Every body is different,

but there are few reliable similarities across our nature that I base our after care methods in.

After Care

By Informed Intuition

Rather than providing you with a step by step list that may or may not work for your skin type, your lifestyle, and your tattoo,

Here is the fascinating science of healing the skin.

It is the reasoning behind what all tattoo artists across the board may recommend, so that you can make more empowered decisions for your after care needs.

A step by step process of healing tattooed skin

As seen with 1000x magnification

FRESH AF, actually a perfect example of when a tattooer shares a "some fresh, some healed" photo of a piece that has taken multiple sessions.

You can see side by side

The fresh wound, next to the settled linework, next to virgin skin. So cool.

Look how cute the lil needle marks are! Over time, these tend to disappear as the lines begin to spread and merge into a main body of ink particles.

This is the disrupted epidermis!

Incredibly vulnerable to be reminded that so much surface area is unprotected against literally anything in the world.

This is why we stress after care so much, and why semipermeable occlusive bandages have started to become standard procedure for most artists.

Ok, maybe the grossest of all the stages, BUT these dynamic shapes give a really important demonstration of a critical part of the healing process.

I don't care what you may have been told before, if you care about your skin DO NOT DRY HEAL YOUR TATTOOS.

This shows what healing skin looks like when it is being pulled by an area that is healing at a different rate. This is what triggers local nerves to send that uncomfortable tight feeling, and the itchiness that we all dread.

A good lather and a bit of lotion (along with staying hydrated) returns pliability to the cells, giving them grace to arrange themselves properly. Neglecting this stage causes stress, could potentially reopen a wound, or even affect the underlying artwork!!

This is arguably one of the most popular stages.

Blood, plasma, and proteins have coagulated at the surface to form a temporary cover for the wound while new cells have slowly been organizing underneath. This layer carries all the dead bits we traumatized in the process of laying down that sick new tat (may their deaths not be in vain)

Once that dead layer is no longer needed to protect the inside action, it sheds!

So, if you have peeling skin that is stubborn to lift off completely, that means there is still work being done below it. A good soapy lather will soften the lifted tissue enough to separate, without ripping up the roots that are still being used.

These two circles are of the exact same area, before and after washing + applying lotion.

You may also notice how applying lotion too frequently might work against you in the long run, too. They key is comfort.

Too dry = itchy

Just right = comfy

Too wet = sticky

Soon after the dead cells fall away, we reach a shiny stage!

If your skin were a new tv, we've just pulled off that plastic film and are looking at the pristine screen below it.

So satisfying, yet so delicate. This is the stage where it feels like it should be done, but it still kinda stings in the sunlight and you're still really wary of playing with any nearby kittens.

I love these next few photos so much because we've come such a long way.

It's incredible to me, imagining what a symphony is going on under the surface while we just casually go around sharing the new art.

This stage is the one we often consider ** healed ** because all the dead skin has long gone, and we care less about the fabrics we let rub against it.

It's only been about 2 weeks since the ground broke, and yet looking closely there is still a huge difference in texture as the new skin is not fully integrated with its undamaged kin.

At least now, it's safe to start applying sunscreen.

Finally, we begin to reach a truly healed tattoo.

Now is when you can schedule that next session and not worry about unnecessary damage.

Now is when you can take a dip in the salty ocean or chlorinated pool.

Now it's been about 3 weeks and your body has proven once again that it has magical powers of regeneration, and we are ever changing beings with free will and good taste.

Now is when you take some proud photos of your efforts and send them to your artist :)

You can clock this stage by the seamless transition between tattooed skin and its surroundings.

FAQ’s

  • This is largely up to your discretion. The most important thing to remember is that under the protection of the shield you are at a significantly less risk of infection in the first 3-5 days of any tattoo.

    Removal of the bandage simply means more vigilance for cleanliness on your part. If you prefer to keep the bandage on longer, you may notice the fluid underneath begin to dry. This is because occlusive bandages (unlike the old school plastic wrap) allow oxygen to pass through the material. This is also a good sign that a new layer of skin has formed below it.

    There are case by case reasons to remove the bandage as well, please feel free to reach out if you have more specific concerns.

  • You don’t have to! They are not for everyone, and cause allergic reaction in some. They can be uncomfortable to remove. If the pros don’t outweigh the cons for you, let me know and we will use a temporary solution to get you to a more personalized routine at home.

  • Go eat! Your body just sent out a war battalion and needs supplies. There are a ton of yummy options in the area, if you need any recommendations, just ask!

    Drive safely, and if you don’t already have the soap and lotion you need, be sure to pick some up before the first wash.

  • The industry standard you may often hear is Dial Gold, antibacterial soap. Fragrance free. It accompanies every sink in the shop, and mine at home. You can, however, use any non-scented antibacterial soap.

  • Non Scented.

    Beyond that, this is one of those highly personal answers that may change as often as you do. Feel free to try a few. The most important thing to pay attention to is the way your skin feels and what is most sustainable for you to rely on.

    A good thing to consider while choosing is whether your skin tends to be dry, oily, or sensitive.

    Many lotions exist on range from water-based creams all the way to thick medicated salves. Another route altogether may be single ingredient options like coconut oil or shea butter.

    You may already have some of these at home.

  • Aquaphor, and other petroleum based ointments have been recommended to protect the skin for a very long time, and still are regularly used in tattooing today.

    The reason is because it creates a barrier between the open wound and tiny floating debris, before an infection can occur. Like a gooey replacement for plastic cling film (that suffocates like cling film too) except that it can trap and suspend the dirt until it’s washed clean again.

    It works, but is becoming an unnecessary part of the process while we have better and better options available to us.

  • Another question with many answers, but a safe guess is about 2 weeks.

    The important thing to pay attention to is sweat and the bacteria present in gyms.

    Light movement and blood flow are always okay, but be mindful of causing stress to your bandage and fragile new cell growth.

    This is also highly dependent on how big your tattoo is, and whether it is placed on or near a joint.

    If activity is a large part of your lifestyle, or you work in hazardous conditions, please feel free to ask me for a more personalized recommendation before the end of our session.

  • My first reaction is usually no, but there are few cases where this may be understood. Rewrapping your tattoo can provide additional protection in the event that your original bandage had to be removed prematurely and you anticipate being in a hazardous area for an extended time. If this is the case, please let me know, I may be able to change the bandage for you. Otherwise, please at least do so in a clean space, with clean hands, and fresh derm-shield.

    The risk of trapping something unwanted underneath the wrapping is higher when done outside of the tattoo shop than within.

    As a simpler alternative, wearing clean and soft clothing over the area can help protect the tattoo from the daily dust and sun, while allowing it to breathe freely.

  • Remove it. I’m sorry it has betrayed you. We don’t want to compromise the seal.

    If it’s only peeling up a little, but not in danger of exposing the wound or fluid, it’s okay to leave on. Just be mindful of it’s progression and make your best judgements from there as you move through the day.

  • There are two types of healed photos that are most appreciated. One for the Tattooer, and one for the Artist.

    A healed photo for the tattooer is directly angled, and indirectly lit. The image quality is clear, and the skin is clean and moisturized. You can see the healed tattoo without much guesswork.

    A healed photo for the artist is wild, candid, or creative. I don’t care if part of the tattoo is clothed, or if you forgot to shave. I care to see you happy with the way it adds to your Self.