Tattoo Aftercare
I realize that everyone has their own opinions about tattoo aftercare processes, some of which contradict the process I list below. I want to let everyone know that the information on aftercare that I provide is based on doctors’ recommendations and pure facts about the healing processes our bodies go through.
Feel free to research all of these facts for yourself.

A tattoo is an abrasion, sort of like a skinned knee,
so keeping it clean is the most important thing.
The healing process should take about 10 to 14 days.

1. Remove bandage after the bleeding stops, usually within an hour after tattoo procedure.

2. Wash well, but gently, with soapy water; continue to wash tattoo 3 or 4 times a day.

3. Apply a thin coat of Bacitracin or Neosporin, or any antibiotic in a petroleum base, for the next 4 days. Remember THIN coat, a little goes a long way, too much will stop it from breathing and actually slow the healing process! Germs are what cause infections, that is why an antibiotic is recommended, to lessen the chance of infection.

4. After 4 days keep the tattoo moist with skin lotion or vitamin E oil for the next 10 days.
Nothing is going to “suck the color out” but it’s wise to use something gentle, lotions with a lot of alcohol or perfume will give you an uncomfortable burning feeling and are not recommended. You may find that as you wash and care for your tattoo some ink will be washed away, this does not mean your tattoo is fading! The tattooing process pushes ink into your skin. The ink gets trapped three layers beneath the skin, whatever ink that didn't make it down to that third layer is washing away as the healing process continues.

5. Keep out of sunlight for at least 2 weeks.
A tattoo is heat sensitive, and while it is healing it’s more susceptible to burning, especially because the ointment, that should be on it, will fry under the sun.

6. Do not submerge in any kind of water for at least 2 weeks.
Prolonged exposure to water of any kind (chlorinated or otherwise) will waterlog your tattoo, the entire protective layer of skin on top will come off of it and the healing process will have to start all over again. If this happens, you may lose the vibrancy of color.

7. Do not re-bandage.
Keep it clean and moist but let it breathe! If the placement of your tattoo is uncomfortable and you don't want your clothes to rub against it, place one layer of plastic wrap over it. The lotion or ointment that keeps your tattoo moist will act as an adhesive for the plastic wrap. However if you do this, it is recommended you remove all bandaging when you are in privacy, so your tattoo can breathe and heal.

If you follow these rules and use common sense,
your tattoo will heal and make you happy for the rest of your life!