Tattoo After Care

We recommend using Tattoo Goo, as opposed to lotions and creams. Ointments tend to last much longer in preventing the skin from drying out. This will allow time to set and begin healing without the constant rubbing of lotions into it, thus disturbing the healing process.

Gently massage the ointment into the skin until it disappears. Do not under any circumstances, leave a coating or a layer of it on the new tattoo. More is not better in this case. Too much ointment will suffocate the skin, leaving it mushy and cause oozing which can turn into thick, crusty scabs taking a month or more to heal, not to mention the light spots from where color fell out because of the scabs cracking and falling off too early. Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo. If in doubt after massaging in the ointment, use a tissue to blot off the excess. This will allow it to get air and start healing properly. If rashes or heavy scabs do occur, discontinue use of ointments and contact Body Flash Tattoos for alternatives.

Avoid any direct sunlight on the new tattoo for at least the first couple of weeks. The sun is the #1 enemy of a new tattoo. This is a tough call, especially in the warmer months when you would like to show it off, but believe me when I tell you that a tattoo is very fragile in it's infant stage. The sun can blister and cook the new epidermal cells trying to heal over the pigment and protect it from getting bleached out. After the initial healing you can pile on the sun block and have at it, if you so choose. Over the years a tattoo will slowly fade somewhat in the sun, but nothing to compare to the first 6 months of excessive sunlight. You'll pay good money for it, so why not keep it sharp?!

Also to be avoided is the soaking of a new tattoo. This means no swimming at all and no chlorine whatsoever. No long baths, quick showers or washing only. Soaking will turn a new tattoo to slush and have the same after effect as using too much ointment and take a long, long time to heal.

The initial healing of a new tattoo is about 2 weeks, if taken care of properly. The tattoo will lightly flake and peal like a sunburn, but with colored flakes of skin. This is normal and will take place all within the first 4 to 7 days. In some instances a second clear flaking may occur, after which it will become tight, itchy and glossy looking. Try not to scratch it at all. Massaging in a lotion at this time can satisfy the itch. Total regeneration of the healing skin can take from 4 to 6 weeks.

Heal it right to keep it bright. It's there forever.

AND FOR LIFETIME CARE... Always use sunscreen or sunblock on your tattoo. Direct sun will eventually fade your tattoo - care and protection will keep the lines sharp and the colors bright!

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