Tattoo Aftercare: Essential Tips From Bay Ink Tattoo Experts

Congratulations on your new (or soon-to-be-new) tattoo! As you embark on this fresh ink journey, prioritizing proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting vibrancy. So, what are some crucial tips for tattoo aftercare?

Our Bay Ink tattoo experts have compiled a list of seven that will keep your new artwork looking its best.

1. Your Artist Is Your Tattoo Guru

Aftercare is dependent on so many factors, like size, location, and design. Your artist is your tattoo guru, and their aftercare instructions are tailored to your fresh ink. From cleaning methods to moisturizing routines, follow those guidelines to a T. If any questions arise, reach out to your artist, as they know your tattoo better than anyone.

2. Moisturize Regularly (But Moderately)

Hydration is vital in promoting healthy skin and preventing dryness and irritation. But there's a fine line between hydrating and suffocating.

All that's needed is a thin layer of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer or tattoo-specific aftercare product applied according to the schedule recommended by your artist. Slathering your ink with cream or lotion hinders its ability to breathe and delays healing.

3. Stay Fresh & Clean

Proper hygiene is crucial, especially during initial healing. Gently wash your tattoo with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm (not hot!) water to remove excess ink, blood, and ointment. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can increase the risk of infection.

4. Sun Is Your Tattoo's Mortal Enemy

Sunlight can fade and damage tattoos, especially while healing. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds in the first few weeks.

But don't worry, you don't need to adopt a new hermit lifestyle. When out and about, simply keep your tattoo covered with loose clothing. Once fully healed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage.

5. Skip the Soak

Did you know that prolonged water exposure can soften the skin and wash away ink while increasing the risk of infection? For those reasons, our experts recommend avoiding swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and long baths until fully healed.

6. Keep a Close Eye on Things

Signs of trouble on your tattooed canvas? Contact your artist right away! While rare, things like excessive redness, swelling, fever, or pus could be early signs of an infection – the sooner you identify and treat it, the better the result.

7. Patience Is a Virtue

Good things come to those who wait – including healed tattoos! Be patient and let your body's natural healing process run its course. With healing comes itching – resist the urge to scratch, and don't pick at or remove scabs. You'll be rewarded for your self-restraint with a beautifully healed, vibrant, crisp tattoo.

A Successfully Healed Tattoo Starts With a Skilled Artist

While following all recommended guidelines is essential for a healed tattoo, choosing a professional artist is just as important. The tattoo artists here at Bay Ink are visionaries committed to safety. You're in good hands no matter which of our artists or locations you choose.

Haven't yet turned your vision into a vibrant masterpiece? Book your tattoo appointment today!

Looking for piercing aftercare? Ask about our saline spray solution specifically curated for healing piercings.