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Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Look After Your New Tattoo

Your new tattoo is finished, but the healing process has only just begun.

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to help your skin recover, reduce the risk of infection and preserve the appearance of your new artwork.

At Inkden Tattoo Studio in Blackpool, we want your tattoo to look its best long after you leave the studio. Whether you’ve had a small design, a full-day session or a large custom tattoo, following the correct aftercare instructions is an important part of the process.

Always follow the specific instructions given by your tattoo artist. Aftercare may vary depending on the tattoo, its placement and the dressing applied.

1. Which Dressing Has Been Applied to Your Tattoo?

Before starting your aftercare routine, identify which dressing your artist has used.

Traditional Cling Film

If your tattoo has been covered with ordinary cling film, follow the traditional tattoo aftercare instructions below.

Second Skin or Derm Shield

If your artist has applied an adhesive protective film, such as Recovery Derm Shield or another second-skin dressing, follow the instructions for that specific product.

Second-skin dressings are designed to remain in place for longer than ordinary cling film. Their application, removal and replacement instructions are different.

READ OUR SECOND SKIN TATTOO AFTERCARE GUIDE

Do not follow cling-film removal times for a second-skin dressing.

2. Traditional Tattoo Aftercare: Cling Film

Step 1: Remove the Cling Film

If your artist has applied traditional cling film, remove it approximately 3–4 hours after your tattoo session, unless your artist has instructed you otherwise.

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or removing the dressing.

Remove the film gently and dispose of it.

Do not reuse the same cling film.

Step 2: Wash Your New Tattoo

Once the dressing has been removed:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Gently rinse the tattoo with clean, lukewarm water.
3. Use a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap suitable for sensitive skin.
4. Carefully remove any excess ink, blood or plasma without scrubbing.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
6. Pat dry using clean, disposable paper towel.

Do not rub the tattoo with a towel or use a sponge, flannel or exfoliating cloth.

Avoid using very hot water.

Step 3: Allow the Tattoo to Dry

After washing, gently pat your tattoo dry.

Allow any remaining surface moisture to evaporate before applying an aftercare product.

Avoid trapping excess moisture against the skin.

Step 4: Apply Tattoo Aftercare Cream

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of a suitable tattoo aftercare product recommended by your artist.

Use only enough to lightly moisturise the skin.

Applying too much cream can leave the area excessively moist and may cause irritation.

Always wash your hands before applying aftercare cream.

If a product causes burning, a rash or significant irritation, stop using it and seek advice.

3. How Often Should You Wash and Moisturise Your Tattoo?

During the early healing period:

• Gently wash your tattoo approximately twice daily, usually morning and evening.
• Clean it additionally if it becomes dirty or contaminated.
• Pat dry with clean, disposable paper towel.
• Apply a thin layer of suitable aftercare product as advised by your artist.
• Avoid excessive washing, rubbing or over-moisturising.

Some tattoos may release clear or slightly blood-stained fluid during the first day or two. Gently clean away excess fluid as needed.

Do not repeatedly scrub the area or attempt to remove skin that is beginning to peel.

Your artist may adjust these instructions depending on the tattoo and its placement.

4. Should You Wrap Your Tattoo Again?

Do not routinely rewrap your tattoo with household cling film after the initial dressing has been removed unless your artist has specifically instructed you to do so.

Your old Inkden instructions recommended wrapping colour tattoos for the first few nights. We now recommend treating overnight wrapping as an individual aftercare decision rather than a rule for every colour tattoo.

If your artist advises additional protective dressing, follow their instructions for the type of dressing, hygiene and duration.

Never reuse a dressing.

If you are uncertain whether your tattoo needs additional protection, contact the studio.

5. Second Skin and Derm Shield Aftercare

Second-skin dressings are adhesive protective films designed for tattoo aftercare.

It is normal for some blood, plasma and excess ink to collect underneath the film during the initial healing period.

For Recovery Derm Shield, the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that the first application is generally worn for approximately 24 hours, depending on fluid accumulation. A second application may be worn for several days, and no individual piece should be worn for longer than one week.

Other second-skin brands may have different instructions.

If the film begins to leak, exposes part of the tattoo, causes significant irritation or no longer forms an effective seal, contact your artist for advice on removal and further care.

Do not attempt to reseal a leaking dressing using household tape.

Removing Second Skin

When it is time to remove the dressing:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Use warm running water to help loosen the adhesive.
3. Gently lift an edge of the film.
4. Slowly stretch and peel the film back over itself, keeping it close to the skin.
5. Do not pull sharply upwards.
6. Once removed, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
7. Pat dry with clean, disposable paper towel.
8. Continue with the aftercare routine recommended by your artist.

If you develop significant redness, blistering or a suspected adhesive reaction, remove the dressing carefully and seek appropriate advice.

For full instructions, including dressing duration and removal, visit:

SECOND SKIN TATTOO AFTERCARE

6. Tattoo Healing Stages: What to Expect

Every tattoo heals differently. Healing depends on factors such as tattoo size, placement, skin condition and individual recovery.

The surface of a tattoo commonly takes approximately 2–4 weeks to heal, although deeper skin recovery and the settling of its appearance can take longer.

Days 1–3: Initial Healing

Your tattoo may appear:

• Red or slightly swollen.
• Tender or warm.
• Bright or darker than its final healed appearance.
• Slightly wet from plasma, excess ink or small amounts of blood.

Mild symptoms should generally begin improving rather than becoming progressively worse.

Keep the area clean and follow your dressing instructions.

Days 4–14: Dryness, Itching and Peeling

As the skin heals, you may notice:

• Dryness or tightness.
• Mild itching.
• Flaking or peeling.
• Small scabs.
• A temporary dull or cloudy appearance.

Do not scratch, pick or peel your tattoo.

Allow loose skin and scabs to come away naturally.

Continue gentle cleaning and appropriate moisturising.

Weeks 2–4: Surface Healing

Peeling and scabbing should gradually settle.

The tattoo may still appear slightly dull or feel sensitive as the skin continues to recover.

Avoid activities that could irritate or damage the area.

Weeks 4–6 and Beyond: Settling

Even after the surface looks healed, the skin and appearance of the tattoo may continue to settle.

Continue moisturising as needed and protect the tattoo from UV exposure.

If healing seems unusually slow or symptoms worsen, seek advice rather than assuming the tattoo is healing normally.

7. Things to Avoid While Your Tattoo Is Healing

Do Not Scratch or Pick

Scratching and picking can damage healing skin, increase the risk of infection and affect the appearance of your tattoo.

If your tattoo becomes itchy, avoid rubbing it. Follow your recommended moisturising routine.

Avoid Swimming and Soaking

Do not swim or immerse your tattoo in:

• Swimming pools.
• The sea.
• Lakes or rivers.
• Hot tubs or jacuzzis.
• Baths.

Avoid these activities until the tattoo has completely healed.

As a planning guideline, Inkden recommends allowing at least 4 weeks before swimming or activities involving prolonged immersion, and longer if healing is incomplete.

Short, gentle showers are generally suitable.

Avoid Saunas and Steam Rooms

Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed.

Excessive heat, moisture and friction can irritate healing skin.

Avoid Excessive Friction and Sweating

Avoid activities that repeatedly rub, stretch or irritate the tattoo.

Exercise may need to be adjusted depending on the tattoo’s location, size and condition.

Keep clothing and any equipment touching the area clean.

If you are unsure about returning to the gym or sport, ask your artist.

8. Sun Exposure and Tattoo Protection

Minimum 4 Weeks After Your Tattoo

Inkden recommends avoiding direct sun exposure, sunbathing, sunbeds and intensive UV exposure on the tattooed area for a minimum of 4 weeks and until completely healed.

Fresh tattoos are particularly vulnerable to irritation and UV damage.

Protect the tattoo with loose, clean clothing when outdoors.

Do not apply sunscreen directly to an open, peeling or unhealed tattoo.

Once Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed

Use broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen whenever your tattoo is exposed to sunlight.

Reapply according to the sunscreen manufacturer’s instructions, particularly after swimming or sweating.

UV exposure can contribute to tattoo fading over time.

9. Alcohol After Your Tattoo

Inkden asks clients to avoid alcohol for a minimum of 4 days after their tattoo appointment.

This is part of our studio’s aftercare policy.

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and may affect your general wellbeing during the early recovery period.

Continue eating normally, staying hydrated and allowing your body sufficient rest.

Do not use recreational drugs in ways that impair your ability to follow aftercare instructions or recognise complications.

10. Clothing, Bedding and Hygiene

During healing:

• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid tight clothing that rubs the tattoo.
• Keep bedding clean.
• Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with the tattoo.
• Do not allow other people to touch your healing tattoo.
• Keep pets away from the tattooed area, particularly during the early healing period.
• Avoid contact with dirty surfaces and shared equipment.

Good hygiene helps reduce the risk of contamination and irritation.

11. What Products Should You Avoid?

Unless a healthcare professional specifically instructs otherwise, avoid applying the following directly to your healing tattoo:

• Alcohol-based cleaning products.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Harsh antiseptics.
• Perfumed lotions or soaps.
• Exfoliating products.
• Unnecessary topical medications.
• Heavy layers of ointment that leave the area excessively moist.

Use a suitable aftercare product recommended by your tattoo artist.

If you have allergies or sensitive skin, discuss product choices with your artist.

12. Normal Healing or Possible Infection?

Some redness, tenderness, swelling and minor fluid release can occur after tattooing.

However, symptoms should generally improve as the tattoo heals.

Seek Medical Advice If You Notice:

• Redness that spreads or becomes progressively worse.
• Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement.
• Significant swelling or worsening heat around the tattoo.
• Pus or unusual discharge.
• Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
• Red streaks spreading away from the tattoo.
• Blistering or a severe skin reaction.

If you suspect an infection, contact your GP or NHS 111 promptly.

If you are seriously unwell or symptoms are rapidly worsening, seek urgent medical care.

You can also inform Inkden about the issue, but contacting the studio is not a substitute for medical assessment.

13. Long-Term Tattoo Care

Once your tattoo has fully healed, looking after your skin can help preserve the appearance of your artwork.

We recommend:

• Moisturising regularly with a suitable body lotion.
• Using broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
• Avoiding sunbeds.
• Maintaining healthy skin and good general hygiene.
• Contacting your tattoo artist if you have questions about the healed result.

Tattoo colours and contrast may naturally change over time as the skin ages.

14. Healed Tattoo Photos and Follow-Up

We love seeing how our clients’ tattoos look once fully healed.

When your tattoo has healed, feel free to send us a clear photograph in natural, even lighting.

This helps your artist assess the healed result and is particularly useful for large projects, cover-ups and tattoos completed over multiple sessions.

If you believe an area needs attention or a touch-up, contact the studio so your artist can review it.

Touch-ups are assessed individually, and any applicable charges will be explained before booking.

15. Share Your Experience with Inkden

If you’ve enjoyed your experience at Inkden Tattoo Studio, we’d appreciate you sharing your feedback.

Your reviews help other clients find our artists and give people confidence when choosing a tattoo studio.

You can also follow our work on social media and contact us when you’re ready to plan your next tattoo.

Need Help with Your Tattoo Aftercare?

If you’re unsure about dressing removal, washing, moisturising or the normal healing process, contact Inkden Tattoo Studio.

Inkden Tattoo Studio, Blackpool

Phone: 07957 021702

Email: Inkden.tattoo@gmail.com

Related Guides

How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment

Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare

Following the correct aftercare routine helps protect your skin and gives your tattoo the best opportunity to heal well.