Tattoo aftercare: do’s and don’ts

13/08/2025

After getting a tattoo, your skin is damaged and needs time to heal. It’s similar to a scrape: the top layer of skin is open and vulnerable to bacteria. Improper aftercare can lead to infections, scarring, and color loss. With the right care, the skin typically heals within two to six weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as your body’s natural healing process.

General Daily Aftercare

The first few weeks after getting a tattoo are crucial for achieving the best possible result. A proper daily routine not only helps prevent infections but also keeps the colors vibrant and the lines crisp.

How to care for your tattoo:

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
Gently clean the tattoo once or twice a day with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use only your fingers, avoid sponges or washcloths.
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Rubbing can irritate the skin and remove scabs prematurely.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment to keep the skin moisturized and flexible. A thick layer can suffocate the skin and slow the healing process.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction against the tattoo.
Protect your tattoo from sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure while it is healing, and afterwards always use a high-SPF sunscreen to preserve the colors and protect the skin.

Exercising with a new tattoo

Exercise is great for your health, but a fresh tattoo needs extra care. Sweat, friction, and pressure can irritate the skin and introduce bacteria into the healing wound. Intense physical activity can also cause scabs to come off before the skin underneath has fully healed.

It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3 to 5 days after getting your tattoo. Light activities, such as gentle walking, are usually fine, but you should wait before returning to weightlifting, running, or contact sports until the skin has recovered more fully. Depending on the tattoo’s location, this may take 1 to 2 weeks.

Tips for exercising safely during the healing process:

Wear loose, breathable clothing that won’t rub against your tattoo.
Avoid direct contact between the tattooed area and shared gym equipment.
Clean your tattoo after exercising using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Gently pat the area dry and apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment to keep the skin moisturized and protected.

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Swimming and water exposure

A refreshing swim may sound tempting, but it’s not a good idea when you have a new tattoo. Chlorine in swimming pools, saltwater from the sea, and bacteria found in natural bodies of water can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection. Prolonged soaking also softens the skin, which can slow down the healing process.

Recommendations:

Avoid swimming, taking baths, using hot tubs, and swimming in the sea for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Showering is perfectly fine, but keep it short and use lukewarm water.
Avoid letting a strong stream of water hit the tattoo directly.
After showering, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.

What to avoid

Certain habits and activities can slow down the healing process or permanently affect the appearance of your tattoo.

Do not scratch or pick at scabs, even if the tattoo feels itchy.

Do not apply a thick layer of aftercare ointment, as it can suffocate the skin and delay healing.

Avoid wearing tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo.

Stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and tanning beds until the skin has completely healed.

Avoid prolonged exposure to water until the wound is fully closed.

Additional tattoo care tips

Aftercare doesn’t stop once your skin has healed. Your tattoo still needs protection and care to keep it looking its best for years to come. Sun exposure, for example, is one of the biggest enemies of tattoo ink. UV rays can cause colors to fade and lines to lose their sharpness.

Keep your tattoo looking its best:

Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to your tattoo, even on cloudy days.
Keep your skin hydrated by using a quality, fragrance-free body lotion regularly.
Avoid excessive friction from tight clothing rubbing against the tattooed area.
Stay aware of any changes in your skin, such as unusual spots or fading, and have them checked if necessary.

Do you have questions about caring for your new tattoo, or are you looking for advice tailored to your specific situation?

Feel free to get in touch with Angel and Demon Tattoo. Our team is here to answer all your questions and help ensure your tattoo heals as beautifully as possible. Give us a call, send us a message, or stop by the studio, we’re always happy to help.