Congratulations on Your New Tattoo!
The next few weeks are crucial for your tattoo’s healing process. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the best possible outcome. Below are some important guidelines to follow.
Immediate Aftercare:
Protecting Your Tattoo
Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, so protecting it right after your session is critical to avoid infection and irritation. Keeping it covered helps prevent bacteria from entering and stops your clothes from rubbing against the fresh ink.
Normal Healing Signs:
- It’s common for a fresh tattoo to leak a mixture of fluids, blood, and ink, depending on the size and intensity of the tattoo.
- Mild redness and swelling are normal in the first few days.
Covering Your Tattoo:
Cling Film or Polyurethane Wrap?
If your tattoo is covered with cling film:
- Keep the protective film between 2 and 6 hours, depending on how big your tattoo is, best to follow the artist’s advice.
- The film keeps your skin protected and helps reduce irritation.
Care process:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with lukewarm water and soap.
- Remove the cling film and gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a soft cloth, avoiding rubbing.
- Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream and allow the tattoo to breathe.
If your tattoo is covered with a polyurethane wrap (second skin):
- This special wrap allows the skin to breathe while keeping it clean. You can leave it on for two days, even while showering.
- After removing the wrap, follow the same cleaning steps mentioned above.
Daily Care After Removing the Covering
For the next two weeks, follow this routine daily:
- Wash your hands with lukewarm water and soap.
- Gently clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap.
- Pat the area dry with a soft cloth.
- Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream 3-4 times a day.
Potential Allergic Reactions
Adhesive Allergy (Polyurethane Wrap):
In rare cases, you may experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the wrap, such as extreme itchiness, a burning sensation, or a rash. If this happens:
- Remove the wrap immediately and wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap.
- Continue your regular aftercare routine. If the allergy persists or worsens, consult your doctor.
Do’s and Don’ts for Tattoo Aftercare
Do’s:
- Gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap.
- Keep your tattoo moisturised with aftercare cream at least 3 times a day.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Wear clean, loose clothing to avoid irritation.
- Change bed sheets regularly to prevent bacteria from infecting the tattoo.
- Once your tattoo is healed, always apply sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) to keep colors vibrant, if you want to go out in a sunny day.
Don’ts:
- Avoid direct sunlight until your tattoo fully heals.
- Do not wear sunscreen on a fresh tattoo.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms until your skin is fully healed.
- Don’t rub your tattoo dry—always pat it gently.
- Resist the urge to scratch your healing tattoo.
- Avoid tight clothing over the tattoo.
- Do not sleep on your tattoo—your skin needs to breathe.
- Refrain from touching your tattoo unnecessarily.
- Avoid sleeping with pets.
- Do not undergo cryotherapy, as it can severely damage the tattoo.
Healing Timeline
Your tattoo will take approximately 2 weeks for the wound to close and the scabs to peel, and 1-2 months for full healing. Avoid sun exposure during this time and apply sunscreen after the tattoo has healed.
Normal vs. Abnormal Healing Signs
Normal Healing Signs:
- Light discharge of clear or pink fluid mixed with ink.
- Redness and slight swelling, which should subside in a few days.
Abnormal Healing Signs (Infection):
- Yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor.
- Increased pain, redness, or throbbing.
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.
- Red lines extending from the tattoo area (sign of blood poisoning).
If you notice any signs of allergy or infection, seek medical attention immediately and inform your tattoo artist.
General Information About Tattoos
Tattooed skin is not the same as un-tattooed skin.
Tattooed areas may react differently to environmental changes, such as exposure to heat, cold, humidity, sun, or sudden temperature changes—such as taking a long hot shower, visiting a sauna, or contact with cold water may cause temporary reactions in some tattoos. These reactions may include small bumps, raised areas, itchiness, redness, or a combination of these. Rest assured, these effects are typically short-lived and should return to normal within a few days, Please avoid touching the area, which can increase the irritation. If irritation persists, consult a dermatologist to help ease the discomfort.
Recommended Tattoo Healing Cream:
Bepanthen Tattoo Nazorg Zalf
We recommend Bepanthen Tattoo Nazorg Zalf for optimal tattoo healing. Its 5% dexpanthenol formula supports the natural recovery process of the skin, while keeping it moisturized and protected. This cream is fragrance-free and preservative-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
it’s important to apply a thin layer of the cream, to help prevent the skin from feeling greasy while still maintaining moisture and protection for optimal healing.
Final Thought
The better you care for your tattoo during the healing process, the longer it will last and the better it will look.
We wish you a smooth healing journey and a lifetime of enjoying your beautiful new tattoo! ❤️