So you got a new tattoo... what now?

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Here are some simple, easy steps to taking care of your fresh ink to follow.

If you were wrapped with Saran Wrap:

Keep the wrap on for 24 hours. Do not get the area wet during this time. Once you’re ready to take off the covering, remove the tape carefully and take off the Saran Wrap. Rinse the tattoo gently with warm water and unscented soap, never scrubbing. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a very thin later of A&D ointment or Aquaphor. Do not oversaturate your tattoo. You want it to be just enough product to make it shine. Apply ointment 1-3 times a day, as needed, for the first 3 days. After 3 days of ointment, switch to an unscented body lotion such as Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Cerave, or Aveeno. Apply as needed for 2-4 weeks until tattoo is healed.

If you were wrapped with second skin:

Keep the sticker on for 3-5 days. If it begins to peel excessively prior to the 5 days, you can take it off but please remember it is technically an open wound: never touch with dirty hands or rub up on surfaces. When you’re ready to remove the sticker lather up some warm water and unscented soap and apply as you peel away from the tattoo. Work slowly and do not rip it off hastily. Rinse gently and then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of unscented body lotion such as Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Cerave, or Aveeno. Apply as needed for 2-4 weeks until tattoo is healed.

A few things to remember:

Do not scratch or pick at your new tattoo. It may begin to peel like a sunburn - this is totally normal. Let the scabs fall off naturally and apply lotion as needed. Do not submerge your tattoo under water for extended periods of time. This includes baths, swimming pools, saunas, hot yoga, etc. You can shower normally and let water run over the tattoo, but do not oversaturate the area. Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. It is not recommended that you go tanning or sit under the sun until your tattoo is fully healed. That being said, you can absolutely walk around outside as long as you’re not baking your fresh tattoo. Avoid working out the first week or so. You do not want to stretch or twist the skin or expose it to bacteria in gym environments while the wound is healing as this can lead to uneven healing or even infection.

As always, ask your artist if you have any questions at all!

***This is not medical advice nor advice given by a medical professional. Please contact your primary care doctor or dermatologist for any medical related questions.