Tattoo After Care 

  • As soon as your tattoo is no longer wrapped, wash thoroughly with soft finger tips and Antibacterial Dial Soap. Be sure to use the pump foam dispenser, not the bar, as it holds bacteria. 

  • Wash every few hours or as soon as you notice your tattoo is wet to the touch with plasma (the clear fluid that your tattoo will leak for the first 24-48 hrs).

 

  • If your field of work requires you to subject your tattoo to various materials, dirt, animal hair, etc. Keep an extra bottle of soap with you at work, and clean your tattoo when able to and as needed with clean hands/ water. 
  • Once your tattoo is dry, feels tight when you move, and your tattoo is no longer leaking plasma you can start moisturizing as needed.

  • Use Lubriderm with a pump dispenser, or any lotion that is NON SCENTED and has a thin consistency.

  • Moisturize with PEA SIZED amounts of lubriderm at a time, creating a thin layer. You know you've created enough THIN layers, when your tattoo no longer feels tight with movement. You should NOT have a visible/ thick greasy layer. Just enough to moisturize! 

  • Always apply lotion with clean hands and moisturize before physical activity such as working or excercise. 

  • Now that you are applying lotion and your tattoo is no longer an open wound, cut back on washing your tattoo as frequently. Once or twice a day should be fine, and always wash if it gets dirty. 
  • Do your best to keep your tattoo clean and allow your it to breathe. Avoid tight clothing, covering/ wrapping, or submerging under bodies of water. 

  • Keep washing and moisturizing as needed for a minimum of 2 weeks, and incorporate lotion into your daily routine to keep your tattoo looking new and fresh as long as possible. 

Moisturizing Products to Avoid

  • Use whatever non scented lotion that works best for you, but AVOID petroleum based products. 

  • Products such as A&D and Aquaphor are petroleum based, and sit on top of your tattoo. Suffocating rather than penetrating and moisturizing your tattoo. 

  • Do NOT go swimming or take a bath for 2 weeks.

  • Do NOT submerge under any bodies of water, or it will suffocate your tattoo. 

  • A popular misconception is that lotion or washing is what heals your tattoo. Your skin is actually very strong and heals the tattoo on its own!
  • Thin layers of lotion and washing help prevent cracking, infection, and merely speed up the process. 
  • The best way to heal your tattoo is to take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, rest well, stay moisturized, and eat healthy. 

If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or Iron Age Studios.