DO’s AND DON’Ts DURING YOUR TATTOO HEALING PROCESS
- "Should I clean my tattoo while it is still healing? How?”
Yes. We recommend that you clean your tattoo once or twice a day during the healing process (which begins two hours after inking and ends once it has fully healed). To clean your tattoo correctly, moisten your hand with cold or lukewarm water, then gently rinse your tattoo with the
SOOTHE & CLEAN cleanser. During the healing process, your tattoo may drain some blood, clear fluid or ink: these will come off by rubbing the area gently with your cleanser. This is not the case for scabs, which must not be removed: disinfect them with soap and never pick them off.
- "Can I shower while my tattoo is still healing?"
Sure! You can (and should) shower during your tattoo’s healing process. Just make sure to cover your tattoo with some protective film, whether you take a shower or a bath. In any case, you should avoid immersing your new tattoo in water.
- "Can I sunbathe while my tattoo is healing?”
No. Sun exposure on your new tattoo is detrimental to healing. So make sure you don’t lay out in the sun for hours with your fresh tattoo in plain sight. Avoid going to the beach or sunbathing on your balcony and, of course, stay out of tanning beds. If you have to stay out in the sun for some reason, cover your tattoo with cotton cloths so that the sun's rays won’t filter in (taking care not to irritate your skin).
- "Can I go to the swimming pool while my tattoo is still healing? And immediately after that?"
No. Your tattoo should not be immersed in water during the healing process, especially if the water contains foreign agents such as chlorine (or salt, if you’re swimming in the sea). Also, swimming pools are an ideal place for fungal and bacterial contamination: if you have an extensive wound like a tattoo, there may be some unpleasant consequences for your healing process. So stay out of the swimming pool and your tattoo will look better. If your tattoo has healed after 7 days and you need to go to the swimming pool you can, but wear a layer of
BEFORE INK, which creates a protective barrier and makes sure that your tattoo doesn’t get infected and chlorine doesn’t ruin it. Once you’re done at the pool, rinse your tattoo with some antibacterial soap and apply
AFTER INK NATURE by Tattoo Defender.
- "How long will it take for my new tattoo to heal?"
If you use the
AFTER INK NATURE cream by Tattoo Defender, it will take 7 to 10 days for your tattoo to heal. It can take a bit longer for very large tattoos. However, be careful with dirt, dust, and sun exposure even the week after it has fully healed.
- "Can I go to the beach while my tattoo is healing?”
No. We highly recommend that you don’t go the beach with a fresh tattoo. Sand, sun, heat and salt water will disturb the healing process, so we advise that you go once it has fully healed. If you really have to go to the beach, be careful not to expose your new tattoo to the sun; also, cover it to protect it from the sand and avoid swimming. Keep in mind that your skin should not get irritated for any reason.
- "My tattoo is itchy... Can I scratch it?"
No. Don’t scratch your tattoo! Scratching can cause damage exactly where you tattoo should heal. If it’s too itchy, clean it following the instructions described above; excessive itching could be caused by some irritation. However, some itching is normal, especially in summer. In any case, don’t touch your fresh tattoo with dirty hands - always wash them first.
- "What clothes can I wear over my fresh tattoo? Will it stain my clothes?”
If you are using
AFTER INK NATURE by Tattoo Defender, you don’t need to use any cling film and your tattoo will not stain your clothes. We can’t tell for sure if you are using other products. In any case, wear cotton clothes (which are less likely to cause irritation) and let the tattoo breathe, so it will heal sooner.
- "My new tattoo is scabbing. What should I do? Should I pick them off?”
No. Scabs should never be pulled off until your tattoo has healed; picking them off during the healing process can ruin your tattoo forever. Keep in mind that if you are using
AFTER INK NATURE you will probably avoid scabbing and discharges. If you experience scabbing anyway, we recommend that you clean it as described above, without picking the scabs, which will crumble and fall off naturally - just be patient!
- "I have very sensitive skin. Can I use Tattoo Defender products?"
All Tattoo Defender products are dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, so you can use them safely. Also, our skincare products are free of parabens, titanium oxides and any type of metal, and they are not tested on animals.
- "I have a new tattoo on my arm and I work in a dusty or dirty environment. What should I do?"
If you work in a dusty environment or spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need to protect your fresh tattoo with long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts or long cotton trousers (making sure they are not tight). If you cannot take these precautions, soften the affected area with a thin layer of
AFTER INK NATURE, then cover it with cling film but be careful to keep the wrap for the shortest possible time.
- "I have a new tattoo on my feet and I work in a dirty or dusty environment. What can I do?"
As with your forearm and calf, you will need to protect your tattoo from dust and dirt; this is also why we recommend that you soften the affected area with a thin layer of
AFTER INK NATURE, covering it with cling film to avoid direct contact between your shoe (or sock) and the affected area. This will prevent any scabs to be rubbed off. If possible, try to leave your tattoo uncovered, so it will heal faster.
- "Is it normal for my tattoo to bleed a little in the first 24 hours?”
Yes, it’s normal. Healing time is highly subjective; in any case, if there are still traces of blood after two days, contact your tattoo artist. Usually it’s nothing serious.
- "Is it normal to see traces of ink while I clean my tattoo?"
Yes, it’s normal. It’s dead skin mixed with ink, which heals in contact with the air and forms a coloured scab.
- "My tattoo and the area around is swollen… what is happening?"
It is quite normal. It depends on your skin type and your type of tattoo; it will usually disappear within a couple of days. Do not hesitate to contact your tattoo artist if you have any doubts.
- "I think I didn’t follow all recommendations, and now I have some redness and pus coming out of my tattoo. What can I do now?"
Talk to your tattoo artist, physician or your pharmacist before you take any action; they will give you the right advice.
