Gently pat the tattoo dry with paper towel or a clean towel (NB: do not use toilet paper, since it could stick to your tattoo and leave residues of paper).
(NEVER use a towel or facecloth or toilet paper or any other piece of clothing, to dry tattoo. They all have fibres that can be wiped into the fresh tattoo that can cause it to get irritated.)
Pat the tattoo dry (don't rub it) with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid irritation, and let the tattoo air out for 20-30 minutes before applying moisturizer.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Let your tattoo air dry. You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.
While advice might vary per artist, we highly advise against dry healing your new tattoo. Those who prefer dry healing are often concerned that lotions and creams will cause reactions in the healing process, and prefer to keep things as natural as possible.
Wet healing is when the skin is not allowed to dry out. It is riskier than dry healing because it creates the perfect environment for bacteria. Closed off, moist areas of damaged skin are perfect scenarios for tattoo infections.
On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo to prevent sticking to your bedding. It is helpful to tape a loose non-fabric bandage or paper towel over your freshly medicated tattoo for the first 3 days. After a few days, your tattoo will begin to peel. Do not pick at the skin.
It is common for the skin on the tattooed area to appear fairly dry and dull with the cloudy-looking ink underneath. Be consistent with regularly applying your moisturizing cream to keep the area hydrated. During this period, the dead skin will exfoliate itself away.
Rinse the Tattoo thoroughly under running warm water. Using a clean and dry towel, pat the Tattoo dry after washing, then using a hair dryer set on cool, blow dry the tattoo for 5 minutes. Do not re-bandage the Tattoo, unless otherwise instructed by your artist.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
That's right, baby wipes! Many tattoo shop owners and artists recommend using baby wipes to remove tattoo ink from your skin, as they are gentle and won't cause irritation. Plus, they're super convenient and easy to use - grab a wipe, wipe away the ink, and voila! Your tattoo is clean and fresh.
As your tattoo dries out and begins to heal, you will no longer need to wrap it overnight. The problem now is making yourself comfortable while sleeping with a new tattoo. The main thing is to try to keep pressure off of the new tattoo, so if you are a side sleeper with a new arm tattoo, sleep on the opposite arm.
Don't use rough paper towels or let tiny flecks of a paper towel rest on your skin, as it could seep into the open wound and cause infection. Don't use any fabric with a rough texture that could cause irritation or be abrasive to the new tattoo. Only use clean towels or fabrics if you can use to pat dry your tattoo.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says. "Keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
Allow It to Breathe
Although in the early stages the tattoo needs to be wrapped, it is important to remember to let it breathe as time goes on. Don't wrap it for longer than you have to, and when you clean and apply ointment it is a good chance to leave your skin uncovered.
Tattoo cream: how many days you need to apply it for optimal skin healing. After getting a tattoo, you should moisturize it daily for at least 10 to 14 days. Respecting these timeframes is absolutely crucial because, if your skin dries out, you are likely to get very disappointing results.
While you don't want to forget to wash your tattoo for days on end, if you miss a couple of cleaning sessions, don't worry. Your skin will continue healing. Just pick up where you left off as soon as you can.
It is advisable that you refrain from drinking for at least 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. It is normal for plasma and blood to ooze 48 hours after getting a tattoo. However, alcohol consumption will increase the bleeding rate due to blood thinning.