Tattoo Aftercare

You’ve just received your new tattoo and that is always exciting. After sitting in a chair for who knows how long and possibly enduring a little bit of pain you finally have your finished piece to show off to your friends and family. However , the process to having a wonderful piece of art on your body has only just begun. Taking care of your new tattoo is just as important as the application done by your artist. Proper tattoo aftercare not only prevents infection, but it also contributes to the long-term quality of your tattoo and surrounding skin. A healing tattoo is technically an open wound that needs to heal and should be treated as such. At Cynic Tattoo Studio we recommend using non scented lotion for the duration of the healing process. Aftercare ointments can be beneficial if used properly and if you have had success using ointments in the past then by all means use aftercare ointment. Individuals with sensitive skin or those who have never used aftercare ointments before, research the ointment you choose and test it before applying to your fresh tattoo.

Your tattoo artist will apply a proper bandage to the tattooed area. Leave this bandage on for 4-6 hours after your appointment. Once that time has passed you can remove the bandage and clean the tattooed area. Carefully remove the bandage and tape. If you feel the bandage sticking to the tattoo, wet it with lukewarm water and gently slide it off. To clean your tattoo all you need is antibacterial soap and warm water. Rinse the tattoo with the warm water to remove any dried ink, ointment, blood, or plasma. Do not use a washcloth, towel, or sponge to clean the tattoo. With clean hands gently lather antibacterial soap onto the tattooed area. Once the area is cleaned with the soap rinse again with the warm water until all the soap residue has been removed. Next, you will pat the tattooed area until dry with a clean towel. Once the tattoo is dry apply a thin coat of non scented lotion or aftercare ointment. There is no need to apply a bandage back onto the tattoo.

After the initial cleaning and application of lotion or aftercare ointment you will maintain the care of your tattoo in a similar fashion for the next 2-4 weeks. Clean the tattoo daily and apply lotion or ointment using the same instructions provided above. In addition to that daily cleanse, apply lotion or ointment 2-3 times throughout the day with clean hands. It is not required to clean the tattoo before each application of lotion or ointment but is encouraged if the area is exposed to a dirty environment. After the first week or so the tattoo will begin to flake or peel like a sunburn, do not pick or scratch the tattoo, this can prevent the tattoo from healing properly. If you are an individual using aftercare ointment we recommend using non scented lotion once the flaking begins. 

Your tattoo should be completely healed between 2-4 weeks. During this time avoid soaking the tattoo in a bathtub or pool. In addition to pools refrain from swimming in natural bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, or oceans. Your tattoo is an open wound and natural bodies of water contain bacteria that when exposed to your healing tattoo could lead to an infection.
Your tattoo will look red and irritated at the beginning of the healing process, this is normal. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be removed with a clean paper towel. Gently press the paper towel to the skin to remove, do not wipe the tattoo. It is normal to see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being excreted  from the surface or the skin. When the tattoo begins to flake and peel it will also be ink colored, this is also normal. 

Do not over apply lotion or aftercare ointment. Applying too much lotion or aftercare ointment can suffocate the tattoo and interfere with the healing process. 

Always apply lotion or aftercare ointment with clean hands.
If aftercare or lotion is causing irritation decrease the amount you are using during application.

Do NOT use a washcloth , towel, sponge, or any other kind of cleaning apparatus to clean your tattoo.
Use a clean towel to PAT your tattoo dry after a cleaning. 

No swimming or submerging the tattoo until it is healed.
Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo while it is healing.
Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks.
After the healing process is complete we recommended using sunblock whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Consistent use of sunblock will increase the longevity of your tattoo.
Avoid wearing restrictive clothing around the tattooed area.

Avoid wearing dirty or sweaty clothing around the tattooed area.
When in doubt contact your tattoo artist for any additional questions are concerns. 

If you opted for the Derm Shield or “second skin” aftercare route these are the instructions you must follow.

The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

A second application can be used for several days, and a third application may be used if necessary. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.

Directions for Removal:
Gently peel the Derm Shield by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards.