Tattoo Aftercare 101: How to Take Care of Your Tattoos
A tattoo can be one of the biggest and most permanent investments you make for your body. That’s why our Eden artists stress the importance of aftercare and protecting your investment as long as possible.
Why tattoo aftercare matters
While most people associate tattoos with artistry and personal style, they’re also medical procedures. Tattoos work by using needles to inject ink into layers of skin over and over. As with any piercing or cut on the skin, you can leave the injected area open to germs which can lead to infections or scarring.
Tattoo artists know how to prevent those things, and thus protect the time and money you spent getting a tattoo. However, tattoo artists can only do so much. You have to be just as committed to your aftercare as your artist. At Eden, we know how critical the healing process of a tattoo is, that’s why our skilled artists will walk you through the aftercare process (sometimes during the planning process) and answer any questions you might have.
What to do with the wrap on your tattoo
Saniderm & Derma Shield:
Also known as a “second skin,” these wraps are different brands but the same in practice. They allow you to live your life essentially as normal, while keeping the tattoo protected and allowing it to breathe and heal.
Leave the adhesive bandage on for 3-5 days and then remove slowly. When removing the bandage, do so slowly by pulling down and away from the tattoo. Many find it helpful to do this in the shower or under running water. Apply non-scented lotion 2-3 times a day until the tattoo is finished peeling.
Traditional (saran) wrap instructions:
Most artists use the former method of a second skin, but sometimes a traditional method is better for clients with sensitive skin. When you get home, remove the wrap and clean the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (Dial Gold or equivalent) and apply a thin layer of Aquaphor. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the tattoo starts to peel (usually a week or less). After peeling begins, apply non-scented lotion to the tattoo 2-3 times a day.
After the wrap comes off
Peeling
All tattoos peel while healing (usually a week or less after the appointment), essentially like a sunburn. Though it might be tempting, don’t peel off the skin flakes. The tattoo will probably also go through an itchy phase: it’s important not to scratch it. Scabbing is rare, but in the event it happens, do not pick the scabs.
Signs of Infection
Infections are possible, but very, very rare. If you think your tattoo is infected, it’s more than likely not, but please send us a picture if you think there’s an issue with your tattoo.
Artist specific recommendations
Each artist might have specific recommendations that deviate slightly from these instructions. Different styles are tattooed differently, and each artist knows best how their work is going to heal. For example, full-color realism is going to cause a lot more trauma to the skin than a fine line tattoo.
After your tattoo is done healing
A tattoo is generally done with healing when the peeling stops. You also want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to make sure your tattoo holds up after this. Moisturizing regularly, protecting your tattoo from the sun, staying hydrated, and just overall staying healthy are important to make sure your tattoo holds up!
Being available to our clients throughout the healing process is part of the ultimate tattoo experience we provide at Eden. If you have any questions during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here for you during the healing process and up until you’re ready to get your next piece.