How to look after a new tattoo

How to look after a new tattoo

🖤 5 Essential Tips for Taking Care of Your New Tattoo

You’ve just gotten a new tattoo — congratulations!But now comes the most important part: aftercare.

No matter how skilled your artist is or how amazing your tattoo looks, proper aftercare is what keeps it vibrant, sharp, and infection-free.Here are 5 essential tips to help you protect your skin, preserve the design, and enjoy the healing process safely.

✅ 1. Remove the bandage at the right time

Your artist will cover your tattoo with a protective layer — usually plastic wrap or a professional bandage like Saniderm or DermFix.Here’s when to remove it:

• Plastic wrap: after 4–8 hours

• Medical bandages: up to 24 hours (follow your artist’s advice)

Removing it too early can expose the wound to bacteria, while leaving it too long may trap moisture and cause irritation.

✅ 2. Wash gently and thoroughly

Once the bandage is off:

• Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap

• Clean the tattoo with fragrance-free, alcohol-free soap (such as TattooMed Cleanser or Sebamed Baby Wash)

• Do not scrub or use cloths or sponges

• Pat dry with a clean paper towel or a soft, lint-free cloth — do not rub

This process helps avoid infection and keeps the area clean for healing.

✅ 3. Keep it moisturized — but breathable

After drying, apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment.💡 Recommended products:

• Bepanthen Tattoo Ointment – gentle and effective for sensitive skin

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment – locks in moisture and supports healing

• TattooMed Aftercare Cream – designed for new tattoos

• Panthenol 5% creams – widely available in pharmacies

• Hustle Butter Deluxe – vegan, natural, and artist-approved

🔺 Important: Avoid over-applying. Too much ointment suffocates the skin and slows down healing.

✅ 4. Avoid sun, water, and friction

During the healing process (around 2–3 weeks), protect your tattoo:

• Stay out of direct sunlight

• No swimming, saunas, or long baths

• Avoid tight or abrasive clothing

• Limit heavy workouts or sweating

Once the tattoo is fully healed, apply a high-SPF tattoo sunscreen like TattooMed SPF 50 to protect colors from fading.

✅ 5. Don’t scratch, don’t pick

In the second week, your tattoo may itch and peel — this is totally normal.But never:

• Scratch with nails

• Peel off scabs or flakes

• Rub the skin aggressively

Moisturize consistently to reduce itching and support healthy skin regeneration.

🔄 Daily Aftercare Timeline

Days	What to do
1–3	Wash daily + apply thin moisturizer
4–14	Repeat wash/moisturize twice daily
15–30	Use sunscreen outdoors + light care

🧴 Travel-Friendly Options

If you're out and about, consider portable aftercare kits like:

• TattooMed Aftercare Mini Duo

• CrocLite Travel Kit

These offer compact cleansers and balms perfect for on-the-go healing.

⚠️ When to contact your artist or doctor

Seek help if you experience:

• Excessive redness or spreading irritation

• Swelling, heat, or pus

• Unusual pain or fever

• Bad odor from the area

Never hesitate to ask your tattoo artist — they know how healing should look and can guide you.

✨ Final thoughts

Taking care of your tattoo = protecting your art.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll keep your tattoo sharp, healthy, and vibrant for years to come.Got questions or need personal advice? Reach out — we’re here to help.