so you got a new tattoo…
here’s a crash course in taking care of it and making sure it heals up great!
Suggested products: Aquaphor ointment in a tube, Dial Gold liquid hand soap in a pump, Cetaphil/Eucerin/Cerave lotion in a pump. Do choose products that are gentle and scent-free and dye-free. Do not choose Neosporin or alcohol-based disinfectants.
Always wash your hands before cleaning or moisturizing your tattoo.
Choose clean, loose-fitting clothing, and nothing with loose fibers that can stick to your tattoo.
You can shower, but do not submerge in water (no baths or swimming) until two weeks have passed.
No sun exposure.
Avoid the gym, exercising is totally fine.
Don’t let pets near the new tattoo, if a pet makes contact with it go wash your tattoo.
Day 1
Leave the bandage on for no more than 2 hours, take it off when you get home and wash it well. Use scent free, dye free, liquid soap (in a pump bottle, no bar soaps). Air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of ointment and work in into the skin. Don’t leave too much extra on the surface.
Day 2-6
Wash your new tattoo 3 times a day using the same method and products as day one.
Day 5-7
Your tattoo will start to flake and peel (like a sunburn) after about the first week. When this happens, switch from ointment to lotion. Choose a scent-free, dye-free lotion in a pump or squeeze bottle (no tubs).
Day 7-14
Wash your new tattoo twice a day (am and pm). Its very important to keep it moisturized! It will itch in this stage, do not pick or scratch it.
Your tattoo should feel about as sore as a sunburn. In rare situations, you may experience an infection. If you are experiencing any typical symptoms of this, swelling/pain/heat, discharge or discoloration, foul odor, fever, etc. you must contact your physician immediately.