Taking care of your tattoo properly is just as important as choosing the right artist. Proper aftercare ensures your tattoo heals correctly, looks vibrant for years, and prevents infections or complications. Follow this detailed aftercare guide based on my professional recommendations.

1. Immediate Aftercare (First 3-4 Days)

What to Expect After Your Tattoo Session

Your fresh tattoo is an open wound and needs proper care from the very beginning. It is completely normal to experience:
✔ Mild redness and swelling
✔ Some tenderness around the area
✔ Slight oozing of ink or plasma (especially in the first 24 hours)

To ensure safe healing, your tattoo will be covered with Recovery Derm Shield, a medical-grade, transparent, latex-free, waterproof, breathable, and hypoallergenic adhesive barrier. This bandage protects your tattoo from bacteria, debris, and fabric friction while keeping it hydrated.


Recovery Derm Shield: How Long to Keep It On?

✅ Recommended duration: 3-4 days
🔹 If even a small part of the bandage opens up and exposes the tattoo, remove it completely.
🔹 Do not cover it with anything else—once the bandage is compromised, bacteria can get in, so it’s better to remove it, wash the tattoo, and keep it clean.

You may notice some ink and plasma accumulating under the shield—this is normal and part of the healing process.


2. Bandage Removal & Cleaning Your Tattoo

How to Remove the Recovery Derm Shield

• Do this in the shower under running lukewarm water.
• Peel the bandage gently and slowly, pulling it off parallel to the skin rather than upward.
• If it sticks, let warm water run over it for a few minutes before attempting to peel it off again.

How to Wash Your Tattoo (Step-by-Step)

Once the bandage is off, it’s time for your first proper tattoo wash.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
2. Use lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap such as:
• Dial Liquid Gold Antibacterial Soap
• Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented (gentle and organic)
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
3. Gently wash the tattoo with your fingertips—do not use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge.
4. Rinse well to remove all residue.
5. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (avoid printed or colored paper towels).
6. Allow your tattoo to air dry for a few minutes before applying lotion.


3. Moisturizing & Healing (Days 4-14)

Best Tattoo Moisturizers

After your tattoo has dried, apply a thin layer of water-based, fragrance-free lotion to keep it hydrated without suffocating the skin. Recommended options:
✅ CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (light & non-greasy)
✅ Hustle Butter Deluxe (vegan-friendly)
✅ Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion (Fragrance-Free)

Avoid:
🚫 Petroleum-based products like Vaseline (they can clog pores).
🚫 Thick ointments that don’t allow the tattoo to breathe.
🚫 Fragranced lotions (they can cause irritation).


Daily Routine for the Next Two Weeks

🔹 Wash your tattoo twice daily (morning and night).
🔹 Moisturize 2-3 times a day with a thin layer of lotion.
🔹 Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo—this can cause patchy healing or even scarring.
🔹 Expect some flaking and mild itching—this is normal. Do not scratch!


4. Things to Avoid During Healing

🚫 NO direct sun exposure! Fresh tattoos are more sensitive to sunlight, and exposure can cause irritation, prolonged healing, and potential allergic reactions. Some people experience raised, bumpy ink when their healing tattoo is exposed to the sun. While fading is not an immediate concern during healing, sun exposure can still cause unwanted skin reactions and slow down the healing process.

🔹 If you need to be outside: Keep your tattoo covered with loose, breathable clothing instead of using sunscreen (which should only be applied after healing is complete).

🚫 NO swimming, soaking, or submerging in water (pools, hot tubs, beaches, baths) for at least 3-4 weeks.
🚫 NO intense exercise in the first few days—excessive sweating can cause irritation.
🚫 NO tight or abrasive clothing over your tattoo (stick to soft, breathable fabrics).


5. Long-Term Tattoo Care (After Healing)

Keeping Your Tattoo Looking Fresh for Years

✔ Hydrate your skin daily with a light, fragrance-free lotion.
✔ Always wear sunscreen (SPF 30+) on your tattoo to prevent fading.
✔ Exfoliate lightly once a week to remove dead skin and maintain vibrancy.


6. Common Questions & Troubleshooting

• “Is my tattoo supposed to look cloudy?”

Yes! Around days 5-10, your tattoo may appear dull or hazy due to skin regeneration. This is normal—once the top layer heals completely, the clarity will return.

• “My tattoo is peeling. Should I help remove the skin?”

NO! Let it peel naturally. Pulling or picking at flakes can remove ink, causing patchy healing.

• “What if I see scabs?”

Some scabbing is normal for certain tattoos. Do not pick at them! Let them fall off naturally to avoid scarring.

• “Can I work out while my tattoo is healing?”

It’s best to avoid heavy sweating for the first 3-5 days. After that, keep workouts light and ensure you clean the tattoo immediately afterward.

• “What if my tattoo looks faded after healing?”

Tattoo brightness will settle in after 4-6 weeks. If it still looks faded or uneven, a touch-up may be needed. Contact me if you think your tattoo needs one.

Final Notes

Taking care of your tattoo correctly ensures it stays vibrant and crisp for a lifetime. Stick to this guide, and if you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!

📩 Need a touch-up or have questions? Feel free to reach out!
You can contact me through my website or email me at amooretattoo@gmail.com.