19 Jun Tattoo Aftercare: Keep Your New Tattoo Healthy
You’ve just gotten that amazing new tattoo you’ve been dreaming about — congrats! But now the real work begins: aftercare. Proper care is essential to prevent infections and to keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Use a Tattoo Ointment
Bepanthen will be your best friend during healing. It contains the right ingredients to support skin recovery. Apply a thin layer once a day (e.g., after showering) — just enough to give your tattoo a light shine. Too much ointment can suffocate the skin, so be sparing. When you shower, rinse the tattoo gently with lukewarm water only — no soap on the tattooed area.
Avoid Sunlight (First 2 Weeks)
Keep your tattoo completely out of the sun for the first two weeks. UV rays can fade colors and disrupt healing. After that, use a high SPF (50+) sunscreen and ideally wear covering clothing when outdoors.
No Swimming (Yet)
Stay out of pools, oceans, and saunas for at least two weeks. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and water can introduce bacteria. Quick showers are okay — just keep them short and use lukewarm water. Wait about 2-3 weeks before swimming again, and only if your tattoo looks fully healed.
Using Second Skin
At Studio Sailor, we use Second Skin, a transparent, breathable film that protects your tattoo from bacteria and friction. Your artist will apply it right after the session. After 2–3 days, you can remove it while showering and start using tattoo ointment daily. The beauty of Second Skin: you can shower and sleep normally without extra hassle.
Don’t Touch!
Your new tattoo might itch — totally normal — but don’t scratch or pick at it. Doing so can damage the ink or cause scarring. Only touch your tattoo with clean hands, and only when applying ointment. Less is more!
Can I Work Out?
Yes — but use your judgment. Got a chest tattoo? Maybe skip bench pressing for now. Avoid exercises that stretch or rub against the fresh tattoo. Wear clean, loose clothes and shower immediately after training.
Sleeping with a New Tattoo
If you’re using Second Skin, no worries — it protects the area so you can sleep like usual. Without it, make sure you sleep on clean sheets and try not to lie directly on your tattoo. Wear an old T-shirt or pajama bottoms to avoid staining your bedding — some ink or fluid might leak during the first nights.
In Summary
Tattoo aftercare might seem like a lot, but it’s a small effort for a beautiful, lasting result. Think of it as an investment in your art. With proper care, your tattoo will heal safely and stay crisp and vibrant for years to come. Stick to these tips, listen to your body, and if in doubt — reach out to your tattoo artist.
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