Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but fresh ink is an open wound. The healing process varies from person to person, but tattoo aftercare is a non-negotiable step to enjoying your design for years to come. How you care for your tattoo in the weeks following your appointment will determine how it looks for the rest of your life.
Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters
When you get a tattoo, the needle punctures your skin thousands of times, depositing ink into the dermis layer beneath the surface. That makes your immune system immediately kick into gear, which is why the area always looks red, inflamed, and may weep plasma or ink for the first few hours.
Technically, your tattoo is an injury, so those side effects are normal. However, not treating your new ink like the laceration it is can have long-lasting consequences. You risk infection, uneven fading, line blurring, and can even develop raised scar tissue (keloids).
A botched tattoo heal can also mean expensive touch-ups, cover-ups, corrections, or worse. In some cases, inadequate aftercare can cause permanent damage to your skin and the custom artwork you paid good money for.
The First 48
Your tattoo artist will cover basic aftercare steps before you leave the shop. They’ll likely advise covering new ink with plastic wrap or a medical-grade bandage for the first 24-48 hours. Each person is different, so follow your artist’s specific instructions on how long to keep your skin protected.
After the first 48 hours, remove any covering and wash your tattoo with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Never use an abrasive cloth or loofah to cleanse tattooed skin until the wound has fully healed. Then, pat the area dry with a clean towel and let it air for a few minutes before applying a thin layer of Aquaphor.
The Weeping and Peeling Stage
The phase where your skin starts to weep and peel is expected when your tattoo is healing properly. You might see oozing, redness, slight swelling, and peeling skin for a few days. Don’t be shocked.
At this time, your skin could also start to peel and flake off around the outer layer of your new tattoo. This is nothing to become concerned with unless you also experience pain or signs of an infection. Peeling just means the dead epidermis is shedding; let it fall away on its own. Don’t pick at it, or you could pull out the ink and cause light spots.
The weeping and peeling stage in tattoo aftercare can be tricky because it often causes your skin to itch intensely. But don’t scratch your tattoo to relieve the itch. Try gently slapping the area to stop the sensation without damaging your artwork.
The Milky Skin Stage
By the second week, most of the weeping and peeling should have largely stopped. But your tattoo might look dull or milky afterward. That doesn’t mean you did something wrong or that your ink has faded. What you’re seeing is a new layer of skin forming over the tattoo, which can cause a temporary haze.
Once the new skin layer settles and thins, the vibrancy of your ink will return. Meanwhile, keep washing the area two to three times per day and moisturizing afterward. You can start tapering to once daily washing once your skin stops feeling tight and dry.
What to Avoid in Tattoo Aftercare
These are the biggest mistakes people make in the first 2-4 weeks after getting a tattoo:
- Submerging in water
- Getting too much sun exposure
- Wearing tight clothing
While your skin heals from a new tattoo, avoid getting into pools, hot tubs, baths, and bodies of water like lakes and oceans. Taking a shower is fine, but don’t let the spray beat down on the ink for long periods.
Also, limit sun exposure because UV rays are kryptonite for fresh ink. Apply a generous layer of sunscreen to the area, even after it has fully healed. And as always: L.I.T.H.A.
Another mistake is wearing tight clothing that rubs against the fresh tattoo. Not only is it irritating, but it can also prematurely pull away peeling skin, causing an infection or damaging your design. Until your tattoo has fully healed, wear loose, breathable fabrics.
DID YOU KNOW: Sweating can introduce bacteria to an open wound, so clean your tattoo thoroughly after working out.
Signs of an Infected Tattoo
An infected tattoo is rare with proper aftercare, but know the warning signs that something is wrong so you can take a proactive approach. Talk to your tattoo artist for more information, and see a doctor if your infection looks serious. Here are the red flags of an infection:
- Redness that spreads beyond the tattoo edges
- Swelling that worsens rather than subsides
- Thick, yellow or green discharge
- Fever or chills
- A hot, hard lump beneath the skin
Don’t wait to seek medical attention, and be careful with home remedies. An infection treated early is manageable. But one ignored or mistreated can cause severe tissue damage.
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Your tattoo could take up to four weeks to fully heal, and up to six months for deeper layers. However, your ink still needs attention to stay sharp and long-lasting. Talk to your tattoo artist for customized tips.
A great tattoo is a collaboration between artist and client. Treat the healing process as seriously as you treated choosing the design, and your ink will look incredible for years. Contact Venom Ink for more information.