Why Is My Tattoo Fading After Peeling?
Most ink aficionados dream away the incessant buzz of machines at the tattoo shop, head bursting with color and bold lines. Post-session, you can’t help but blink in awe at the vibrant reds and blues on your brand-new skin canvas and can’t wait to show it off.
In a few days, your tattoo begins to dull. What was once sunshine yellow is now strange, dreary mustard, and every line looks as if it was drawn on in pencil. Before you head back to the parlor for a retouch, first get to know the different aftercare stages—they could be the culprit! As your tattoo scabs and peels, it will typically appear flat and faded.
Remember, you’re donning an open wound, and your skin is likely to shed its damaged cells to restore its protective layer. These damaged cells will rest on the skin temporarily, creating a translucent and milky appearance. If you’re braving the needle for the first time, don’t be alarmed to find that your tattoo looks years older than you expect it to—it’s just riding the waves of the healing process. During this process, you may encounter the following symptoms:
- Discharge and Redness
After your session, a reputable tattoo artist will wrap your new piece in a medical-grade bandage. Upon removal, your tattoo may leak plasma, and the skin will appear red. Expect your tattoo to seep, and don’t jump the gun—it isn’t gangrene.
- Itching
Yes—a tattoo hurts. It also itches. Late into the first or early into the second week of the healing process, your tattoo is going to itch and flake. Avoid scratching, as the dirt under your nails can deposit bacteria and cause an infection. Instead, apply a gentle lotion over the area to numb the itching sensation.
- Peeling
After week two of the aftercare process, your damaged epidermis will begin to peel. Upon flaking off, it’ll regenerate new skin cells—but worry not, your tattoo won’t peel along with it! Your tattoo will usually restore its vibrancy after the healing stages. However, if it retains a milky sheen, you could be experiencing one of the following.
- Leeching Ink
Depending on how dedicated you are to your aftercare regimen, a little bit of pigment may leak out of your skin. Leeching ink is particularly the case if you pick at your peeling tattoo. Alternatively, an inexperienced artist may apply the ink at the wrong depth. Pro tip: always book your appointment with a licensed shop.
- Desaturated Color
A dependable artist will saturate the appropriate amount of pigment into the skin to prevent the tattoo from looking dull or toned down. If there’s a stage of the healing process most ink enthusiasts dread, it’s the peeling phase. However, some may peel at a later time or not experience visual symptoms at all. If such is the case, don’t attempt to “induce” the peeling by picking at your skin.
- Depending on the size, placement, and overall design of your tattoo, it may undergo one to three weeks of healing;
- No one type of skin or complexion will heal identically to another;
- Remember, penetrating the skin a thousand times per minute means it’s going to attempt to recover—and it may not always look pretty;
For a tattoo artist you can depend on in Buffalo, NY, book your appointment with Lucky Deville Tattoo Co. Our experienced artists are dedicated to enhancing your skin canvas and ensuring that your piece remains vibrant over the years..
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Are tattoos supposed to fade after peeling?
In Conclusion – Your tattoo shouldn’t lose color and fade if it’s peeling. The only caveat that we apply here is that this will only happen if you allow your tattoo to heal without any interference. Be sure to go with a reputable parlor and a highly skilled artist to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Is it normal for tattoos to look faded while healing?
Because we’re a skincare company for the tattooed, we often get questions about the tattoo healing process. A tattoo is essentially an open wound, and but it’s a little different in the sense that this particular wound was most likely expensive, plus there’s ink in the wound, and we want that ink to stay put, heal beautifully and ensure both our investment and our skin is protected.
- Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to healing;
- And as you’re reading please note that if you have a question or concern about your healing tattoo, listen to your artist, or consult with a medical professional to ensure you’re getting the best advice for your healing ink;
How long does it take a tattoo to heal? It depends on the person and the location of the tattoo. Sometimes a tattoo can look healed on the surface but the layers under the skin are still being repaired. Two months is on the longer spectrum of healing time by most standards, but it’s a good rule of thumb to make extra sure your skin has fully healed — we say this because products with SPF can irritate healing skin, so the two-month mark is a good rule of thumb to be extra-sure your skin has fully recovered.
- My tattoo is peeling and itching;
- Is that normal? Yes! It’s perfectly normal for a tattoo to peel like a sunburn — and itch like a sunburn;
- Make sure you resist the temptation to scratch or peel off the skin as that can pull out your ink;
Rather, let the skin flake off on its own. To help with this maddeningly itchy, peeling phase, our Tattoo Goo Lotion has an ingredient called Panthenol that helps relieve the itch. You can learn more about our lotion here. The skin that is peeling is colored like the tattoo—is my tattoo coming off? No, this is a natural part of a healing tattoo.
The top layer of dead skin has been colored or dyed during the tattooing process. That outer layer will fall off revealing the fresh skin underneath. My tattoo looks like it’s fading. Is that normal? A tattoo is VERY bright when it is first completed but during the healing process, it starts to look discolored and dull.
Don’t worry, when the tattoo is finished healing, the color will come back. My tattoo is scabbing. Is that normal? Yes! Scabbing is typically normal and happens during the healing process of a tattoo. Just like any open wound, your body is creating its natural defense to guard it against infection while the skin underneath repairs itself.
- If the skin does scab, it’s very important that you don’t pick or pull at the scabs since that can pull out your ink and in some extreme cases, lead to scarring;
- What causes scabbing with a tattoo? Like with any open wound, your body responds by producing plasma A lack of moisture can also cause scabbing;
The philosophy behind all Tattoo Goo products revolves around the importance of replacing the moisture that’s lost in the skin during the tattooing process. By doing this, it can help prevent scabbing as well as speed up healing time. My tattoo seems to be losing ink.
It is runny, wet and it looks like the ink is coming out. What should I do? It sounds like the tattoo is leaching. When too much aftercare is applied, the body will naturally try to push whatever is on top off so it can breathe.
Wash the tattoo off and pat it dry. Do not put anything on it for one day. After that, start using Tattoo Goo® Lotion around three times a day—be sure not to over apply. Continue using the lotion until it heals completely. It may scab a bit, but do not pick the scabs—let them fall off naturally.
Can I wash my tattoo? Yes, you should wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with a product such as Tattoo Goo® Deep Cleansing Soap. Do not use a washcloth, use only your hands, gently wash off the tattoo and pat it dry.
Let it air dry for 10-15 minutes before applying aftercare. It is important that it is completely dry before applying aftercare. Do not soak the tattoo in water, swim, etc. until the tattoo is completely healed. Should I re-bandage my tattoo? No, once you’ve taken off the original bandage, you should not re-bandage your tattoo.
The tattooed skin needs to breathe in order to heal faster and more effectively. Can I use sunscreen on my tattoo while it is healing? Sunscreen should not be used on a healing tattoo as it has many chemicals that can cause adverse reactions.
You should keep the tattoo out of the sun until it is completely healed. Most artists recommend two weeks or more. After it is healed, you should always use sunscreen, such as Tattoo Goo Renew® SPF 50+ if your tattoo is going to be exposed. Tattoo Goo® Salve and Lotion contain no sunscreen.
Why does my tattoo look like it’s missing ink?
You’ve recently had your first tattoo, and you’re doing everything your artist told you to do, following their instructions to the letter. But to your horror, you can see that the ink is coming off as you shower! Is this normal or is it the tattoo not healing properly?! – The quick answer is that yes, it’s perfectly normal for ink to come away as a tattoo heals.
Ink is driven deep into the skin by the tattoo needles, but some will be on the surface of the skin, and some others will collect in scabs above the tattoo. It is normal for some of this excess ink to be lost as the body tried to repair the wound that the needles made in your skin.
There will still be enough ink for your tattoo to look bright and intense, if you follow instructions carefully. Just remember to blot tattoos dry with a paper towel, rather than rubbing with a cotton one, and wear loose clothes over it, rather than anything tight.
Why did my tattoo fade so fast?
There are numerous reasons a tattoo may fade or become misshapen over the course of a lifetime. Among them, Wesley says, are the location of the tattoo, the color and type of pigment, sun exposure, and smoking.
How do I keep my tattoo black?
What happens if you over moisturize a tattoo?
Why Tattoo Is Fading After 1 Week?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
Are tattoo touch ups free?
How Much are Touch-Ups? – Many reputable artists will guarantee their work and throw in a touch-up free of charge. However, doing without proper aftercare can void your “warranty. ” If you’re neglecting your tattoo against your artist’s recommendation, you’ll likely have to shoulder the price of a touch-up yourself.
- How much it will set you back will depend on the size and complexity of your piece;
- Some artists will consider the amount of work that will go into giving your ink a makeover;
- However, a touch-up should be only a fraction of the price of your ink;
Even free of charge, leave your artist a generous tip. No matter how small, your touch-up will still require equipment, ink, and time.
Is it normal to lose some ink from a new tattoo?
Why Is Ink Leaking Out Of My New Tattoo? Is It Normal? – First and foremost, having ink leaking and dripping out of your tattoo for a couple of days after getting it is completely normal and absolutely nothing to worry about. If you choose a good, experienced tattoo artist, they will generally try to pack as much ink into your skin as they can.
This is to ensure as much ink sets properly within your skin as possible, making sure that the coloring and shading remain solid and evenly distributed once healing is complete. Tattoo artists attempt to do this because the human body will naturally try to reject the ink and get rid as much of it as possible, and this sometimes leads to small amounts of the ink getting taken away by our body’s immune systems and destroyed.
Therefore, the more ink that is tightly packed into the skin, the more likely that enough will be left in place, where it’s intended to be. If instead, an artist did the opposite and failed to ‘fill up’ your skin with ink, then it’s likely the tattoo may heal patchy and faded.
Normally, when an artist has packed so much ink into your skin, it is slightly more than what your body can handle. Therefore, throughout the coming days once your tattoo has been completed, your body will begin to try and push out excess ink, and this process is further magnified by the fact that your tattoo will also continue to ooze blood and plasma for a couple of days.
As the blood and plasma rise to the surface of the skin as your body begins the healing process, these fluids will get mixed with the excess ink that happens to be sitting in the upper layers of skin, and will naturally flush some of this out. In fact, it normally looks like there is much more ink coming out of your skin than what there actually is due to the fact that the ink is diluting in with various other bodily fluids as they seep out from your skin. 
This leaking generally goes on for a couple of days after getting tattooed, although if you’re currently taking any blood thinning medication or suffer from any blood clotting or immune system disorders, it may take slightly longer for the blood and ink to stop leaking from the area.
Why can I see my skin through my tattoo?
Why Do New Tattoos Look Patchy? – The thing you’ve got to understand is that a new tattoo is really just an open wound. It’s an area of your skin that’s been subjected to repeated trauma over a matter of hours and days. After a week or so, your tattoo will begin to scab and peel, and this is when a tattoo can start to look patchy.
- Some of the old, dead skin will have fallen off, making way for the sharp, crisp ink in the lower layers of skin to show through;
- Meanwhile, some areas will still be holding onto the old, dry skin, which obscures the ink below;
It’s this difference in new and old skin that gives the illusion that the tattoo has become patchy. However, what you’ve got to remember is that your tattoo is more than likely fine. In reality, it’s not your tattoo that’s looking patchy and faded, it’s the thick layer of scabbing that’s starting to pull away from the newly regenerated skin below.
Does lotion keep tattoos from fading?
Download Article Download Article Tattoos are a cool form of artistic expression, a fashion statement, and a unique image you get to wear on your skin all the time. You may wonder how you can keep your tattoos looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come, especially in the summer months when you can show them off in all their glory. To stop your tattoos from fading, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen as well as clean and maintain them properly.
- 1 Use a dye- and fragrance-free moisturizer. Fragrances may make moisturizers smell good, but they will can cause skin irritation and slow down healing. Check that the moisturizer has no chemicals or preservatives, as these can break down the color in your tattoos. Keeping your tattoos moist can prevent them from fading.
- Look for a dye-free, fragrance-free moisturizer at your local drugstore or online.
- 2 Get a cream sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. The sun is one of the biggest causes of fading for tattoos. Protect your tattoos from the sun by using a cream-based sunscreen rather than a spray, powder, or oil, as they may not spread properly on your skin.
- Make sure it has broad spectrum protection against UV/UVA and UVB rays. It should also contain zinc or titanium dioxide for maximum protection against the sun.
- If you are fair-skinned, use a higher SPF, such as SPF 30 or 60, on your tattoos.
- Use a waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go swimming.
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- 3 Apply a thin layer of moisturizer and sunscreen once a day. Do not glob on a thick layer of lotion or sunscreen on your tattoos, as this can drain out the color. Instead, apply a thin layer of moisturizer, followed by a thin layer of sunscreen. Do this once a day, or multiple times a day if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. [1]
- Get into the habit of moisturizing your tattoos in the morning or evening so they stay fresh and bright.
- Do not go into the sun without first applying sunscreen to your tattoos, especially if they are new.
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 The color and placement of your tattoo might affect how quickly it fades. White and yellow tattoos tend to fade the fastest, but it also depends on where the tattoo is. If the tattoo is on your hand or finger, for instance, it might fade as fast as 6 weeks.
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- 1 Wash your tattoos with antibacterial soap once daily. Use soap that does not contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
- If your tattoo is new and still healing, make sure you wash it well twice a day with the soap for the first few weeks.
- 2 Use a tattoo brightening cream once a day. Look for a brightening cream that contains natural products like vitamin E, lavender oil, and other essential oils. Make sure the cream does not contain bleach or any other harsh chemicals that can damage your skin and your tattoo.
- Some tattoo brightening creams will take time to work effectively, usually a few weeks to one month. If you do not see results after one month, you may want to try a different brand.
- 3 Keep makeup, oil, and chemicals away from your tattoos. Avoid applying these products directly on your tattoos, as they can irritate your skin and fade the coloring of your art. Make sure you wash your tattoos if they appear oily or have come in contact with makeup or chemicals so they stay clean and fresh. [2]
- If you do end up applying makeup to your tattoos to cover them up temporarily, use antibacterial soap to remove the makeup and moisturize your tattoos with lotion right away.
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- 1 Stay out of direct sun as much as possible. Exposing your tattoos to direct sunlight can drain out the color and fade them. Try to spend the least amount of time possible in direct sunlight, especially if your tattoo is new and still healing.
- Wear long sleeves or pants if you go outside in the sunlight to keep your tattoos covered.
- Always put sunscreen on your tattoos to protect them if you go outdoors in the sunlight.
- 2 Avoid pools, hot tubs, and long baths. Pools and hot tubs contain chemicals that can fade your tattoos. Soaking in a bath can also cause your tattoos to fade over time. Take light showers and do not scrub hard at your tattoos, as this can potentially damage them.
- Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and long baths is especially important when you first get your tattoo, as they can impede skin healing.
- 3 Maintain a stable weight to prevent stretching or fading. If you have tattoos on your stomach, arms, legs, or chest, they may stretch or fade if you gain or lose significant weight in these areas. Stay fit and at the same weight by working out regularly and eating healthy so your tattoos are not at risk of becoming warped. [3]
- If you have tattoos on your hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and the back of your neck, they may not be affected by weight gain or weight loss.
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Why does my tattoo look faded after a week?
Why Tattoos Look Dull While Healing – During the healing stage, your tattoo is more than likely to appear dull or faded. It usually occurs around the scabbing and peeling phases, and is a result of the repeated poking and damage caused by the needles.
- The tattooing process prompts your body to kill off and shed the damaged skin cells, while it regenerates brand new skin over the tattooed area;
- As this old, damaged layer of skin dies, it sits on the surface for a while, forming a translucent layer over your tattoo, giving it a faded, milky appearance;
If this is your first tattoo, it’s only normal to feel alarmed or disappointed, however, it should regain its vibrant look within a month or two (some tattoos, especially larger ones, can even shed their skin twice). While it can take some time for your tattoo to look completely clean and sharp, be rest assured that the dullness will dissipate over time as more and more dead skin continues to flake away.
