You should wash a new tattoo 2-3 times a day during the first few days (days 1-3), then reduce to once or twice a day as it starts to heal (days 4-7), using lukewarm water, mild, fragrance-free soap, and patting it dry with a clean paper towel, to prevent infection and over-drying. More frequent washing isn't better and can hinder healing, so focus on keeping it clean without scrubbing or soaking it.
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.
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.
After 3 days, your tattoo should show reduced redness and swelling. It will appear slightly dry with a thin film forming over it. Some clear fluid and ink may still seep out, but significantly less than the first day. The colors will appear bright but may have a shiny, tight feeling.
You want the moisturizer to absorb into the skin, not sit on top of it. Using a small amount of ointment helps avoid blocking air circulation, which is essential for healing. Remember to always clean the tattoo before applying any ointment or lotion.
Apply a water-based lotion or cream to your tattoo to keep it moisturized — it's never a good idea to leave your fresh new ink susceptible to dryness. “Moisture will help the skin to heal faster and keep scabs from forming,” Dr. Sra says.
A fresh tattoo is effectively a wound, so it's important to keep it clean in order to avoid infection. “It will need to be cleaned regularly, particularly in the first 24-48 hours”.
Over-moisturizing your tattoo can cause the ink color to fade. It can also cause the ink to spread, making the tattoo appear more blurred. These changes can make your tattoo look less vibrant and more sloppy. After you get a tattoo, your tattoo artist will likely provide you with clear aftercare instructions.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
Your Brand New Tattoo – What Not to Do While It Is Healing
Why is my new tattoo fading after just a few days? It's not unusual for your new tattoo to appear to fade shortly after application. During the healing phase, the top layer of skin may dry out and flake, causing the tattoo to look dull or less vibrant. This is a normal reaction as your skin begins to heal.
Depending on the size and location of your tattoo, it will take around four weeks to completely heal, and showering too soon may be painful and cause further irritation or infection. Think of it this way, would you expose a fresh wound, uncovered and raw, to hot water or hard pressure in a shower? Probably not!
Yes. Washing any part of your body too much can lead the skin to be dry and to crack, especially when using antibacterial soap. Your new tattoo is healing, so avoid over-washing and apply fragrance-free, tattoo-approved moisturizer if that tattoo looks dry or the skin feels uncomfortably dry and itchy.
Artist-approved balms like Hustle Butter or After Inked, light lotions like Lubriderm or Aveeno, and gentle cleansers like H2Ocean are proven favorites. Avoid heavy petroleum, fragrances, and alcohol. With the right aftercare supplies, your tattoo will heal clean, vibrant, and long-lasting.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Your goal with moisturizer is to keep your tattoo hydrated but making sure your skin can still breathe. Remember that over-moisturizing can cause your tattoo to hold in bacteria and can cause it to fade or bubble.
Bepanthen is one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for many tattoo artists and studios. Typically used as a nappy rash ointment, Bepanthen has been around for a long time, and its gentle formula is used to treat babies with irritated skin.
Let your tattoo air-dry or gently pat it dry with a clean cloth. Apply fragrance-free lotion after each wash to keep your tattoo moisturized. Wash your tattoo until it is fully healed, typically within 2 to 4 weeks. Proper washing does not fade tattoos; it helps prevent infections and promotes healing.
Days 4 to 6:
The redness should start to fade, and light new skin will be noticeable over the tattoo. If scabs form, do not pick at them as it can cause scarring and damage your tattoo.
How to Speed Up Your Tattoo Recovery?
Once a day in the shower is usually enough clean for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten days of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dried out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne-like breakouts.
After getting a tattoo, avoid picking or scratching it, submersion in water, tight clothing, and exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid harsh products, including scented soaps, petroleum jelly, and medicated ointments, unless your artist or dermatologist recommends them.