How to properly heal your new tattoo
Here’s the best step to heal your tattoo beautifully!
(Updated 2024) Even though statistically less than 10 percent of people suffer from severe infections after following the average aftercare instructions, it is vital that everyone with a new tattoo does their research and puts in the effort to maintain their health during the healing process. It’s imperative to remember that by tattooing the skin, we’re essentially introducing a foreign agent to the body and it’s completely normal that the body can react to the ingredients in certain inks. That being said, tattoos conducted in reputable studios using certified inks are 100% safe but only if the client takes care of their tattoos appropriately.
Hand Tattoo, the trickiest placement to heal correctly. Made by Alex Aureo @aureoroma
The three basic steps for the best healing
1. Upon completing your tattoo, the artist should use petroleum jelly or a related pharmaceutical ointment on top of the fresh tattoo then he or she should proceed to wrap the piece in plastic wrap or other special bandages to protect the skin.
Some artists may cover the artwork with Dermalize\Saniderm, a waterproof, adhesive film specially created to protect freshly
inked skin for the first days.
We recommend keeping it on for the first 2 days. You should avoid for the covered tattoo to get in contact with water during these 2 days. Just leave the tattoo heal under the special protective layer and start washing it (step 3) only after the film has been taken off.
In case this special wrap has been applied instead of plastic wrap, go directly to step 3 and skip step 2.
DO NOT remove any film or bandage placed there by the artist for at least 2 hours after the completion of the
tattoo. Be sure to listen to the artist as they may instruct you to leave it for longer.
2. After the time indicated by the artist has passed and you are in a clean environment, you can remove the special film or bandages. Before going to sleep, wash the tattoo gently with antimicrobial soap and water then carefully pat dry with an unused cloth, reapply an antibacterial ointment safe for tattoos then rewrap the tattoo in plastic wrap. The next morning, remove the plastic wrap to let the skin breathe. Repeat this ritual only for the first three nights.
3. For the first couple of weeks wash the tattoo twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, rinsing the area with lukewarm water and delicately pat-drying afterwards. Apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment safe for tattoos by gently patting the area until it is completely absorbed (avoid rubbing or massaging the skin). DO NOT over-exaggerate with the lotions and ointments, the layer should be almost invisible to the naked eye.
You will need to repeat this treatment daily for at least 2-4 weeks but most artists will recommend one month.
Statue applying lotion on fresh tattoo.
What creams and ointments are the best for aftercare?
During the first month of the healing process, it is recommended that clients use products that are specially formulated by the studios and are therefore certified or otherwise products like Vaseline should work just fine. Here at Aureo Roma, we suggest brands such as Aquaphor, Eucerin, and Cetaphil that can be found in most drugstores around the world.
It is best to avoid perfumed creams and irritating products that can severely damage the tattoo during its infant stages. Even after the healing process is complete it is best to use hypoallergenic and natural products on the skin unless you know personally that your skin can handle harsher ingredients.
Example of well mantained & clean tattoo studio. Interior of @aureoroma
What to look out for during your tattoo session
While you’re in the studio being tattooed, make sure to look out for safety measures. It is important that certain protocols are adhered to in order to not put your life at risk of infections, diseases, or viruses. When first arriving in the studio, inspect the cleanliness of the shop.
If the shop has low standards of health and safety it’s best not to proceed with the tattoo. After being seated, make sure the artist has disinfected the surfaces and equipment. The artist should also be wearing gloves and must apply a new sterilized needle from its sealed packaging to the tattoo machine. Small steps like these will assure that the client and artist alike are safe during the tattoo process whilst minimizing the potential risks of infection.
How long does the healing process typically last?
The aftercare process can vary from person to person. Most people will find that their skin is completely healed within 2 to 4 weeks while others may experience complications even years after having been tattooed. Some typical signs of infection include pustules, swelling, pain, bleeding, and more.
While flaking and scabbing in the first couple of weeks is the normal and healthy way for your body to heal itself, more uncomfortable and irritating symptoms could indicate a serious issue. In most cases of diagnosed infections, doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to encourage the body to fight off the harmful bacteria. In very rare cases, mostly due to dirty needles, there are risks of deadly diseases and viruses like Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Proper sterilization and safety measures are fundamental to preventing these risks. There have been some reported cases of people suffering infections even years after having been tattooed and it’s for this reason that we suggest always using natural products on the skin.
Avoid Sunbathing for the first month.
What to avoid for the first month
First and foremost the skin must always be able to breathe during the first month of healing. You should avoid wearing tight clothing with synthetic fabrics that can
irritate the skin. If you must cover that part of the body, opt for cotton material
and loose-fitting clothing. When touching the tattoo during the first month, NEVER rub, massage, scratch, scrape or pick the skin and only touch the skin with disinfected, clean hands. Avoid scrubs, loofas, brushes, and towels that carry bacteria. While in the shower or washing the tattoo by hand DO NOT use hot water as it can potentially make the ink fade. It is also advised to not over-exercise or swim in pools and jacuzzis for the first month. Make sure to keep dangerous products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals away from the skin.
Why has my tattoo been scabbing?
Within the first two weeks, it is completely normal that the skin will experience scabbing. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is rejecting the ink butrather that it is renewing itself in order to heal quickly. Scabs are made up of protective blood cells that create a sticky barrier over the infected skin acting as a shield to keep bad bacteria out. The scab can expand if it stays wet for too long and if it is overly saturated with ointments and lotions so avoid excessive moisturizing. The most important thing to remember is to NEVER peel the scab off, and wait patiently for the scab to flake off naturally.
Raised tattoos: Normal while it is healing. It will go down, no worries!
Is it normal that my tattoo is raised, bumpy, and itchy?
Yes, it is completely normal even after many years to experience occasional itchiness and feel a bumpiness on the tattoo. It is your body’s way of reacting to the ink but it has nothing to do with refuting the ink or that the ink is somehow toxic.
Our skin continually grows and ages so it’s healthy that every once in a while you experience peculiar changes like this. These sensations occur predominantly during the beginning of the tattoo’s life. DO NOT scratch or rub the skin to try to alleviate the itchiness nor try to treat the skin with unsafe products unless advised by a doctor.
Tattoo for Demi Lovato by Alex Aureo
How to maintain the quality of my tattoo
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is extremely delicate even though we often take it for granted. The best way to maintain healthy, vibrant, and youthful skin is to ALWAYS use sunscreen with high zinc oxide to deflect the Sun’s rays (even in the winter), moisturize every day using products with trustworthy ingredients, and last but not least keep the body continuously hydrated by drinking plenty of water! Not wearing sunscreen with zinc oxide the first month of getting a new tattoo can have dire consequences. Not only will it fade and make the ink bleed but it can also increase your risk of infection and allow harmful bacteria to penetrate the skin. Overall, the aftercare of a tattoo is an ongoing process that doesn’t just last a month, it must be maintained for a lifetime. Tattoos should be prized like a work of art and need to be looked after constantly. No one wants to see their precious masterpiece turn into a blotchy, discolored blob on their skin. Ensure that you follow the aftercare instructions and that you reach out to your artist for further check-ups and touch-ups when needed.
Ultimate Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Heal Like a Gladiator
Congratulations on your new Roman-inspired tattoo! Now, let's ensure it heals like a gladiator, showcasing the artwork in its full glory. Here's your ultimate aftercare guide:
Heal it like this! Tattoo by Alex Aureo @aureoroma
Keywords: tattoo aftercare, tattoo healing, best tattoo healing practices, Roman tattoo healing
Master the Aftercare Arena: Your tattoo artist is your aftercare champion. Follow their specific instructions for cleaning and ointment application.
Cleanliness is King: Twice daily, wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Gently pat dry with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.
Moisturize, Not Suffocate: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer to keep your tattoo hydrated. Avoid petroleum-based ointments after initial healing, as they can trap moisture.
Minimize Irritation: Avoid scratching, picking, or wearing tight clothing that rubs against the tattooed area.
Sun Protection is Crucial: Direct sunlight is a foe for several weeks. Always wear SPF 50+ sunscreen to protect vibrant colors.
Patience is a Virtue: Healing takes 2-4 weeks. Avoid swimming, baths, and strenuous activity for at least a week to prevent infection.
Listen to Your Body: Excessive redness, swelling, or pus? Consult a doctor immediately. These could be signs of infection.
By following these steps, your Roman tattoo will heal flawlessly, becoming a permanent reminder of your Eternal City adventure.