After 2 weeks, a tattoo is usually past the initial wound stage, with most scabbing and peeling done, revealing a dull or cloudy-looking layer of new skin; it might still feel dry and itchy as deeper healing continues, but the surface looks mostly healed, though colors can seem less vibrant until the skin fully settles over the next few weeks/months. You should still avoid sun, submerging in water, and picking, but can switch from ointment to a light, unscented lotion to keep it hydrated.
There's a mostly translucent layer of skin that takes anywhere from an extra week to a month to finish healing. After that has come and gone, you'll notice your tattoo looking more bold; however, it will not be as dark as it was when first inked.
After the tattoo has healed, it is usually suggested to moisturise for 2 weeks to one month. In most cases, ointments are best used in the early phases of the healing process (2 first weeks). Ointments are high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. For the rest of the healing process, a lotion is ideal.
After 1-2 weeks, the skin starts to flake and peel. This phase is crucial; the peeling often reveals the final appearance of the tattoo. It's normal for colors to appear less vibrant during this stage.
During stage three, your new tattoo may appear dull, faded, or slightly milky as the outer layer of dry skin continues to peel away. This phase can last an additional 2 weeks or so. Although your tattoo may look like it's losing color, this is totally normal and part of the natural healing process.
Swimming should be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed, which usually takes about two to four weeks. Submerging a fresh tattoo in water can increase the risk of infection and affect the ink's vibrancy.
To keep skin from cracking, moisturize your ink after each wash and a few times throughout the day. This will also help keep tattoo peeling at a minimum. According to Glodny, newer recommendations for tattoos include the application of a "second skin" layer to your tattoo, which is kept on the tattoo for up to a week.
Avoid abrasive soaps or loofahs and hot showers, and allow your tattoo to fully heal for 3-4 weeks before swimming or taking a bath. If you make sure to gently clean and rinse your tattoo and avoid submerging it in the bath, pool or ocean, you'll keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come and avoid bacterial infection.
Keeping your tattooed skin hydrated is the best thing you can do to keep its vibrancy. After you thoroughly cleanse the area, it's time to moisturize with a moisturizer formulated for tattooed skin. Moisturizing with lotion helps nourish the ink and prevent dryness and premature fading.
Lasers heat up the ink particles in your skin to break them down into smaller particles, which are easier for your immune system to remove. It can take multiple laser therapy sessions to remove a tattoo.
A good sign is if you start to see a rash, pimples, or the tattoo is bubbling from trapped moisture. Also, when putting lotion/moisturizer on, if your skin is looking shiny or wet, then you are over moisturizing. You only need a thin layer and you can pat, don't rub, away excess with a clean paper towel.
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.
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.
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.
The healing time for a tattoo can range from two to four weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Individual healing times may vary based on skin type and overall health of the tattoo wearer. If this is your first tattoo, here's what you can expect during the healing process.
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.
Protect from sunlight: UV rays from the sun are one of the primary causes of tattoo fading. Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to your tattoos before going to the sun. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're spending an extended period outdoors.
Once your tattoo stops oozing, which usually happens around days 5--7, you can reduce washing to once or twice a day. Washing too often can dry out your skin and slow down the healing process.
A tattoo blowout happens when ink is deposited too deep into the skin—past the dermis and into the subcutaneous fat layer. Unlike ink placed correctly in the dermis, pigment in this lower layer spreads unevenly, often creating a blurry, fuzzy halo effect around the lines.
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.
How to Tell if a Tattoo Is Over-Moisturized
Your tattoo is an open wound during the healing phase. Peeling off skin before it's ready increases the chance of bacteria entering and causing an infection. This can lead to swelling, oozing, and intense pain, not to mention potentially ruining your tattoo altogether.