Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo aftercare can be very confusing, especially for someone getting their first tattoo.  Luckily there is plenty of information available online, but with almost anything you can find online there is almost too much information.  Some of it is very contradictory, so here is my advice in regards to tattoo after care.

•  Keep it simple stupid – Your new tattoo is basically an open wound.  The less you put on it, and the more you let it breath, the better.  Only use simple antibacterial soaps and lotions.  The less ingredients the better.
•  Follow the advice of your artist – Your artist has probably been doing this for a while, and they typically know what they are talking about.
• Listen to your body – Everyone heals differently.  Something that works for you might not work for someone else.  Be aware of the products you use!  If you have had a negative reaction to A+D before, please do not use it on your new tattoo.
• Keep your tattoo moist, not drenched - Remember, less is more with tattoo.  Apply A+D or Auquaphor in a very thin layer for the first day.  Then apply any unscented gentle lotion such as Eucerin, Lubriderm, Nivea, Curel, or Aveeno.  These companies all have unscented versions of their lotion.  Use whichever one your skin likes best!
• Resist the itch! – As your tattoo is healing, it is normal for it to be itchy.  Do not succumb to the desire to scratch your tattoo as hard as it can be.  When mine get super itchy, I usually wash it gently and reapply lotion.  It helps soothe the skin and also the task helps take my mind off the itchiness.

These are some basic but very important tips:

• Do not re-bandage your tattoo
• Do not apply Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly to your tattoo
• Do not apply Neosporin to your tattoo
• Do not use rubbing alcohol or peroxide on your tattoo
• Do not apply Purell or any other antibacterial gel to your tattoo.  These are usually mostly alcohol which will dry your tattoo out.
• Always wash with warm water and a gentle antibacterial soap
• Always pat dry a freshly washed tattoo with paper towels
• Never rub, scratch or scrub your tattoo
• Do not pick at your tattoo
• Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight until after at least 10 days
• Do not swim or use a hot tub or sauna for at least 10 days.

The healing time is typically 10-14 days for tattoo, depending on your body and the care your tattoo receives.  It is very important not to let your tattoo to dry out completely during this time.  This can cause excessive scabbing and irritation, which can lead to loss of pigment.  It is normal for the tattoo to develop a protective layer of dry skin.  This will shed after the skin underneath has healed and it is important to let it fall off naturally.  Do not pull or cut these bits off as it may affect the skin around it.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, remember some simple long term care for it.  If it is ever exposed to the sun, make sure to use sunscreen.  This will help the color last and also in general help protect your skin.  Also keep it moisturized.  There is nothing worse than having a dulled tattoo due to dry skin.

Here is my personal after care kit.  Remember, what works for me might not work for you.

Antibacterial soap, simple paper towels, A+D ointment, and my favorite lotion, Aveeno.

You just made a pretty big investment of time and money into your tattoo, make sure to care for it correctly so it will last a lifetime.