Tattoo after care guide

The Ultimate Tattoo Aftercare Guide – Keep Your Ink Fresh and Healthy

Taking proper care of your tattoo starts the moment you leave the studio. Remember: getting a tattoo means the skin’s pores have been opened by needles, which makes the area highly susceptible to bacteria and infection — especially within the first 48 hours. That’s why keeping your tattoo clean during the first two days is absolutely crucial.

🧼 Should You Wash Your Tattoo?

Yes — and this is where many people get it wrong. There’s a common myth that water shouldn’t touch a fresh tattoo. In fact, gentle, regular washing is essential. Wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. To dry the area, always use a clean paper towel and dab gently — never rub.

You can also take a shower from day one, but avoid hot water and keep your shower short to reduce irritation.

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💡 When Should You Start Using Aftercare Cream?

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the healing process. Do not apply any cream or ointment for the first 48 hours. Why? Because the skin needs time to close those micro-wounds made by the needle. If you apply ointment too early, you prevent the skin from sealing, which can trap bacteria and lead to infection or slower healing.

After the first 48 hours, you can begin using a tattoo aftercare cream.

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🌿 What’s the Best Cream to Use?

One of the best options is Bepanthen, a healing ointment that helps speed up the skin’s regeneration — exactly what we want for fresh ink.

You can also use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter as an alternative, especially for the moisturising phase later on.

👉 A good tattoo cream should be quickly absorbed into the skin, not sitting on top of it like a greasy layer.

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❓How Often Should You Apply It?

There’s no fixed number of times. Just pay attention to your skin — every time your tattoo feels dry or itchy, apply a thin layer of cream. It’s a good idea to carry it with you wherever you go.

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🗓️ How Long Should You Keep Washing and Moisturising?

The first week is the most critical, but you should keep washing your tattoo and applying cream until the peeling phase is fully complete, which usually takes 10–14 days.

Even after the skin has healed on the surface, it’s still delicate. So from week two onward, continue moisturising the area with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter or any good quality hydrating lotion. Your skin still needs proper hydration!

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🏖️ Swimming, Sunbathing, and Tanning — Yes or No?

• Swimming in the first week is forbidden. Chlorine used in pools can

seriously harm your tattoo.

• After the first week, you may swim, but avoid hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Cold plunge pools are okay.

• Sunbathing and tanning beds are also a big NO during the first week. After that, if you do expose your tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds, you must apply a strong sunscreen — SPF 60 or higher — directly on the tattooed area at least 5 minutes before exposure.

Bepanthen tattoo

Anti bacterial soap

Palmers coco butter

Sun screen soft-

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In the next section, I’ll include photos of the recommended products for reference.

I hope this guide helps you take the best care of your new tattoo. A little extra attention goes a long way — not just for healing, but for preserving the sharpness, colour, and detail of your ink for years to come.