Tattoo Aftercare
After receiving a new tattoo from Anchors and Ink, it’s essential to practice proper tattoo aftercare in order to preserve the integrity of your new piece of art. Taking care of your tattoos during the healing time process is essential for the life your new addition. By following these suggestions for tattoo aftercare during the first couple weeks after leaving the studio, you’re helping preserve your ink for years to come.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
- Bandage Removal and Cleaning — Remove bandage and wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap without beads or scrubs. Make sure the bathroom is clean and only wash your tattoo with your hands, no washcloths, loofahs or sponges.
- Apply Aquaphor for 2-3 Days — For the next 2-3 days apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, or an equivalent tattoo ointment, to your tattoo. After that time, switch to a fragrance-free lotion.
- Clean Tattoo Daily — Typically, tattoos should be cleaned once a day in the shower with a fragrance-free soap.
Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo artist may forego traditional bandaging and use Saniderm tattoo aftercare, which seals your bodies natural fluids and plasma to keep your tattoo healing. Saniderm reduces healing time and keeps finer details of tattoos crisp. After the tattoo is completed, the artist applies the Saniderm tattoo bandage. You can shower, workout and continue everyday activities as usual. We typically recommend leaving your Saniderm bandage on for 1-3 days in order to protect your tattoo from scabbing, infection and other irritants.
What to Avoid
Whether this is your first tattoo or your 50th, there are certain elements to avoid with fresh ink, including:
- Don’t Pick Scabs — No matter how tempting or itching, do not pick scabs. Picking and itching scabs can lead to scars and can ruin your new tattoo.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight — Sunlight can destroy tattoos, overtime causing them to fade. New tattoos must be kept out of the sun in order to prevent skin damage and scaring to your tattoo. The sun can lighten it up even during the healing process. Keep tattoos covered and after the healing process use a strong SPF sunscreen to protect from damaging UV rays.
- Avoid Swimming — Oceans, lakes and rivers contain bacteria that could lead to an infection in a fresh tattoo. Also avoid excess sweating, steam baths, saunas and gym workouts.
Remember to wear loose-fitting clothing over fresh tattoos as contact with tight clothing can cause problems with the healing process, as well as discomfort for you.