Days 2 - 5 Just like any cut or scrape, you will want to keep the area clean and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, dirt, bacteria, or germs. Apply aftercare lotion in a light layer 3 to 4 times a day, cleansing the area with soap and water before each application.
The Scabbing Stage (Days 4-6)
The tattoo often takes on a cloudy appearance as scabs start to form over the ink. Scab formation is an essential part of the wound-healing process and means that a healthy, fresh skin layer is forming – a key sign your skin is on the path to recovery. Do not ever peel off the scabs.
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.
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!
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
The main thing is to try to keep pressure off of the new tattoo, so if you are a side sleeper with a new arm tattoo, sleep on the opposite arm. If it's a back tattoo, try to sleep on your front. Taking the pressure off will relieve the pain you can feel with a new piece, and it will also help you to avoid damaging it.
Week One: Redness
The initial stage is characterized by redness. This starts right after your tattoo is done and can linger for up to a week. It is typical for your tattoo to appear reddish during this stage, and you may even see ink seeping out of the tattoo. If the "oozing" persists after a week, consult a doctor.
2-6 Days After Your New Tattoo
Now you'll start to notice that your tattoo looks a bit dull, perhaps even have a 'cloudy-looking' appearance. It may also look red, swollen and still ooze blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid and ink. Not to worry! This is normal.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
Tattoo cream: how many days you need to apply it for optimal skin healing. After getting a tattoo, you should moisturize it daily for at least 10 to 14 days. Respecting these timeframes is absolutely crucial because, if your skin dries out, you are likely to get very disappointing results.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Sometimes, tattoos look messy and blurry while they are healing. You might see some ink leakage and some blurry lines while your skin is repairing itself. However, if your skin is healed and the lines of the tattoo are imprecise and smudged looking then you have a tattoo blowout. Give your tattoo a few weeks to heal.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
So, how long should you keep the cling film on for? “I'll recommend to keep the tattoo covered with cling film for anywhere between two and four hours,” advises Sarah. Liv's in agreement, “a few hours gives any soreness time to settle and excess plasma/ink – that gooey stuff!
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
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.
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. After the first cleaning, you can hop in the shower. Avoid hot water and heavy water pressure to minimize irritation.
If you're wondering which is the best way to care for your new tattoo, we strongly recommend wet healing over dry healing.
The takeaway: Peeling is normal (to an extent) but that doesn't mean you should peel it yourself. Let your skin do its thing for the two-ish weeks and keep the tattoo clean and dry while it heals for the best results.