How Many Times A Day Should I Clean My Tattoo?

How Many Times A Day Should I Clean My Tattoo

Download Article Download Article Taking good care of your new tattoo right after you get it will help it heal quickly and stay vibrant. Keep the bandage that your tattoo artist applied on for at least a few hours before gently removing it, washing your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then patting the skin dry. By keeping your skin evenly moisturized and clean, staying out of the sun, and avoiding picking or itching your new design, your tattoo will heal beautifully.

  1. 1 Leave the covering on for 2-3 hours. Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will clean the area, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic. Once you have left the tattoo parlor, resist the temptation to open the bandage. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria and should be left on for up to 3 hours before you remove it. [1]
    • Since different tattoo artists have different methods of wrapping new tattoos, ask your tattoo artist when they recommend removing the bandage. Some artists may not wrap the tattoo at all, depending on the products and technique they use.
    • If you leave the bandage on longer than the artist suggests, you are more prone to infection and the ink may bleed.
  2. 2 Wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from getting infected when you go to touch it. To remove the bandage more easily, you can apply warm water to it to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. Pull the bandage off slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your new tattoo. [2]
    • Throw away the used bandage.

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  3. 3 Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Instead of soaking your tattoo in water, cup your hands together and scoop lukewarm water over it. Use a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to rub the tattoo gently with your fingers, removing all traces of blood, plasma, or leaked ink. [3]
    • Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Do not resume use of the items until the tattoo has healed completely.
    • Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water—the stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo.
  4. 4 Let the tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. While it’s best to let your skin air dry after the tattoo has been cleaned, you can also use a clean, dry paper towel to gently blot the tattoo until it’s dry. Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the paper towel to avoid irritating your skin. [4]
    • Regular towels can irritate your tattoo or cause little bits of fluff to get stuck in them, so it’s best to only use a paper towel for drying.
  5. 5 Apply a non-scented antibacterial cream. Once your tattoo is fully dry, apply a little moisturizing ointment, preferably an all-natural aftercare, to the tattoo. Make sure to apply only a very thin layer and pat it in gently until it’s absorbed by the skin. If you’re not sure what kind of ointment to use, ask your tattoo artist what they recommend for your skin. [5]
    • Aquaphor is a good, recommended option for a moisturizer.
    • Don’t use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, as these are too heavy and may clog the pores.
    • Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, avoid rewrapping it.
  6. 6 Listen to your tattoo artist’s advice. Your tattoo artist will explain how you should care for your tattoo immediately after getting it, so try to follow their instructions. The way they bandage your tattoo may be different from other tattoo artists, so take the advice they give you seriously to ensure your tattoo heals correctly. [6]
    • Write down the instructions they give you on a piece of paper or type them up on your phone so you don’t forget.
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  1. 1 Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily until the scabs are gone. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it’s fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. [7]
    • While moisturizing is important, be careful not to smother the tattoo in lotion or ointment—a thin layer is all you need.
    • Continue using an unscented mild soap when washing.
  2. 2 Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. As it heals, your tattoo will start to scab over, which is normal. Let the scabs dry out and fall off by themselves, and don’t speed up the process by picking or scratching at the scabs. This can cause the scabs to fall off too soon, which can leave holes or light spots on the tattoo. [8]
    • Dry, scabbing or peeling skin can become very itchy, but scratching at your tattoo may also cause scabs to fall off.
    • Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem.
  3. 3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. The harsh rays of the sun may cause your skin to blister and bleach some of the colors from your tattoo. For this reason, it is best to keep your tattoo covered and away from the sun for at least 3 to 4 weeks until the initial healing is complete. [9]
    • Once your tattoo is healed, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading.
  4. 4 Avoid soaking the tattoo in water. Until your tattoo is fully healed, don’t swim in a pool or the ocean. Avoid soaking in the bathtub as well. Exposing your tattoo to lots of water can pull the ink out of your skin and do damage to the tattoo’s appearance. The water may also be carrying dirt, bacteria, or other chemicals that can infect your tattoo. [10]
    • It will be safe to resume these activities once your tattoo is healed, but for now you should stick to rinsing your tattoo in the sink or shower.
  5. 5 Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your tattoo. Try not to wear tight or restrictive clothing on the area with your new tattoo, especially at first. As your tattoo heals, it will seep plasma and excess ink, which may cause the clothing to stick to the tattoo. The clothing will then be painful to remove and may rip off any freshly formed scabs. [11]
    • If your clothing does stick to your tattoo, do not pull! First wet the area with water, which should loosen the clothing to where it can be removed without damaging your tattoo.
    • Tight clothing will prevent enough oxygen from getting to your tattoo, and oxygen is essential for the healing process.
  6. 6 Wait for your tattoo to heal before doing strenuous workouts. If the tattoo covers a large surface area or is near your joints (such as elbows and knees), it may take longer to heal if the skin is forced to move around too much during physical activity. The movement will cause the skin to crack and become irritated, prolonging the healing process. [12]
    • If you work in a job that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, you may want to consider having your new tattoo done right before you have a day or 2 off so it has time to heal before you return to work.
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Can I wash my tattoo 2 times a day?

What do I need to do? – Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion. Gently rub the product into the tattoo area. DO NOT allow the area to dry but NEVER apply more than a thin layer of aftercare product at one time.

How often should you wash and moisturize a tattoo?

Should I apply lotion to my tattoo? What kind of tattoo care products do you recommend? – Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used! We recommend these fragrance-free, white cream lotions:  Aveeno , Curel , and Eucerin . Be warned: your favorite fragranced lotion is not a good option for moisturizing your tattoo – this can cause an excruciating burning sensation when applied to the tattoo, which is essentially an open wound. The fewer chemicals in the product, the better! Pure cocoa butter or shea butter is also popular for darker skin tones and is a fine option. There are some manufacturers who design products specifically for tattoo aftercare that work well for long-term care (such as Tattoo Goo , H2Ocean , and Hustle Butter ). Do NOT use aloe vera gel to moisturize, and we don’t recommend A&D ointment either, as the oil in these products can extract some of the ink from your tattoo.

Should I clean my new tattoo every day?

Disregard any advice from friends and family. We are licensed professionals and the proper healing of your new tattoo is very important to us. Your bandage should be worn for  1 to 2 hours. Thoroughly  wash your hands  and dry them with a paper towel before removing the bandage.

If you find that the bandage is stuck to your tattoo, try running the bandage under water. You DO NOT however, want to soak your fresh tattoo in ANY water to include but not limited to bathtubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and ponds.

These all have chemicals, dirt, and all kinds of nasties that can cause infection. Showers are fine-just NO SOAKING!             Using a mild, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, and Neutrogena); gently wash all excess blood, ointment,  ink, and plasma from your tattoo.

  1. Only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor  bacteria;
  2. If you are not sure which soap to use, read the ingredients;
  3. If alcohol is listed as one of the first few ingredients, DO NOT USE IT;

Soap with fragrance and alcohol will burn and can over-dry the skin. After washing the tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel. DO NOT use a hand or bath towel. Towels can harbor bacteria. DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. It needs to “breathe” and get air to heal properly.

Wash your tattoo  once or twice  a day for the duration of the healing time. Too much washing can wash away your body’s natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient.

For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma. This is completely normal. There is  NO NEED to use any ointment  on your tattoo. Most ointments are for fighting infection and are contributing to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, ointments can “suffocate” the tattoo by not letting enough air get to it which can cause excessive scabbing.

Ointments also lead to higher rates of dermatitis in tattoos. Before going to bed, wash your hands and wash your tattoo. Sleep in something old (yet clean) to cover the area that was tattooed. Most tattoos will ooze clear plasma the first night and this can stain and stick to clothing and sheets.

By the second or third day, your tattoo will start to dry out. It will start to flake like a sun burn. You will see large black and colored flakes coming off, especially in the shower. This is completely normal. DO NOT under any circumstances, pick or “help” these flakes come off.

Doing so will result in the loss of line and color in your tattoo as well as cause scarring. And YES, we can tell when someone has picked at their tattoo! In addition,  DO NOT wear tight clothing  that may rub the tattoo.

When your tattoo starts to flake and peel, you may then start using  1or 2 drops of fragrance-free hand lotion. Keri, and Curel are both good choices. Rub the lotion in completely  or blot excess off with a paper towel. If you unsure if the lotion you have at home will work, read the label.

If alcohol is near the top of the list of ingredients, then  DO NOT USE IT. You may also do a spot test if you are unsure. Rub just a small drop into a small section of the tattoo. If it starts to burn or sting in a couple of minutes, then wash it off immediately and discontinue using it.

Continue to use the above steps until your tattoo is completely healed. Healing time varies with each individual and the area that was tattooed. Generally, tattoos are  fully healed in two to three weeks. During the healing process,  DO NOT  use anything on your tattoo that you wouldn’t use on any other wound or abrasion.

This includes oils, glitter, sun block, etc. If you have special circumstances that require you to alter our advised healing method, please ask the artist or staff. An example would be someone that works in an industry where their fresh tattoo might be exposed to dirt, germs, etc.

while it is healing.

How many hours apart should I clean my tattoo?

Often it’s removed far too soon by those want to clean their new ink right away, or far too late by those who completely forget about it. In reality, you must wait a minimum of four to five hours before removing your initial bandage.

Can you wash tattoo too much?

Moisturize  – Washing your skin often, especially with antibacterial soap, can cause excessive drying. We want to avoid drying out our skin too much because dry skin heals slower than moisturized skin. Each time you’ve washed your tattoo, put your choice of moisturizing, fragrance-free lotion on the area.

Don’t use a lotion that you share or have dipped your fingers into many times. The best tattoo lotion I’ve ever personally used is a vegan aftercare product called  After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by keeping your tattoo really well hydrated but also by soothing any annoying itching and irritation.

When using it from the very start of the healing process, this lotion will help to decrease tattoo healing times and work towards eliminating any lingering dryness and scabbing. Ensure the area is completely dry before applying the lotion as you don’t want any water becoming trapped underneath it. How Many Times A Day Should I Clean My Tattoo A bubbling tattoo.

Can you over moisturize a tattoo?

Can You Over Moisturize a Tattoo? – Moisturizing your tattoo is a great way to improve the healing process and give you a vibrant, long-lasting tattoo. However, if you use too much moisturizer on your tattoo or don’t dry it thoroughly after washing, it could hinder the healing process.

  1. You can over-moisturize your tattoo, and this can lead to all kinds of issues;
  2. It can prolong the healing process and could even cause an infection;
  3. All of this can damage your tattoo and leave you with a less than perfect tattoo on your body that you have to live with for many years;

Your tattoo artist will discuss the tattoo aftercare regime with you before you leave the tattoo studio after getting your tattoo. They know what they’re talking about, so it’s best to listen and make sure that you understand what’s needed before leaving. How Many Times A Day Should I Clean My Tattoo This is FAR too much lotion and some should be blotted off with a paper towel.

What happens if you forget to clean your tattoo?

REGULAR TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS –

  • Wash thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap. Avoid scents, exfoliating beads, loofahs, washcloths; really anything abrasive.
  • Rinse, wash, repeat until it’s clean. The first wash is sometimes painful, but it’s SO IMPORTANT.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel or let your tattoo air dry.
  • Once dry, apply a very SMALL amount of moisturizing ointment. We recommend Redemption, Aquaphor, or basic white hand lotion.
  • Wash again 1-3 times a day. After each wash, apply a small amount of ointment.
  • After 3-5 days the tattoo will be flakey and may have scabbing.
  • At the 3-5 day mark, wash your tattoo once a day, and apply lotion 2-3 times a day – not ointment.
  • If it scabs, let the scabs do their thing – don’t pick, scratch, or bump any scabs.
  • After 2-3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed.

THINGS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS

  • Do not submerge in water. No swimming, no baths, no hot-tubs – showering is okay (please shower).
  • Do not scratch that itchy tattoo. Seriously. Instead try patting it or washing it and reapplying lotion.
  • Do not workout if the workout feels like it is pulling on or squeezing the tattoo.
  • Do not tan or spray tan.
  • Do not touch the tattoo (or let others touch the tattoo) with unwashed hands. Also, that’s just gross in general. Please wash your hands.

THINGS WORTH NOTING

  • Although performed in a clean environment with single use and/or sterile equipment, tattoos begin as open wounds and it is possible to get them infected. Touching your tattoo with unwashed hands increases your risk for infection. Avoid germy people/places/things.
  • In general bacteria enjoys a dark, warm, wet environment. Try not to provide that. Let your tattoo breathe, and don’t smother it in moisturizers.
  • If you see redness all around the tattoo and it is painful, please stop using any moisturizers, and call us so we can see the tattoo in person.
  • If you see just redness and tightness around a scabby area and no red around the rest of the tattoo, that is normal. Scabs shrink once formed/dry and can pull on surrounding skin.
  • If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more.
  • If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don’t worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.

What should you avoid after getting a tattoo?

How do I know my tattoo is healed?

You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.

Can I wear jeans 3 days after tattoo?

What Kind Of Clothes Should I Avoid After Getting Tattooed? – For the ladies out there; if the tattoo is placed in the chest/breast area, ladies should avoid wearing a bra, at least while at home. At work or outdoors, one can wear a looser-fitting bra, to avoid moisture build-up and putting pressure onto the tattoo.

Tight-fitting bras can make the area sweaty, but also restrict the airflow, which can trap moisture and lead to infections. If loose-fitting bras don’t do the job, then we advise the ladies to simply go braless.

For both, ladies and gentlemen, avoid wearing jeans and pants (with tight waistband), for tattoos placed on hips, gluteus area, thighs, intimate area, lower abdomen, lower or middle back. To avoid putting pressure and restricting airflow, avoid tight-fitting jeans and pants.

The same goes for leggings and skinny jeans. The best alternative is sweatpants, loose-fitting pants, or loose-fitting shorts. In the case of a foot tattoo, it is essential to go barefoot for as long as possible.

Socks are a no-go , since they’re tight-fitting, as well as boots, heels, strappy sandals, and tight-fitting footwear overall. If you do have to wear shoes, try to wear slides or flip-flops to avoid the shoes or socks rubbing against the tattoo. It is also important to avoid tight-fitting gym clothing, like leggings, tops, yoga pants, gymnastics clothing , etc.

Can clothes touch your new tattoo?

Avoid Tight Clothing –

One of the most important things you should do to go through a smooth recovery is to let your fresh tattoo breathe. As you can imagine, tight clothing prevents this from happening and can, consequently, cause damage to your tattoo. You are also exposing your tattoo to a plethora of risks, including infections caused by moisture (sweat). Rather than wearing tight clothes, opt for loose clothing, preferably made of cotton, to let your fresh piece breathe and heal properly.

  • .

    Should I let my tattoo dry out?

    – Tattoo dry healing is an acceptable part of a tattoo aftercare routine as long as you follow all other aftercare instructions closely. Not taking extra care of your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring. And if you’re concerned that dry healing won’t work for you, feel free to use a safe, chemical-free moisturizer to prevent any reactions or interactions with your skin or the tattoo ink.

    How long after a tattoo can I shower?

    Download Article Download Article You have a new tattoo, and you love it! Now you need to take proper care of it to keep your skin healthy and your tattoo looking nice. Because of the way the ink is applied, a fresh tattoo is an open wound, and you must take care to allow it to heal properly. Start by taking off the bandage the tattoo artist put on, and then clean your tattoo. You’ll need to follow the artist’s instructions for cleaning your tattoo 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks.

    1. 1 Listen to the tattoo artist about when to take off your bandage. Tattoos heal at different speeds, depending on things like your skin sensitivity and how big or deep the tattoo is. Your tattoo artist will tell you how long you should keep your bandage over your tattoo. [2]
      • If they don’t tell you, ask them.
      • When the artist finishes your tattoo, they will wash it off and treat it with an antiseptic. They will then apply a bandage to your tattoo, which will help keep bacteria away from it.
    2. 2 Wait 2-3 hours to take off the bandage if you’re not given a time period. If you forget to ask or can’t get a hold of the tattoo artist, a good waiting period is 2-3 hours. If your tattoo is really large, you can wait up to 6 hours. That gives your tattoo time to get over the initial shock before you shower.
      • Be sure to remove the bandage within the first day, as bacteria can breed in the moist environment underneath it. [3]
    3. 3 Remove the bandage applied by the tattoo artist before showering. Before touching the bandage, scrub your hands thoroughly. Wash them in warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds. Then, you can peel back the bandage that’s covering your tattoo. [4]
      • Don’t try to shower with the bandage in place. The water will soak into the bandage, and the bandage will hold it against your tattoo, which can introduce bacteria to it.
    4. 4 Take the bandage off in the shower if it’s sticking to your tattoo. Sometimes, the bandage will stick to the tattoo, which can be painful when you try to take it off. Run the bandage under indirect, warm water in the shower, which will help loosen the adhesive. Then move on to cleaning up your tattoo.
    1. 1 Wait up to 24 hours to shower. Talk to your tattoo artist about how long it’s best to wait. Generally, though, you can shower within the first 24 hours after getting your new ink.
      • Waiting 2 days gives your skin more time to form a barrier over the tattoo. [5]
    2. 2 Use lukewarm water. Hot water can make your tattoo sting, so it’s best to avoid it. Hot water too soon after getting a tattoo can also make you lose color from your tattoo, as it opens your pores, so it’s best to avoid it. [6]
      • Try running cold water on the tattoo for 30 seconds at the end of your shower to tighten your pores.
    3. 3 Turn the spray to gentle or keep your tattoo out of the spray. Don’t use a hard spray on your tattoo, as it can irritate it. If you only have a showerhead with a heavy spray, let the water run over the tattoo indirectly.
      • You can also use a clean cup or your hand to pour a gentle stream of water over your tattoo.

      EXPERT TIP Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist Keep your shower short, as well. When you first have a new tattoo, don’t take very long or very hot showers, and don’t take baths while it’s healing.

    4. 4 Use your hands to apply a mild, unscented soap to your tattoo. Any mild soap will do, including bar soap or liquid hand soap. You can use antibacterial soap if you prefer. Lather the soap in your hands, then apply it to the tattoo. [7]
      • Just rub it in gently with your fingers. Avoid using loofahs and sponges until the tattoo heals, as they can carry bacteria.
      • Your tattoo will likely have dried blood and other debris on it, which you need to remove. However, you should not scrub it, as that can irritate it.
    5. 5 Rinse the tattoo off gently with water. Once you rub the soap into your tattoo, pour water over it to rinse the soap off. If you need to, use your fingers to gently rub the soap off under the water. [8]
      • Hop out of the shower quickly. When in the shower, your tattoo comes in contact with steam, water, and soap. That can be painful and irritating for your tattoo, so avoid staying in the shower too long. Also, try to keep your tattoo out from under running water when washing the rest of your body for at least a week. [9]
    6. 6 Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel. Don’t rub the tattoo with the towel, as that could irritate it. Simply dab at the tattoo gently, until it’s dry. You may notice a little bit of blood, which is fine. [10]
      • You can use paper towels if you don’t have a newly cleaned towel on hand or if your usual bath towel leaves fibers on your skin. Dirty towels can introduce bacteria.
    1. 1 Wash your tattoo 3 times a day for the first week to keep it clean. While your tattoo is healing, you need to practice good hygiene to keep it from getting infected. Wash with a mild, unscented soap, and use your fingers to rub it in. Rinse it off gently with water. [11]
      • Pat it dry with a clean towel.
    2. 2 Use a moisturizing ointment on your tattoo once it’s dry. Pick one that’s scent-free and preferably hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate your tattoo. Gently rub it in with clean hands. [12]
      • Start with an ointment. You can try a lotion after a week or so.
    3. 3 Let your tattoo breathe by leaving the bandage off. Don’t re-bandage your tattoo once you’ve applied the moisturizer. You only need to keep a bandage on for the first day. After that, it’s better to let your tattoo get fresh air. [13]
    4. 4 Avoid getting in the tub while your tattoo is healing. Sitting a tub full of water can introduce bacteria to your tattoo. Stick to showers instead, which are less likely to introduce bacteria. [14]
    5. 5 Skip the swimming pool and lakes. Large bodies of water are teeming with bacteria, and you don’t want those bacteria getting in your tattoo. Wait until your tattoo is completely healed before you go swimming. [15]
      • Healing can take 45 days to 6 months, depending on the size and depth of your tattoo. [16]
      • You should also avoid going to the gym so that sweat and bacteria don’t build up on your skin.

    Add New Question

    • Question I just got a finger tattoo, how can I shower with that? Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Tattoo Artist Expert Answer You can shower regularly; just be careful. Finger tattoos are hard because they get wet so often
    • Question Will my tattoo peel if I wash it on the second day after getting it done? Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013. Tattoo Artist Expert Answer The tattoo shouldn’t peel on the second day. If you see peeling, it could be your ink coming out.

    Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit

    • If a bath is the only way you are able to wash yourself, take as brief a bath as possible and wash your tattoo afterward.
    • Don’t soak the tattoo in the ointment. Put it on lightly so your tattoo is still able to breathe.
    • Avoid letting your tattoo soak in water until it heals.

    What lotion is best for tattoos?

    Do tattoos get smaller as they heal?

    • “Should I clean my tattoo while it is still healing? How?”

    Yes. We recommend that you clean your tattoo once or twice a day during the healing process (which begins two hours after inking and ends once it has fully healed). To clean your tattoo correctly, moisten your hand with cold or lukewarm water, then gently rinse your tattoo with the SOOTHE & CLEAN cleanser.

    • “Can I shower while my tattoo is still healing?”

    Sure! You can (and should) shower during your tattoo’s healing process. Just make sure to cover your tattoo with some protective film, whether you take a shower or a bath. In any case, you should avoid immersing your new tattoo in water.

    • “Can I sunbathe while my tattoo is healing?”

    No. Sun exposure on your new tattoo is detrimental to healing. So make sure you don’t lay out in the sun for hours with your fresh tattoo in plain sight. Avoid going to the beach or sunbathing on your balcony and, of course, stay out of tanning beds. If you have to stay out in the sun for some reason, cover your tattoo with cotton cloths so that the sun’s rays won’t filter in (taking care not to irritate your skin).

    • “Can I go to the swimming pool while my tattoo is still healing? And immediately after that?”

    No. Your tattoo should not be immersed in water during the healing process, especially if the water contains foreign agents such as chlorine (or salt, if you’re swimming in the sea). Also, swimming pools are an ideal place for fungal and bacterial contamination: if you have an extensive wound like a tattoo, there may be some unpleasant consequences for your healing process.

    During the healing process, your tattoo may drain some blood, clear fluid or ink: these will come off by rubbing the area gently with your cleanser. This is not the case for scabs, which must not be removed: disinfect them with soap and never pick them off.

    So stay out of the swimming pool and your tattoo will look better. If your tattoo has healed after 7 days and you need to go to the swimming pool you can, but wear a layer of BEFORE INK , which creates a protective barrier and makes sure that your tattoo doesn’t get infected and chlorine doesn’t ruin it.

    • “How long will it take for my new tattoo to heal?”

    If you use the AFTER INK NATURE cream by Tattoo Defender, it will take 7 to 10 days for your tattoo to heal. It can take a bit longer for very large tattoos. However, be careful with dirt, dust, and sun exposure even the week after it has fully healed.

    • “Can I go to the beach while my tattoo is healing?”

    No. We highly recommend that you don’t go the beach with a fresh tattoo. Sand, sun, heat and salt water will disturb the healing process, so we advise that you go once it has fully healed. If you really have to go to the beach, be careful not to expose your new tattoo to the sun; also, cover it to protect it from the sand and avoid swimming.

    • “My tattoo is itchy. Can I scratch it?”

    No. Don’t scratch your tattoo! Scratching can cause damage exactly where you tattoo should heal. If it’s too itchy, clean it following the instructions described above; excessive itching could be caused by some irritation. However, some itching is normal, especially in summer.

    • “What clothes can I wear over my fresh tattoo? Will it stain my clothes?”

    If you are using AFTER INK NATURE by Tattoo Defender, you don’t need to use any cling film and your tattoo will not stain your clothes. We can’t tell for sure if you are using other products. In any case, wear cotton clothes (which are less likely to cause irritation) and let the tattoo breathe, so it will heal sooner.

    • “My new tattoo is scabbing. What should I do? Should I pick them off?”

    No. Scabs should never be pulled off until your tattoo has healed; picking them off during the healing process can ruin your tattoo forever. Keep in mind that if you are using AFTER INK NATURE  you will probably avoid scabbing and discharges. If you experience scabbing anyway, we recommend that you clean it as described above, without picking the scabs, which will crumble and fall off naturally – just be patient!

    • “I have very sensitive skin. Can I use Tattoo Defender products?”

    All Tattoo Defender products are dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, so you can use them safely. Also, our skincare products are free of parabens, titanium oxides and any type of metal, and they are not tested on animals.

    • “I have a new tattoo on my arm and I work in a dusty or dirty environment. What should I do?”

    If you work in a dusty environment or spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need to protect your fresh tattoo with long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts or long cotton trousers (making sure they are not tight). If you cannot take these precautions, soften the affected area with a thin layer of AFTER INK  NATURE , then cover it with cling film but be careful to keep the wrap for the shortest possible time.

    • “I have a new tattoo on my feet and I work in a dirty or dusty environment. What can I do?”

    As with your forearm and calf, you will need to protect your tattoo from dust and dirt; this is also why we recommend that you soften the affected area with a thin layer of AFTER INK NATURE , covering it with cling film to avoid direct contact between your shoe (or sock) and the affected area. This will prevent any scabs to be rubbed off. If possible, try to leave your tattoo uncovered, so it will heal faster.

    • “Is it normal for my tattoo to bleed a little in the first 24 hours?”

    Yes, it’s normal. Healing time is highly subjective; in any case, if there are still traces of blood after two days, contact your tattoo artist. Usually it’s nothing serious.

    • “Is it normal to see traces of ink while I clean my tattoo?”

    Yes, it’s normal. It’s dead skin mixed with ink, which heals in contact with the air and forms a coloured scab.

    • “My tattoo and the area around is swollen… what is happening?”

    It is quite normal. It depends on your skin type and your type of tattoo; it will usually disappear within a couple of days. Do not hesitate to contact your tattoo artist if you have any doubts.

    • “I think I didn’t follow all recommendations, and now I have some redness and pus coming out of my tattoo. What can I do now?”

    Talk to your tattoo artist, physician or your pharmacist before you take any action; they will give you the right advice. This short guide will show you how to keep your tattoos looking beautiful and vibrant, and what you should not do. Have you decided to get a tattoo? If you went to a trusted tattoo artist who used the best materials and met all hygiene standards, your tattoo will look perfect… But what happens next? The destiny of your tattoo is in your hands.

    Once you’re done at the pool, rinse your tattoo with some antibacterial soap and apply AFTER INK NATURE  by Tattoo Defender. Keep in mind that your skin should not get irritated for any reason. In any case, don’t touch your fresh tattoo with dirty hands – always wash them first.

    It’s a bit like a work of art; it is up to the owner to preserve it as best as possible and to keep it from ageing badly with time. First, you will need effective aftercare (for more information, see our tattoo aftercare guide). After that, you will have to keep it beautiful over time with specific actions. What to do:

    • Choose the body place where you want to get tattooed carefully. Your body will change with time – wrinkles, cellulite or stretch marks are visible signs of ageing. A tattoo on your wrists, feet, ankles, calves (and your biceps and back, to a lesser extent) is less likely to change over time. The same cannot be said for tattoos on the buttocks, thighs and stomach.
    • Check your skin type carefully. On some skin types, such as very pale skins or skins with lots of moles, tattoos tend to lose their definition quickly because these skin types have a soft structure that tends to change in its layers.
    • Choose a professional tattoo artist. If you want a long-lasting tattoo, you need to make sure that your tattoo artist uses high-quality ink that meets all safety standards. Quality ink is the only way to get a tattoo that will keep looking good over time; if you choose an improvised tattoo artist who uses poor quality ink, your tattoo will fade in just a few months.
    • Pick dark colours. Beyond the type of ink used, keep in mind that the darker the colour, the longer it will stay dark. Black tattoos tend to stand the test of time better than colour tattoos. Tattoos made with lighter colours (which are used to create a greater contrast, for example) such as yellow, orange, white and pink, last half the time.
    • Avoid chlorine. We are sorry to inform pool lovers that chlorinated water causes tattoos to fade. This is why you may want to stay out of chlorinated water as much as possible to keep your tattoo looking vibrant over time. In any case, you can still go to the pool sometimes if you feel like you really want to.
    • Stay hydrated. A tattoo is an integral part of our body and changes its shape and appearance over time: it will stretch and shrink, until it looks faded. As years go by, our skin becomes drier, tattoos become duller and the edges undefined. Hydration is the answer to these problems: proper hydration of tattooed skin increases the size of the pigmented cells, increasing their visibility from the outside.

      If you don’t follow these tips you may have to touch up your tattoo, which will double the money you have to spend (and the pain you have to feel). To sum it up, the more your skin is hydrated, the more beautiful and vibrant your tattoo will look.

      Conversely, if your skin is dry, chapped, with thick layers of dead skin cells, your tattoo will look duller and the edges will become less defined. INK REVITALIZER is an excellent moisturiser.

    • Sun and tanning beds are your tattoo’s worst enemies!  Sun and UV rays tend to try the skin, damaging its more superficial layers and making tattoos look less defined. This is why it is advisable to always protect your tattoo with a specific high SPF sunscreen (see our ” SUNNY SIDE ” lotion) before exposing your skin to the sun. If you don’t take these precautions, you may end up having greyish, dull and blurred tattoos (as happens to many old lifeguards, sailors and outdoor workers, who work in the sun without wearing any sunscreen).

    To keep your tattoo looking bold and beautiful over time, you can also use our INK REVITALIZER cream. This cream has a dual  function: first of all, it uses a moisturising ingredient to keep skin cells plump and improve tattoo visibility; secondly, it contains Chromocare™, a patented excipient used in skincare products for treating skin discolourations such as vitiligo.

    This excipient acts on cromophores, the cells responsible for skin colour. Chromophores are activated by Chromocare and make the skin more reactive to the ink, making your tattoo look brighter and bolder.

    Also,  INK REVITALIZER  contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which make your skin healthier and more elastic over time, making your tattoo last longer..

    What happens if you forget to clean your tattoo?

    REGULAR TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS –

    • Wash thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap. Avoid scents, exfoliating beads, loofahs, washcloths; really anything abrasive.
    • Rinse, wash, repeat until it’s clean. The first wash is sometimes painful, but it’s SO IMPORTANT.
    • Pat dry with a clean towel or let your tattoo air dry.
    • Once dry, apply a very SMALL amount of moisturizing ointment. We recommend Redemption, Aquaphor, or basic white hand lotion.
    • Wash again 1-3 times a day. After each wash, apply a small amount of ointment.
    • After 3-5 days the tattoo will be flakey and may have scabbing.
    • At the 3-5 day mark, wash your tattoo once a day, and apply lotion 2-3 times a day – not ointment.
    • If it scabs, let the scabs do their thing – don’t pick, scratch, or bump any scabs.
    • After 2-3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed.

    THINGS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS

    • Do not submerge in water. No swimming, no baths, no hot-tubs – showering is okay (please shower).
    • Do not scratch that itchy tattoo. Seriously. Instead try patting it or washing it and reapplying lotion.
    • Do not workout if the workout feels like it is pulling on or squeezing the tattoo.
    • Do not tan or spray tan.
    • Do not touch the tattoo (or let others touch the tattoo) with unwashed hands. Also, that’s just gross in general. Please wash your hands.

    THINGS WORTH NOTING

    • Although performed in a clean environment with single use and/or sterile equipment, tattoos begin as open wounds and it is possible to get them infected. Touching your tattoo with unwashed hands increases your risk for infection. Avoid germy people/places/things.
    • In general bacteria enjoys a dark, warm, wet environment. Try not to provide that. Let your tattoo breathe, and don’t smother it in moisturizers.
    • If you see redness all around the tattoo and it is painful, please stop using any moisturizers, and call us so we can see the tattoo in person.
    • If you see just redness and tightness around a scabby area and no red around the rest of the tattoo, that is normal. Scabs shrink once formed/dry and can pull on surrounding skin.
    • If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more.
    • If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don’t worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.

    When can I stop washing my tattoo with antibacterial soap?

    How Many Times A Day Should I Clean My Tattoo You should never stop washing your new tattoo with soap. After the tattoo has healed, you should continue to wash it just as you would any other piece of skin on your body. That being said, you can definitely ease up on your tattoo cleansing routine as soon as the area has fully healed. This is the point in which germs and bacteria will no longer be able to successfully infiltrate the wound. As part of the healing process, you can stop washing your tattoo with soap after:

    • The tattooed area has completely finished scabbing and peeling
    • Your artist has confirmed it’s ok to do so
    • Your doctor has advised you to stop

    Why is my tattoo coming off?

    – Peeling is a normal and expected part of tattoo healing. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis , or the outer layer of skin, and the dermis, which lies beneath. This process creates thousands of small wounds that damage skin cells. Tattoos usually take about 2 weeks to heal, but it can take longer for the skin to fully recover.

    • Peeling usually occurs a few days after getting the tattoo, as the skin begins to heal and regenerate itself;
    • The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells;
    • As the skin exfoliates itself, a layer of dead skin cells and ink pigment peels off, allowing new cells to grow;

    Although some peeling is normal, excessive peeling could indicate a problem, especially if there are symptoms of infection and inflammation.

    How do I know my tattoo is healed?

    You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.