 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

Each tattoo artist is likely to have a different recommendation for what moisturizer someone should use. Common recommendations include:

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.

Tips on tattoo care

Tattoos are a lifelong commitment and require some special care to keep them looking good for many years to come.

What to do

Here’s what a person can take good care of their tattoo:

Always use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturizer when caring for a tattoo, as harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even damage freshly tattooed skin.
Use a moisturizer that allows the skin to breathe, as clogged pores can cause an infection.
Make sure the area is completely dry before applying aftercare moisturizer, as trapping excess moisture under the skin can lead to irritation and heat rash.
Wash the tattoo regularly but gently, especially after dirty or sweaty activities.
Drink plenty of water to help keep the skin moist and supple.
While healing, cover the tattoo with clothing or a bandage whenever it might be exposed to the sun.

What not to do

Here’s what someone should avoid when it comes to tattoo aftercare:

Soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area.
Picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.
Scratching the tattoo even if it becomes itchy.
Non-cosmetic grade petroleum moisturizers will clog the pores.
Using sunscreen on the tattoo before it has fully healed.
Swimming before the tattoo has healed.

When to see a doctor

Tattoo care is simple once the process is understood. However, 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.

Bloodborne infections can occur if the tattoo artist uses dirty needles or ink. These infections can include:

tetanus
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
HIV
mycobacterial skin infections

A person should contact a doctor if any signs of infection occur.

Frequently asked questions

How long after a tattoo can a person shower?

Anecdotal evidence suggests it is fine to shower roughly 4 hours after getting a tattoo.

If a person has a bandage or plastic wrap, this should stay on for at least a few hours after the process – including when a person showers.

Can a person sleep with a new tattoo uncovered?

In general, a person should not sleep with a new tattoo uncovered until their tattoo artist say it is ok to do so.

Usually, they will suggest covering the tattoo for at least the first night to avoid staining sheets and putting pressure on the tattoo.

How long should a person leave cling film on a tattoo?

Generally speaking, if a person has a bandage or plastic wrap covering their new tattoo, this should stay on for at least a few hours after the process. This can help prevent irritation, infection, and ink from being pushed out.

Is Vaseline good for tattoos?

Petroleum jelly products, such as the brand-name Vaseline, work by trapping moisture into a person’s skin.

Most tattoo artists will not recommend Vaseline as it’s moisture-trapping effects can prevent a new tattoo wound from getting air, which is crucial for healing.

Summary

The most important factor for tattoo care is working with a professional, highly recommended tattoo artist. This helps avoid any complications and makes the healing process much easier.

Following the tattoo artist’s instructions on self-care is often a person’s best line of defense against infection and issues with the healing process. Regular care for a tattoo can help prevent infection and keep both the skin and tattoo preserved for years to come.

Dermatology
Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
piercingandtattoos
Cat 1

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Show KL, et al. (2019). Knowledge of potential risk of blood-borne viral infections and tattooing practice among adults in Mandalay Region, Myanmar.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6328096/
Tattoo-associated skin reactions. (2019).https://dermnetnz.org/topics/tattoo-associated-skin-reactions
Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and what to do about them. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/tattoos/tattoo-skin-reactions
Think before you ink: Tattoo safety. (2023).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/think-you-ink-tattoo-safety

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Peter Morales-Brown — Updated on August 28, 2024

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