Tattoo aftercare is one of the most important parts of the process. How well you treat your tattoo during the first few weeks of the healing process can affect how well the tattoo stays in your skin, but it can also reduce the risk of secondary infection from airborne bacteria. Listed below are my recommended steps for tattoo aftercare, and some frequently asked questions and answers.

1. Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours (up to 10). The bandage is the first line of defense against contaminates. additionally, tattoos can ooze a lot during this period. Leaving the bandage on prevents you from getting any ink or blood on surfaces you may brush against. 

2. Before removing the bandage or doing any daily maintenance on your tattoo, make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly. Preferably with non-scented soap. 

3. After removing the bandage, clean the tattoo with non-scented soap and water using your hand. DO NOT SCRUB OR WIPE THE TATTOO WITH ANY OBJECT. Washing the tattoo is meant to remove dead skin and surface bacteria, and wiping or scrubbing the skin can both irritate the wound, and pull bacteria into it from the surrounding skin surface. 

4. To dry the tattoo after washing, pat gently with a sterile cloth.

5. Apply unscented lotion or a petroleum based jelly (like Aquaphor) to the tattoo. This is to keep the skin hydrated, which promotes faster healing. You do not need to rebandage the tattoo.

6. Repeat steps 2-5 three times a day for 1-2 weeks. 

7. During this period, avoid excessive sun exposure and clothes that fit tightly around the tattooed area. Avoid soaking the area, this includes swimming, during a bath, etc. You should also avoid placing the tattoo directly under the stream of your shower head. 

Everyone is different and the time it takes for your tattoo to heal may vary. If you have any questions, reach out to your artist or a medical professional.

Why did my artist give me different instructions?

A: Tattoo aftercare is mainly about healing the damage to the skin caused by the tattoo needle. Since everyone's skin and immune systems are different, there are many different methods out there for healing a tattoo. Many artists have created their recommendations through trial and error, or by learning from another artist. I did my best to gather my method from medical literature, but that too has varied results. Thus, unless they recommend actively ignoring the healing process, you should follow your artist's method, and/or do what has worked best for you in the past.

My Tattoo is itchy. Is it infected?

A: Itchiness is very common throughout the healing process, and does not necessarily indicate infection. If you are concerned, examine the skin for other signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or a rash. This is not always easy to see with a new tattoo, so if you are still concerned please check with a medical professional. But do your best to avoid scratching the area or irritating the skin further.

Why should I use unscented soap?

A: Most scented soaps and lotions contain essential oils or other additives to create their scents. Using unscented soaps reduces the chances of introducing these extra additives which could potentially irritate the sensitive healing skin, causing the healing process to take longer.

My artist used a product like SecondSkin. Should I still remove it after 2-10 hours?

A: No. If your artist has used a product specifically designed for tattoo aftercare, you should follow the instructions of that product and your artist. You should ask your artist for the brand name, as these products will have instructions on their websites for when and how to remove them. If your artist did not give you instructions or a brand name however, it is okay to remove the product as if it were a bandage and follow this aftercare procedure instead.

Can I still go to the Beach? 

A: While your tattoo is healing, it is highly recommended that you avoid places that will increase your chances of exposing the tattoo to sun, non-sterile water, or introducing contaminates or irritants (like sand). However, if you should need to go to one of these places, wash and moisturize the tattoo immediately before and after, and keep the tattooed skin covered at all times.