CLAIRE McCRACKEN
Freelance Illustration + Graphic Design + Tattoos
Tattoo Aftercare!
You got a tattoo from me! Yay!
Here's a guide so you can take care of it during the healing process and after it's healed to keep it looking good for a long time!
Healing with an adhesive bandage:
After your tattoo session I will be applying a bandage over your tattoo; the brand I use is RecoveryDerm. Keep the bandage on for 3-5 days depending on the complexity of the tattoo and how your skin feels.
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On the night you decide to take off your bandage, remove the bandage in the shower. It helps to get things a little steamy to help the adhesive detach. Gently remove any dried blood and plasma with some unscented, antibacterial soap - avoid scrubbing! Let the tattoo dry or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel - avoid drying with your bath towel (germ-city). Once tattoo is completely dry, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Avoid any moisturizer that is petroleum-based or thick like Vaseline or Aquaphor. Common recommendations are Lubriderm, CeraVe, Cetaphil, Aveeno, baby lotion, any generic body lotion or moisturizer for sensitive skin.
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Keep tattoo clean and moisturized! Wash it gently with unscented soap, dry it with a clean paper towel, and follow with a thin application of unscented lotion at least 2 times a day for 2 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed. Dial gold is a common soap recommendation, but I like the unscented, antibacterial CVS brand hand soap too! Dr Bronner's unscented is also good if you dilute it.
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Avoid picking/scratching/itching at your tattoo when it is peeling. If it itches like crazy, you can itch around the tattoo or lightly tap it with clean hands. If it really drives you mad, put the tiniest bit of moisturizer on it with clean hands.
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Avoid soaking/swimming/bathing and hanging out in direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. Showers are ok, but don’t hold your tattoo under the shower head. Wear loose-fitting clothing to protect your tattoo from the sun until it's healed.
Tattoo Healing Process Example
Healing without an adhesive bandage:
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Let your tattoo artist know if you have an adhesive allergy!
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If this is your first time trying adhesive bandages and you have a reaction, remove the bandage ASAP! Wash your tattoo with water and anti-bacterial soap then pat it dry with a clean paper towel. A reaction can feel like your skin is very itchy under the bandage, or your skin might turn red around the edges of the bandage. If this happens, DO NOT WAIT TO REMOVE THE BANDAGE.
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For the first 3-5 days, wash it gently with unscented soap, dry it with a clean paper towel, and follow with a THIN layer of Aquaphor or a healing ointment 2-3 times per day. Do not over-apply the ointment as it prevents your skin from breathing (which can lead to rashes) and in some cases even removes ink from the tattoo! Dial gold is a common soap recommendation, but I like the unscented, antibacterial CVS brand hand soap too! Dr Bronner's unscented is also good if you dilute it.
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After 3-5 days, switch from a healing ointment to an unscented body lotion/moisturizer. The process is the same except for the moisturizer: wash it gently with unscented soap, dry it with a clean paper towel, and follow with a thin application of unscented lotion at least 2 times a day for 2 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed.
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Avoid picking/scratching/itching at your tattoo when it is peeling. If it itches like crazy, you can itch around the tattoo or lightly tap it with clean hands. If it really drives you mad, put the tiniest bit of moisturizer on it with clean hands.
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Avoid soaking/swimming/bathing and hanging out in direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. Showers are ok, but don’t hold your tattoo under the shower head. Wear loose-fitting clothing to protect your tattoo from the sun until it's healed.
Tattoo Healing Process Example
Bandage Removal Example
Things to DO while your tattoo is healing
Cover Up
Keep your tattoo out of the sun until it's fully healed. I like to wrap clean bandanas around arm tattoos if it's super hot out. Once it's healed, be sure to wear sunscreen to prolong the crispy life of your tattoo.
Be a Sloth
Don't work out until your tattoo is fully healed. If you must, light exercise is okay BUT only after you take off your bandage, sweating under the bandage can cause an infection (sweat is gross). ABSOLUTELY NO GYMS.
Stay Clean
Especially if you are not using a bandage, it is really crucial that your sheets (and any clothing you wear that touches your tattoo) are CLEAN! Please also stay away from any generally germ-riddled scenarios!
Things to AVOID while your tattoo is healing
Itching + Picking
It will itch. It will peel. Do not itch it. Do not pick it. Picking and itching will disrupt the healing process and might fudge things up. You can itch around the area, or lightly pat your tattoo with clean hands.
Also avoid overly tight clothing!
Wetness
No bathing, no pools, no saunas, no extra steamy hot showers (especially while wearing your bandage because you sweat), no jacuzzis, no rivers... please just avoid getting into any body of water.
Excessive Aquaphor
Only use Aquaphor if your bandage doesn’t work, and if you do, only use a pea size amount. If you find that there is too much on your tattoo lightly pat some off with a paper towel. DO NOT USE ANY AQUAPHOR AFTER THE FIRST WEEK.
send healed pics pls
Tattoos usually take about 6-8 weeks to heal and 6 months to fully settle into your skin. After a few months, I’d love to see some healed photos! Please feel free to Instagram DM or email me photos! Please take photos from straight-on in natural lighting - or ask a friend to take one for you!