Tattoo Aftercare

All the hard work and research that went into your body art could be wasted without proper tattoo aftercare. It’s easy to keep your tattoo looking great for years to come if you follow a few simple steps.

Your tattoo artist will have specific instructions about how to help your tattoo heal. When you leave the shop, your tattoo will probably be covered with a bandage. During your first day with the tattoo, you will likely be instructed to:

• Take the bandage off after a few hours. Most shops recommend you leave the bandage on for about two hours. Make sure you wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before taking off the bandage.
• Gently rinse the tattoo and the area around it with mild soap and water. Instead of using a sponge or a washcloth, lightly rub the soap and water on your tattoo with your fingers.
• Using a very soft towel, dab the tattoo until it is dry.
• Allow the tattoo to dry before putting on any recommended lotions or moisturizers.

Tatoo Goo is a favorite for aftercare.

Probably the most important thing you can do to ensure long-lasting color and detail for your tattoo is to keep it moisturized. The moisture will prevent the tattoo from developing a scab, which can rob it of color.

There are many different products available, ranging from standard moisturizing creams and antibiotic ointments to lotions specifically developed for body art, like Tattoo Goo. Although advice may differ between shops about which product to use, the way to use the moisturizer is pretty standard:

• Using clean and dry fingers, rub a small amount of cream into the tattoo.
• Wipe off any extra cream. Using too much moisturizer is just as bad as not using any at all.
• Keep the tattoo exposed to air and do not cover it with any bandages.
• Reapply moisture several times a day, especially if the tattoo feels dry.

One of the quickest ways to damage your tattoo is by exposing it to the sun, especially when it’s still new. A sunburn can cause a scab to form over the tattoo, which may scar the skin and fade the ink. You will need to follow this step of tattoo aftercare for as long as you have the tattoo.

• In the first few weeks, keep the tattoo out of the sun altogether. This may mean keeping your shirt on if the tattoo is on your back, arms, or chest, and wearing long pants if the tattoo is on your legs. If you go swimming or head to the beach, try covering the tattoo with a loose bandage that won’t rub the skin. Remove the bandage as soon as you are in the shade or can cover it up with clothing.
• After the tattoo is fully healed, put sunscreen on it. Long-term exposure to the sun can make the dyes and pigments fade, even after you’ve had the tattoo for a few years. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 anytime the tattoo will be in sun or if you visit a tanning booth.

In the two weeks after you get your tattoo, you should avoid soaking your skin in water, scrubbing it with a towel, or using alcohol-based products on your skin. Remember to never pick at any scabs that form since this can pull the color out.

Opinions on tattoo aftercare vary widely. What one tattoo shop recommends, another might warn against. Although it is a good idea to follow the advice of your tattoo artist, make sure they know your history with skin care products. If a certain type of lotion causes you to break out, your artist may be able to recommend another product that can work better with your skin type.

The most important thing to do is to follow through with your tattoo aftercare. Even if the tattoo seems to be healed and healthy, don’t neglect it. Keeping your tattoo hydrated and out of the sun are the best ways to ensure that it will look good for decades.

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