Illustrative tattoo aftercare

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Step 1: Using clean hands, remove the wrap/bandage from your tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo with your hand using warm water and antibacterial soap. DON’T use any abrasive tools like an exfoliant or loofa on your tattoo until it is COMPLETELY healed. Rubbing or picking off scabs or flaking skin can cause scarring and/or loss of ink.

Step 2: Air dry or pat with a clean paper towel. Don’t use regular bath towel as they harbor many bacteria. 

Step 3: Apply a THIN layer of ointment/salve to your tattoo. It is important not to use too much product as it can clog your pores and “suffocate” your skin. Your body will heal your tattoo on it’s own, we just want to help it out as best we can.

➣ Repeat this process morning and night. You may wash additionally in the day if you feel necessary. (i.e. you sweat or touched something dirty) 

➣ Use the soap and ointment for the first 5 days, then replace the ointment for lotion. Still continue to use antibacterial soap before applying lotion.

➣ The tattoo will go through a “flaking” or “peeling” phase where the skin is shedding the damaged surface layers of skin. DO NOT pick or scratch at the tattoo while it is healing. Doing so can cause scarring or damage to your precious new tattoo!

➣ Avoid exercise for the first 3-4 days after receiving your tattoo.

➣ NO picking, scratching, or scrubbing!

➣ Stay out of the sun until your piece is completely healed.

➣ Don’t wear tight or rough clothing on your tattoo while its healing.

➣ Don’t soak your tattoo in water like a pool or bath until it is completely healed.

The healing process usually takes 2-3 weeks. After your skin has completely healed over and isn’t sensitive to touch you can use your regular soaps and lotions.