How to Care for Your Tattoo
A tattoo is a form of art that will become a permanent part of you.
To preserve the colors and beauty of your lines, some care is essential.
Your tattoo is a controlled wound. Proper care ensures better healing, vibrant colors, and a lower risk of imperfections.
Read carefully and follow each step.
1️⃣ FIRST HOURS – WITH SECOND SKIN
• The film should remain on the skin for 48 to 72 hours, according to the tattoo artist’s instructions.
It is normal to notice:
• Accumulation of fluid (plasma, ink, and blood)
• Mild burning or sensitivity
DO NOT puncture, remove early, or cover with another plastic wrap.
⚠️ If the adhesive film peels partially or completely, a new one may be necessary.
If that is not possible, replace it with conventional food-grade plastic wrap, but you will need to clean the tattoo several times a day.
⚠️ Remove immediately if you notice:
• Intense itching
• Excessive redness
• Unusual burning
• Allergic reaction
2️⃣ HOW TO REMOVE SECOND SKIN (STEP-BY-STEP)
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Remove during a warm shower
3. Pull slowly from the sides, parallel to the skin
4. Never pull “up” directly on the tattoo
3️⃣ PROPER CLEANING
• Wash the tattoo with:
• Warm or cold water
• Gentle antibacterial soap
• Use only your hands
• Rinse thoroughly
• Pat dry gently with a paper towel (do not rub)
💡 On the first night, it is recommended to let the tattoo breathe after cleaning.
4️⃣ MOISTURIZING
• Apply a thin layer of:
• Recommended tattoo aftercare ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer
• Apply 3–4 times a day
• Continue for 10–14 days
• The skin should be hydrated, never greasy
• If necessary, apply more frequently to prevent dryness
5️⃣ WHAT TO AVOID DURING HEALING
🚫 Scratching or picking scabs
🚫 Rubbing the tattoo
🚫 Touching with dirty hands
🚫 Direct sun exposure
🚫 Tanning beds
🚫 Pools, sea, hot tubs, jacuzzis, or saunas
🚫 Hair removal in the tattooed area
🚫 Contact with animals on the tattoo
🚫 Using:
• Vaseline, A&D, Neosporin, or non-recommended products
⚠️ These products slow healing and damage the tattoo colors.
6️⃣ LONG-TERM CARE
• Excessive sun exposure causes tattoo fading
After complete healing:
• Use sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
• Avoid intense sun whenever possible
• Moisturize the skin daily
• Drink plenty of water — it helps skin regeneration
• Wear loose clothing and avoid friction
• Excessive consumption of foods high in beta-carotene may alter color tones
👉 Always consult your tattoo artist.
Every skin reacts differently.
7️⃣ DIET & NUTRITION
Your diet directly affects how well your tattoo heals.
✔ What to do:
-
Eat balanced meals rich in protein and vitamins
-
Support healing with clean, nutritious foods
⚠️ Avoid or reduce:
-
Alcohol → increases inflammation and delays healing
-
Sugary and ultra-processed foods → can weaken the immune response
-
Very fatty foods & fried foods → slow down healing and increase inflammation
-
Strong condiments (spicy foods, peppers) → may increase skin sensitivity, sweating, and irritation
-
Smoking → reduces oxygen in the blood and impairs healing
🥕 Beta-carotene foods (consume in moderation):
Excess may slightly change skin tone and temporarily affect how tattoo colors appear.
-
Carrots
-
Sweet potatoes
-
Pumpkin
-
Mango
-
Papaya
-
Spinach
-
Kale
👉 No need to eliminate completely — just avoid excess during the healing phase.
8️⃣ HEALING TIME
• Initial healing: 10–14 days
• Final skin result: up to 30 days
9️⃣ PAY ATTENTION
Seek a doctor or your tattoo artist if you notice:
• Intense redness
• Green or yellow discharge
• Bad odor
• Fever
• Unusual pain
🔟 LOW IMMUNITY — ATTENTION
The tattoo requires a balanced immune system for proper healing.
If immunity is low, it may cause:
• Slower healing
• Higher risk of inflammation or infection
• Loss of pigment
• Need for early touch-ups
Avoid tattooing if you are:
• Sick or have the flu
• Using antibiotics
• Very tired or stressed
• With low immunity
Take care of your body:
• Get enough sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Eat properly
• Alcohol, smoking, or drug use before and after tattooing can affect healing quality
A healthy body ensures a more beautiful and long-lasting tattoo.
Happy healing! Take good care of your art.