Congratulations on your new tattoo! By following this easy-to-understand guide the healing
process should be quick and easy.
Your tattoo deserves the best care, and with a little love and attention, it will stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Traditionally, once you leave the tattoo studio, you’ll find yourself sporting a stylish layer of plastic wrap (or cling film) over your fresh ink. Think of it as a temporary shield, protecting your masterpiece from the outside world. But wait! Modern technology has swooped in like a superhero, introducing innovative options like Second Skin or Healing Film that can make your recovery smoother.
Aftercare starts the moment your tattoo is done! Your artist will likely cover it with a bandage or Cling film. Keep it on for a few hours to protect it from bacteria and dirt. make sure your hands are clean and you have unscented antibacterial soap ready. Avoid soap with fragrance, alcohol or scrubs, once you remove the cling film or bandage gently wash the area with soap and warm water, gently clean the tattoo using a circular motion until all ointment and plasma are removed. Pat it dry with a clean towel or kitchen paper – no rubbing, please!
Once the area is completely dry, apply a suitable ointment or lotion to the area to help with moisturization. Only a thin layer is required as your skin needs to breathe to heal effectively. A heavy layer of lotion will prevent this from happening. You can choose specially formulated tattoo healing products or fragrance-free lotion such as COCOA BUTTER FORMULA. Stay away from any products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial scents/colours. Your tattoo will likely be sore for the rest of the day (and for the next few days).
On your second day, you will see the color of your tattoo becoming dull. Don’t worry about the gloss. This looks dull because your skin is gradually recovering. Once the skin is fully healed, you will see that the tattoo with its normal color. in all its glory.
At this point, you’re going to see scabs popping up all over your tattoo. Continue cleaning your tattoo twice a day in the morning and evening speeds up your recovery process. Apply tattoo aftercare Cream three to four times a day. On your fourth day, you will see redness fade as the swollen area returns to normal. Try your best not to pick your scab, which is very important! Picking a scab will also pull color out, expose the tattoo to infection and can result in permanent scars. if there is any weird redness or swelling arising from the area, consult your tattoo artist or seek medical advice.
As you enter the final healing phase of your tattoo, it’s important to understand what to expect. By the sixth day, the scabs will have hardened and will start to peel off naturally. Avoid picking at the scabs; instead, apply tattoo aftercare cream to provide your skin with the nutrients it needs for a faster recovery.
While the outer layer of your tattooed area may appear fully healed, remember that the deeper layers of skin still require time to recover. Continue applying the aftercare cream regularly and cleanse the area gently with soap and warm water to ensure your skin returns to its normal condition.
During the second and third weeks, you should notice the outer layer of skin becoming completely healed. However, it will be at the end of the third week when the colors of your tattoo will become vivid and bright, revealing the true beauty of your new ink.
Redness and irritation, as well as swelling, are common for the first few days after getting a tattoo.
Itching , peeling, and scabbing are normal, but it’s important not to pick at them to avoid damaging the tattoo.
The final stages of tattoo aftercare may involve dryness and flakiness in the tattooed area.
Your tattoo may be sensitive to touch during the healing process.
It’s possible for some ink to appear to come off when washing or moisturizing the area.
The tattoo may experience some discoloration or fading as it heals.
Even with diligent aftercare, infections can still occur after getting a tattoo. It’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly if you suspect an infection, as a healthcare professional can prescribe necessary medications. Here are some key symptoms that may indicate your tattoo is infected:
Even with diligent aftercare, infections can still occur after getting a tattoo. It’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly if you suspect an infection, as a healthcare professional can prescribe necessary medications. Here are some key symptoms that may indicate your tattoo is infected:
– Increased Pain: If the pain around your tattoo intensifies rather than gradually subsides, this could be a warning sign.
– Swelling: Excessive swelling that persists or worsens around the tattooed area is concerning.
– Redness: An infected tattoo may appear redder than usual, with redness spreading beyond the tattoo’s borders.
– Heat: The area may feel unusually warm to the touch, indicating inflammation.
– Pus or Discharge: Any discharge, especially pus, is a strong indicator of infection.
– Fever: In severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever and chills may develop.
It’s important to note that some swelling and mild pain are normal during the healing process. However, if these symptoms worsen or last longer than expected, it’s advisable to consult your tattoo artist or seek medical advice.
By being vigilant and recognizing these signs, you can ensure your tattoo heals properly and avoid complications.
Yes, the sun exposure can significantly affect tattoos! UV rays can significantly fade your tattoo over time, diminishing its vibrancy. To protect your ink, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen with a high SPF once your tattoo has fully healed. Additionally, during the initial healing phase, keep your tattoo covered to prevent sun damage. Taking these precautions will help maintain the quality and appearance of your tattoo.
You’ll need to take care of your new tattoo for a few weeks to a month. The outer layers of skin heal in about 2-3 weeks, but the lower layers can take 3-4 months to heal completely. By the end of 3 months, your tattoo should look bright and vivid.
Typically, after getting a new tattoo, the itchy phase begins about a week later and lasts for another one to two weeks. During this period, the skin and scabs around the tattooed area may start to peel off.
Older tattoos may sometimes become raised and itchy due to scar tissue, which is normal. Changes in body temperature, weather conditions, and overall health can cause it. Avoid scratching and try using a cool compress or moisturizer for relief. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Don’t scratch or peel your tattoo, or you may damage it and leave scars. If it’s itchy, try lightly patting it. As your skin heals, it’ll peel and flake off, some of which may have color from the tattoo ink. Don’t pick at it to avoid damaging your skin and the tattoo.
Vaseline isn’t good for tattoo aftercare, neither is Neosporin. Vaseline & Neosporin can be too harsh on the newly tattooed skin. It’s best to go with a professional tattoo aftercare product developed specifically for the skin of a new tattoo or follow the advice of your tattoo artist.
Many factors decide the time that is needed for healing your tattoo. Usually, it takes three to four weeks to get the upper layer of your skin healed after you get your tattoo done. In this stage, the scabs start peeling off and you are in your process to recover the layer that is being traumatized the most. However, it is essential to be patient because the underneath layer is not yet healed. The layer underneath your skin will take a much longer time to heal and usually, it takes up to six months to be completely healed.
Some common signs that your new tattoo isn’t healing properly are:
– You may experience a fever or get the chills
– It’s normal for your skin to be red, slightly swollen, and puffy, but the skin around the tattoo shouldn’t be. If the skin around your tattoo is swollen after 4-5 days, call your tattoo artist (or doctor) for some advice.
– Prolonged red, irritated skin
– If you see a scar-forming, it could be a sign that you need to be taking better care of the tattoo
– If your tattoo itches or you have bumps lasting 2+ weeks after getting a new tattoo
– If you are experiencing oozing liquids from the new tattoo after 7-8 days, it might be time to call a doctor
The tattoo aftercare phase of your new tattoo is crucial for its healing process and long-term appearance. With the proper aftercare instructions, you can ensure that your tattoo heals correctly and looks great for years to come.
Whether you choose the traditional healing method or the film method, make sure to follow the steps carefully and avoid any activities that could irritate your new ink.
Remember to keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun.
And if you experience any signs of infection, consult a medical professional immediately.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your new tattoo with confidence and peace of mind.
Second Skin is a lightweight, breathable, and waterproof adhesive bandage that acts like a protective barrier over your new tattoo. Think of it as a second layer of skin that shields your fresh ink from dirt, bacteria, and external irritants while still allowing your tattoo to breathe. This medical-grade product is designed specifically to promote optimal healing conditions, ensuring that your tattoo remains vibrant and free from infection.
Once your tattoo artist has completed their masterpiece, they will apply a thin layer of Second Skin directly over your tattoo. This specialized bandage adheres gently to your skin, creating a protective seal that locks in your body’s natural moisture while keeping out harmful elements.
This sealed environment is crucial for the healing process, as it significantly reduces the risk of scabbing, scarring, and infection. By maintaining a moist environment, Second Skin promotes a smoother healing experience, allowing your tattoo to heal beautifully and effectively.
This layer you should keep for the first 24 hours, though if there is too much fluid building up under the film or if the film starts peeling off, you can remove it, clean the tattoo, and reapply.
Remember to let the area dry completely before reapplying a new film.
Once the second skin is on you don’t have to do anything, It should stay on for 3-4 days. It is normal to have fluid buildup under the film and your tattoo will probably look like it is covered in black goo. That is completely normal. Do not wear the film for longer than 4-5 days. After 3-4 days, gently peel the film from one corner, pulling parallel to the plane of your body. Warm water can help remove strong adhesive bonds.
After removing the film, the tattoo may be very dry and could peel. Use ointment to keep it moisturized.
Apply a THIN layer of ointment 2-3 times a day, with clean hands. Continue the ointment process until the tattoo has finished peeling.
Some people may have a reaction to the adhesive. If this happens, remove the film and use the traditional healing method. Stop your tattoo aftercare routine and consult a medical professional if any signs or symptoms develop, such as redness, pain, swelling, warmth, fever, pus, green/yellow discharge with a bad smell, a rash, or a bad smell coming from the tattoo.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
2. Clean 2-3 times daily using sterile saline solution only. Do NOT use: Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, Savlon, or harsh chemicals.
3. Soak for 2-5 minutes with saline using a clean gauze or paper towel. Avoid cotton pads/buds (fibers can get stuck).
4. Gently remove any dried residue, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
5. Leave the piercing exposed to air—do not cover it unnecessarily.
