Tattoo Aftercare: How to Heal Your New Tattoo Properly
Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but what happens after you leave the studio is just as important as the tattoo itself. Proper aftercare helps protect your new tattoo while the skin heals and can make a big difference to how it looks in the long term.
A fresh tattoo is, essentially, an open wound. Your skin needs time to recover, and during the first few weeks it is particularly important to keep it clean, moisturised and protected from excessive sun, water and friction.
At Illmatic Tattoo Studio in La Zenia, Orihuela Costa, we always provide personalised aftercare instructions after your appointment. However, if you are wondering what to expect during the healing process, here is our general guide to taking care of a new tattoo.
The first 24 hours after getting a tattoo
Your tattoo artist will usually cover your new tattoo before you leave the studio. Depending on the type of dressing used, you may need to keep it covered for a specific amount of time.
If you have been given a second-skin style protective film, follow your artist’s instructions regarding when to remove it. Once it is time to take it off, wash your hands first and gently remove the covering.
Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area. Once clean, gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of the recommended tattoo aftercare cream. You do not need a thick layer: the skin should feel moisturised without being covered in excess product.
During these first hours, avoid touching your tattoo unnecessarily. Your hands can transfer dirt and bacteria to freshly tattooed skin, so always wash them before applying any aftercare product.
Tattoo healing: what is normal?
It is completely normal for a new tattoo to look different from how it looked when you first left the studio.
During the first few days, you may notice some redness, sensitivity or mild swelling around the tattoo. Depending on the size and placement of the tattoo, there may also be a small amount of ink residue.
As the skin begins to heal, your tattoo may become dry, itchy or start to peel. This is a normal part of the healing process.
It can be tempting to scratch or pick at the peeling skin, but try not to. Let the skin come away naturally. Scratching or picking can irritate the area and potentially affect the appearance of the tattoo.
Your tattoo may also look slightly dull or cloudy while the skin is healing. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look exactly like it did on the day you got it. As the skin finishes recovering, the colours and details should become clearer again.
How often should you moisturise a tattoo?
Keeping your tattoo moisturised can help prevent excessive dryness while the skin heals.
Apply a small amount of the aftercare cream recommended by your tattoo artist, generally a few times a day or whenever the skin feels particularly dry. Avoid applying too much product.
A common mistake is thinking that more cream means better healing. In reality, your tattoo needs to breathe, so a very thick layer of cream is unnecessary.
Can I swim in the sea after getting a tattoo?
This is particularly important if you are getting tattooed while visiting the Costa Blanca.
Although spending time at the beach may be one of the reasons you are visiting the area, you should avoid swimming in the sea while your tattoo is healing.
The same applies to swimming pools and hot tubs. Freshly tattooed skin is more vulnerable to irritation and infection, and prolonged exposure to water can interfere with the healing process.
If you are planning to get tattooed during your holiday, consider booking your appointment towards the end of your trip. That way, you can enjoy the beach and swimming beforehand and focus on looking after your new tattoo afterwards.
Protect your tattoo from the sun
Sun exposure is one of the biggest things to avoid while your tattoo is healing.
Freshly tattooed skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid sunbathing and keep the tattoo covered with loose clothing whenever possible.
Once your tattoo has completely healed, protecting it from the sun remains important. UV exposure can contribute to fading over time, particularly with certain colours and delicate tattoo styles.
Once healed, applying a high-SPF sunscreen to your tattoo when it is exposed to the sun can help protect both your skin and the tattoo.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Every tattoo and every person is different, so there isn’t one exact healing time.
The surface of the skin will generally improve significantly within the first couple of weeks, but deeper layers of skin can take longer to fully recover.
Even if your tattoo looks healed on the outside, continue following your artist’s aftercare instructions until the skin has completely recovered.
Large tattoos, heavily saturated pieces and tattoos in areas exposed to a lot of movement or friction can sometimes take longer to heal.
The best aftercare is simple
Looking after a new tattoo doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it clean, moisturise it appropriately, avoid scratching or picking at the skin, protect it from the sun and stay away from swimming and prolonged soaking until it has healed.
Most importantly, follow the specific instructions given to you by your tattoo artist. They know the tattoo they’ve created, the products they’ve used and the best approach for your particular piece.
At Illmatic Tattoo Studio in La Zenia, Orihuela Costa, we want you to enjoy your tattoo for years to come, not just on the day you get it. That’s why good aftercare is an important part of every tattoo appointment.