Aftercare guide
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Here is a step by step guide to help your tattoo heal properly. Please follow this guide rather than advice from friends, as overdoing it is one of the biggest causes of healing problems.
Keep it clean, let it breathe, do not over cream it, and keep it out of the sun while it heals.
No swimming, baths, saunas, or beach trips while healing. Showers are ideal.
Keep it out of direct sun until fully healed. Do not let it burn.
Once fully healed, use factor 50 if the tattoo is exposed to the sun. Do not use factor 50 on the tattoo until it has fully healed, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, as I have seen skin reactions from using it too early.
Never touch it with dirty hands and do not let anyone or anything touch it while it is still fresh.
Do not pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin.
Keep pets, gym equipment, and dirty surfaces away from the tattoo.
Wear loose clothing and avoid rubbing or friction on the area.
Wash only with warm water and a gentle antibacterial soap. Carex is a good easy option to get from most places, though fragrance free is best where possible.
Dry healing is best, aided only by a tiny bit of cream or tattoo spray when needed. A wound needs to breathe to be able to heal.
Do not over cream it.
Step by step
How to heal it properly
Follow these in order. The main thing is keeping it clean, letting it breathe, and not overdoing the cream.
Freshly finished tattoo
At the end of your session I will clean the tattoo and spray a protective film dressing over it.
Wash the film off properly
The next morning, wash the film off fully using warm soapy water and a gentle antibacterial soap. You may need to wash it a few times to remove the film properly. Carex works well and is easy to get, though fragrance free is best if possible.
Dry it gently
Dab the tattoo dry with a clean towel or disposable kitchen paper. Do not rub it.
Watch for plasma
Once dry, keep an eye on it. If any plasma comes out of the tattoo, gently wipe it away with damp kitchen paper, then pat it dry again with clean kitchen paper.
Repeat if needed
Repeat this until the skin stays dry and stops weeping plasma. Usually by the next day this should have settled, but keep doing this if needed just in case.
Let the skin seal
Once the tattoo just looks like dry skin, leave it for 1 to 2 hours so the skin can seal and dry properly.
Dry heal, then lightly aid it
Only after that 1 to 2 hour wait, you can either apply a very small amount of cream or, if you have bought tattoo spray, reapply the spray film. Dry healing is best, with only a tiny bit of help when needed.
Use very little cream
If you are using cream, only use a tiny amount, about the same as you would use to moisturise your face. Once or twice a day works best, usually after a shower or before bed.
During the peeling stage
When the tattoo starts to flake, do not peel it. Also reduce how much cream you are using. It can get itchy, but you do not want to stick dead skin back down onto the tattoo, as that can damage both the tattoo and the skin underneath.
After peeling
Once the peeling stage is over, moisturise daily with a good moisturiser containing vitamin E or vitamin D to help support the skin as it finishes healing.
Overcreaming is a really common problem and it can seriously affect healing. If this happens, I will know. If it only needs a very small touch up then that is fine, but if there is significant damage caused by poor healing, you will need to pay for the rework. Dry healing is usually best, or use the spray linked below.
Healing guide
Healing Timeline
This is the usual timeline for healing, though everyone is a little different.
Back to light activity
You can usually return to the gym lightly.
Ready for another session
Your skin is healed enough for another session.
Fully healed
The tattoo should be fully healed. Once it is fully healed, you can start using factor 50 when the tattoo is exposed to the sun.
Recommended method
Tattoo Spray Aftercare
This is the aftercare method I mainly recommend now. I use tattoo spray rather than pads, as it is cleaner, lighter, and easier to manage during the early healing stage. It creates a protective film over the tattoo and works really well if you want something simple that does not feel heavy on the skin.
Tattoo Spray Aftercare Gentle Skin Spray
Use this in the first days while the tattoo is fresh. It helps keep the area clean without rubbing or dragging on the skin. Good for large pieces and areas that are hard to reach.
isopentane, ethanol, liquified petroleum gas, contains less than 0.1 percent 1,3 butadiene
Products
Recommended Healing Products
We always get asked which products are best for healing. These are the ones from Checkmate Aftercare that I like. They are gentle, effective, vegan and made in the UK.
The Classic One Antibacterial Soap Foam
If you want a foam cleanser that helps with redness, this is the one. Use it during healing or while tattooing. It is designed to clean the skin gently without drying it out.
Aqua, Lauramine Oxide, Glycerine, Chlorhexadine, Lavender, Essential Oils, Citric Acid.
The Bubbly One Tattoo Aftercare Balm
Healing balm with a nostalgic bubblegum scent. Good for new tattoos or older ones that need a refresh. Sinks into the skin without clogging.
Calendula Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter, Essential Oils.
The Classic One Tattoo Aftercare Balm Unscented
Same as The Bubbly One but without fragrance so better for sensitive skin. Helps soothe redness and speed healing without petroleum.
Calendula Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter, Essential Oils.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Use this once your tattoo has fully peeled. It helps with itchiness and dryness and supports skin recovery.
Important: Do not put this on fresh or broken skin. It is for the last stage.
AQUA / WATER / EAU, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, PANTHENOL and more.
Available at most pharmacies.
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