Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Every artist at Inkchanted Arts Tattoo Studio has their own preferred aftercare methods based on their tattooing techniques, artistic style, and experience. Your artist may provide specific instructions tailored to your tattoo, its placement, and the products they recommend.
Always prioritize the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist. The information below serves as a general guide to help you care for your new tattoo and promote healthy healing.
Proper aftercare is essential to protecting your new artwork and keeping it looking beautiful for years to come!
Traditional Tattoo Aftercare
For tattoos healed using standard bandages, plastic wrap, or absorbent dressings.
- 01
The First Few Hours
- Leave your initial bandage on for the amount of time recommended by your artist, typically up to a few hours.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your fresh tattoo.
- Gently remove the bandage. If it sticks, use lukewarm water to help loosen it.
- Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free liquid antibacterial soap. We suggest Dial Gold.
- Remove any excess ink, blood, or plasma without scrubbing.
- Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel or allow the tattoo to air dry.
- Unless otherwise instructed by your artist, do not rewrap your tattoo.
- 02
Days 1–14: The Healing Process
- Gently wash your tattoo 2–3 times daily using clean hands and fragrance-free soap.
- Allow your tattoo to dry completely before applying aftercare products.
- Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or artist-recommended tattoo aftercare product.
- Avoid over-moisturizing! Your tattoo should feel hydrated but should not appear greasy or shiny. Do NOT use A&D, Aquaphor, or other petroleum based products.
- Mild redness, tenderness, itching, flaking, and peeling can be normal during healing.
- Never pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo. Allow scabs and flakes to fall off naturally.
- Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing to minimize friction and irritation. Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Avoid touching your tattoo unnecessarily, and keep pets away from the healing area.
Most tattoos complete their initial surface healing within 2–4 weeks, although deeper layers of skin can take longer to recover.
Saniderm & Second-Skin Aftercare
For tattoos protected with Saniderm, Derm Shield, or similar adhesive healing films.
- 01
The First Application
- Your artist will apply a transparent, breathable adhesive bandage over your fresh tattoo.
- Leave the initial bandage in place for the duration recommended by your artist and the specific product manufacturer.
- It is normal for blood, plasma, and excess ink to collect beneath the film. This may look like a dark, blurry liquid pocket.
- The bandage should remain fully sealed around the tattoo.
- Do not puncture the film or attempt to drain any fluid.
Important: If the bandage begins leaking, exposes part of the tattoo, or loses its seal, remove it rather than allowing bacteria or contaminants to enter beneath the film.
- 02
How Long Should I Leave It On?
Wear time depends on the specific brand of adhesive film and your artist's instructions.
For Saniderm specifically:- First application: Up to 24 hours. (Can stay on 5–7 days if no leaking occurs)
- Second application: May remain in place for up to 5–7 days if applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Maximum total wear time: Do not exceed 7 consecutive days of Saniderm use.
Some artists use a single application, while others recommend replacing the initial bandage. Follow your artist's instructions and the directions for the specific product used.
If you experience significant irritation, a rash, blistering, or a burning sensation beneath the adhesive, remove the bandage and contact your artist. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent. Reactions are rare but do happen.
- 03
Removing Your Second-Skin Bandage
- Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage.
- Removal is often easiest in a warm shower.
- Slowly peel the film back over itself, keeping it close to your skin rather than pulling straight upward.
- Gently stretch the adhesive film parallel to your skin to help release it.
- Take your time! Pulling too quickly can irritate or damage healing skin.
- Once removed, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free liquid antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the skin to dry.
- Transition to traditional aftercare with a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer as needed.
Important: Do not apply a new adhesive bandage over lotion, irritated skin, or a tattoo that has begun scabbing or peeling. Only reapply a fresh film if your artist has specifically instructed you to do so.
- 04
Showering & Daily Activities
- Showering is generally fine while wearing an intact, properly sealed second-skin bandage.
- Avoid soaking your bandage or uncovered tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or other bodies of water.
- Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, friction, or stretching of the bandage.
- Wear loose clothing to prevent the adhesive from catching or peeling.
- Check the edges regularly to make sure the seal remains intact.
Things to Avoid While Healing
For at Least 2–4 Weeks, or Until Fully Healed
- Swimming & soaking: Avoid pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and oceans until your tattoo is completely healed.
- Direct sunlight: Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds.
- Picking & scratching: Never remove scabs or peeling skin prematurely.
- Excessive friction: Avoid tight clothing, abrasive fabrics, and activities that repeatedly rub against the tattoo.
- Excessive sweating: Limit activities that cause heavy sweating or irritation during the initial healing period.
- Harsh products: Avoid exfoliants, scented lotions, alcohol, peroxide, and other irritating skincare products on the healing tattoo.
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Keep Your Artwork Looking Its Best
- Protect it from the sun. Once your tattoo has fully healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
- Moisturize regularly. Healthy, hydrated skin helps your tattoos maintain their appearance.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure. UV damage can cause tattoo pigments to fade over time.
- Consider touch-ups. Some tattoos may benefit from touch-ups after healing. Consult your artist about their individual touch-up policy.
What's Normal & When to Seek Help
Normal Healing Symptoms
- Mild redness and tenderness during the first few days
- Minor swelling
- Clear or slightly pink fluid during the early healing period
- Itching, flaking, and peeling as the skin recovers
- A temporarily dull or cloudy appearance during healing
Warning Signs
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or pain that increases or spreads instead of improving
- Skin that becomes increasingly hot or unusually tender
- Thick yellow or green drainage, pus, or a foul odor
- Fever, chills, or red streaks extending away from the tattoo
- Severe blistering, hives, or an unusual reaction to aftercare products
Seek urgent medical care for fever with a worsening tattoo, rapidly spreading redness, or red streaking. Do not wait for your artist to assess a possible infection.
Have Questions About Your Healing Tattoo?
We're always happy to help guide you through the healing process!
If you have questions about your tattoo's appearance, aftercare products, or your artist's recommended healing routine, please reach out to your artist or contact Inkchanted Arts Tattoo Studio directly.
Your tattoo is a lifelong piece of art. Let's keep it looking magical!