Tattoo aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo. A tattoo is essentially a wound. Good care helps your skin heal beautifully and keeps colours and details looking their best.

Healed botanical tattoo on a shoulder

Immediately after your appointment

After tattooing, I cover your tattoo with cling film or Second Skin depending on the tattoo and placement. I will tell you which aftercare applies to you.

Always wash your hands before touching or caring for your tattoo.

Fine botanical tattoo on an arm

Cling film

  • Remove the film after two to four hours.
  • Wash gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub.
  • Let the tattoo heal uncovered afterwards.

Second Skin

  • Leave it on for one to a maximum of five days, unless I advise otherwise.
  • Fluid, excess ink or a little blood underneath is normal.
  • If it loosens, leaks or irritates your skin, carefully remove it with lukewarm water.
  • Wash with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat dry.

Care through each phase

Days one and two

  • Wash your tattoo twice a day with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat the skin dry carefully.
  • Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Tattoo Ointment so the skin can breathe.

From day three

  • Continue caring for your tattoo.
  • Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Tattoo Ointment about three times a day.
  • As the skin feels less dry, reduce this to once or twice daily until fully healed.
Large botanical tattoo on a forearm

During healing

Leave the skin alone as much as possible. Do not scratch scabs or pull loose skin, as this can cause scarring or ink loss. The following symptoms are normal during the first four weeks:

  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Light itching
  • Peeling
  • Small scabs

What to avoid for the first four weeks

Make sure you avoid the following things during the first four weeks after getting your new tattoo:

  • Swimming.
  • Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.
  • Sunbeds.
  • Prolonged direct sunlight.
  • Tight or dirty clothing over the tattoo.
  • Petroleum jelly or products that are not intended for tattoo aftercare.

You may shower, but do not keep the tattoo wet unnecessarily long.

After healing

A tattoo remains sensitive to UV rays. Always protect it with a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to keep colours and fine details looking their best.

Botanical tattoo on an upper arm

Questions?

If you are unsure about healing or aftercare, please contact me. I am happy to help.