Aftercare

How to Properly Care for Your Tattoo

Please note, while this is just one approach to tattoo aftercare, we believe it’s the most effective!

Key Tattoo Care Guidelines:

1. Avoid Physical Damage: Never scratch, pick, or slap your tattoo. Don’t rub dirt into it, and definitely don’t let animals lick it! We’ve seen it all, and trust us—none of these are good for healing.

2. Sun Exposure: The sun is your tattoo’s worst enemy, especially during the healing process. Its intense UV rays can damage the skin and cause fading. Stay away from the beach, tanning beds, saunas, and avoid swimming in pools or oceans during healing.

3. Vitamin D3 Consideration: If you’re heavily tattooed (especially with a full body suit), your skin produces less Vitamin D3. You’ll likely need to take Vitamin D3 supplements regularly. Even without tattoos, if you’re not in the sun for at least an hour a day with plenty of skin exposed, consider supplementing. This applies to most people, not just those with tattoos.

4. Exercise: Avoid sports or strenuous physical activity for at least 5-7 days. Excessive movement and sweating can hinder the healing process.

5. Clothing: Don’t wear tight or abrasive clothing over your fresh tattoo. Avoid fabrics that shed, like wool, and steer clear of synthetic materials. Opt for loose-fitting, black 100% cotton shirts or T-shirts. For leg tattoos, long cotton underwear can help protect the area. The key is to use breathable, natural fabrics.

6. Healing Time: Typically, healing takes 4-14 days. Your tattoo should develop a light, peeling layer of skin—similar to a minor sunburn—without thick scabbing. Any excess color will flake off naturally. Line work tattoos are easier to care for, while shading and colored tattoos require more attention.

Detailed Tattoo Aftercare Routine:

 When You Get Home:
– Remove the cling film that covers your tattoo.
– Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.
– Clean the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild shower gel. Showers are essential and beneficial. You should clean your tattoo up to 4 times a day, but not more.
– Pat dry the area with a clean towel – never rub it.
– Let the tattoo air out briefly to allow additional drying.
– Apply a thin layer of antiseptic cream like Bepanthen or another tattoo-specific cream with Dexpanthenol as an active ingredient. Apply a moderate layer—neither too thick nor too thin.

First 2-3 Days:
– After each wash, reapply fresh cling film, keeping it on for 12-hour periods (with the cream underneath). Repeat this washing and wrapping process as needed. Keeping the tattoo clean is crucial—it helps the skin renew itself. The cling film protects the tattoo from sticking to clothing or bedsheets.

After 3 Days:
– Stop using cling film. At this point, the skin has begun to renew itself, and the tattoo needs to breathe.
– Continue washing and moisturizing your tattoo 2-4 times a day with cream.

Long-Term Care:
– Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen with SPF 40 or higher, ideally from organic stores with natural ingredients. Many big-brand sunscreens contain harmful chemicals, so it’s worth being selective. Alternatively, invest in SPF 50+ long-sleeve swimwear for full sun protection without needing sunscreen.

Finally, don’t rely on advice from random people or self-proclaimed tattoo “experts” – always reach out to us first if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help!

By following this routine, you’ll ensure your tattoo heals well and remains vibrant for years to come.