A fresh tattoo is an open wound that needs proper care to heal well and stay vibrant for years to come. The first few weeks are crucial, and while most people know the basics—keep it clean, avoid direct sunlight, and resist the urge to scratch—there’s a lot more to aftercare than just that.
Using the right products can make all the difference. A quality balm or moisturiser helps keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores, preventing irritation, scabbing, and colour fade. That’s why we recommend tattoo-specific products like Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm and Bamboo Goo Tattoo Aftercare, both designed to nourish and protect your ink as it heals.
At Lighthouse Tattoo Studio, we believe a tattoo is only as good as the aftercare it gets. That’s why we offer personalised advice tailored to your skin and tattoo type, ensuring your new ink heals perfectly. Read on to know more about our expert tips, how to invest in high-quality aftercare, and give your tattoo the best possible start.
Initial Tattoo Care
Taking care of your tattoo starts the moment you leave the studio. Here’s how to ensure your new ink heals perfectly:
Bandage Removal
Your tattoo artist will cover your new tattoo with a bandage or cling film. This protects it from bacteria and helps it start healing. Leave this bandage on for at least one to two hours, or as recommended by your tattoo artist.
Cleaning the Tattoo
Once you remove the bandage, it’s time to clean the tattoo. Use a gentle touch:
Wash Your Hands: Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Gently Clean the Tattoo: Use antibacterial soap like QV Gentle Wash, which is designed for sensitive skin. This soap is non-drying and helps cleanse without irritating.
Rinse with Warm Water: Make sure to rinse off all the soap with warm water.
Pat Dry
After cleaning, it’s crucial to dry your tattoo carefully:
Use a Clean Towel: Pat the tattoo dry with a clean low lint paper towel or a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin.
Let It Air Dry: If possible, allow the tattoo to air dry for a ann hour or two before applying any products.
These initial steps are vital for preventing infections and ensuring your tattoo begins to heal correctly. The first few days are critical, so handle your tattoo with care and follow these guidelines to set the stage for a successful healing process.
What to Apply on a New Tattoo
Once your tattoo is clean and dry, it’s time to start thinking about what to apply on a new tattoo to aid healing and keep it looking vibrant. Proper care involves selecting the right products that moisturise, protect, and support your skin’s recovery process.
Moisturising Ointment and Fragrance-Free Lotion
During the initial healing phase, keep your tattoo moisturised. Begin with a moisturising ointment like an antibiotic ointment to create a protective barrier. After a few days, you can switch to a fragrance-free lotion to maintain moisture without irritation. Ensure any lotion used is dye-free to avoid allergic reactions.
Recommended Products for Tattoo Aftercare
Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Solid Formula
Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Solid Formula melts into the skin, locking in moisture and providing deep hydration. It’s ideal for keeping your tattooed skin soft and preventing dryness.
Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm
Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm is crafted with a vegan-friendly formula, featuring pawpaw, D-Panthenol, and Safflower Seed Oil. This balm acts as a natural antiseptic and helps maintain the tattoo’s vibrancy while healing.
Bamboo Goo Tattoo Aftercare
Bamboo Goo Tattoo Aftercare is formulated with Calendula and Bamboo oil to reduce healing time and scabbing. Its smooth texture ensures easy application, keeping your tattoo moisturised for up to 8 hours.
QV Gentle Wash
QV Gentle Wash is perfect for cleansing new tattoos without drying them out. It’s soap-free, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin, and maintains hydration during cleansing.
After Inked Tattoo Lotion
After Inked Tattoo Lotion is a patented formula that provides effective moisturisation without petroleum, ensuring it won’t stain your clothes. Enriched with Grape Seed Oil, it helps preserve your tattoo’s colours.
Vaseline Deep Restore
Vaseline Deep Restore offers fast-absorbing hydration with pure oat extract, perfect for keeping your skin deeply moisturised and looking healthier.
These products are specially selected to optimise your tattoo’s healing process. Be sure to apply them as directed to ensure your tattoo remains bright and healthy.
Next, we’ll explore long-term tattoo care to maintain your tattoo’s appearance over time.
Long-term Tattoo Care
Taking care of your tattoo doesn’t stop after the initial healing phase. Long-term tattoo care is crucial to keep your ink looking fresh and vibrant for years to come. Here are some key tips to follow:
Daily Moisturisation
Moisturising your tattoo daily is essential to maintain the skin’s elasticity and prevent it from drying out. Use a fragrance-free lotion or any of the recommended products like Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Solid Formula, which provides deep hydration and keeps your skin soft. A well-moisturised tattoo looks brighter and more defined.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Sunlight is one of the biggest enemies of tattoos. UV rays can cause the ink to fade and lose its vibrancy. Whenever possible, keep your tattooed skin out of direct sunlight. If you’re heading outdoors, wear loose, sun-protective clothing to shield your tattoo.
Sunscreen Application
Once your tattoo is fully healed, applying sunscreen is a must whenever you’re exposed to the sun. Opt for a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Products containing zinc oxide are particularly effective at shielding your tattoo from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
Common Mistakes in Tattoo Aftercare
Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial to ensure your ink stays vibrant and your skin remains healthy. However, there are some common mistakes that people often make. Let’s break them down:
Over-Moisturising
While keeping your tattoo moisturised is vital, overdoing it can be just as harmful. Applying too much ointment or lotion can clog pores and prevent your skin from breathing. This can lead to irritation and even infection. Use a thin layer of a recommended product, like Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm, which is designed to provide just the right amount of moisture without overdoing it.
Picking Scabs
As your tattoo heals, it’s normal for it to form scabs or hard layers. However, picking or scratching these scabs is a big no-no. Doing so can pull out the ink and leave gaps in your design. It can also introduce bacteria to the area, increasing the risk of infection. Patience is key. If you feel itchy, gently pat the area or apply an ice pack for relief.
Excessive Washing
Keeping your tattoo clean is important, but excessive washing can be counterproductive. Washing too often can strip away natural oils and slow down the healing process. Stick to washing your tattoo 1-2 times a day with a gentle cleanser like QV Gentle Wash, which is designed for sensitive skin and won’t leave your tattoo dry or tight.
Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and maintains its vibrancy. Up next, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about tattoo aftercare to clear up any lingering doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tattoo Aftercare
What should I avoid after getting a tattoo?
After getting a tattoo, it’s important to steer clear of certain activities to ensure proper healing. Swimming is a big one to avoid. Pools, hot tubs, and even natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans can introduce bacteria to your new tattoo, increasing the risk of infection. Wait at least two to three weeks before diving in.
Another thing to avoid is sun exposure. The sun’s UV rays can cause your tattoo to fade and can irritate the healing skin. If you must be outside, wear loose, sun-protective clothing and avoid direct sunlight. Once your tattoo is fully healed, applying a sunscreen with zinc oxide can help maintain its vibrancy.
Lastly, avoid tight clothing over the tattooed area. Tight clothes can rub against the tattoo, causing irritation and potentially affecting the healing process. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton and keep it loose to allow your skin to breathe.
How often should I moisturise my new tattoo?
Moisturising is key to keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant. Aim to moisturise your new tattoo 1-2 times daily. This helps prevent itching and keeps the skin hydrated, promoting faster healing. Use a thin layer of a recommended product like Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Solid Formula, which melts into the skin and locks in moisture.
Can I use regular lotion on my tattoo?
When it comes to choosing a lotion for your tattoo, not all products are created equal. It’s best to use fragrance-free and dye-free lotions. Regular lotions often contain additives that can irritate your healing tattoo. Products like After Inked Tattoo Lotion are specifically formulated for tattoos, providing effective moisturisation without the risk of irritation. Always check the label and choose products that are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and remains a stunning piece of art on your skin. Next, we’ll wrap up with some personalised aftercare advice from Lighthouse Tattoo Studio.
A well-healed tattoo is a beautiful tattoo.
Getting inked is only half the journey—how you care for your tattoo afterwards determines how vibrant and crisp it’ll look for years to come. Whether it’s a tiny symbol or a full sleeve, proper aftercare is the secret sauce to keeping your new tattoo looking fresh and healing smoothly.
You’ve probably heard the basics—keep it clean, avoid the sun, and steer clear of pools. But real aftercare magic? That comes down to what you apply and how you apply it. The right products make all the difference, from soothing irritation to locking in moisture without overdoing it.
When you choose Lighthouse Tattoo Studio, you’re not just getting a tattoo; you’re gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Our team is always here to answer any questions you might have about the healing process.
We recommend using high-quality aftercare products to keep your tattoo looking vibrant and healthy. Check out our Aftercare Products page for a selection of our favourite products, including Palmer’s® Cocoa Butter Solid Formula and Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm, specifically chosen to support the healing process.
By following our advice and using the right products, you can ensure your new ink stays as striking as the day it was applied.
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