Tattoo Aftercare: How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

Don Davis

Owner & Lead Tattoo Artist at Art In Motion Tattoos

You just sat through the hard part. Now the most important work happens at home.
Good tattoo aftercare keeps your new ink looking bright. It helps prevent infection and protects your time and money.

These are the same tattoo aftercare instructions we give every client at Art In Motion Tattoos in Colorado Springs.

Quick Tattoo Aftercare Checklist

Keep your bandage on for 6–24 hours. We know you want to show it off, but wait.
Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo.
Wash gently with antibacterial soap and your hands only—no washcloths, scrubbers, and don’t have anyone else do it for you.
Use a very thin layer of recommended lotion (we often suggest Curel) 2–4 times a day.
Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin, or petroleum-based products.
No soaking: no pools, hot tubs, lakes, baths, or ocean while it heals.
No tanning beds or direct sun on the tattoo during the first month.
Do not pick or scratch scabs or peeling skin.
Call us or a medical professional if you see signs of infection.

Typical surface healing time for a tattoo is about 4–6 weeks, depending on size, placement, and your body.

First 24 Hours: Bandage and First Wash

Leave your bandage on!

Your new tattoo is an open wound. The bandage protects it from bacteria, friction, and dirt.

Keep it on for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours, unless your artist gave different instructions.
Avoid lifting the bandage “just to peek”—every time you expose the tattoo, you increase the risk of infection.

Your first wash

When it’s time to remove your bandage:

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
Gently remove the bandage.
Using antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, wash the tattoo with your fingertips only.
Rinse until all ointment and residue are gone.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub and do not use a washcloth.

Do not let other people touch or wash your tattoo. That includes friends, partners, or anyone with cuts or open wounds on their hands.

Days 1–7: Clean, Dry, and Lightly Moisturized

For the first week, your tattoo aftercare routine should focus on keeping the area clean, lightly moisturized, and protected.

Wash your hands before every touch.
Gently wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day with antibacterial soap and water.
After each wash, air dry and let the area breathe for a few minutes.
Apply a very thin layer of a recommended, fragrance-free lotion such as Curel 2–4 times daily. The skin should feel soft, not greasy or shiny.

Products to avoid

Do not use:

Vaseline or petroleum jelly
Neosporin or similar antibiotic creams
Heavy, oily, or strongly scented lotions

These products can trap bacteria, pull ink from the skin, or slow the healing process.

Weeks 2–4: Peeling, Itching, and Long-Term Care

As your tattoo heals, you may notice:

Light scabbing or flaking
Itchiness in the tattooed area
A dull or cloudy look while new skin forms

All of this is normal.

Do not pick, peel, or scratch the tattoo—this can cause scarring, ink loss, and infection.
Continue washing gently when needed and moisturizing with a thin layer of lotion.
Wear clean, soft, baggy clothing that doesn’t rub or stick to the tattoo.

Sun, water, and tanning beds

For the first month:

Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure on the tattooed area. UV rays can blur, fade, and irritate a fresh tattoo.
Do not soak the tattoo in any body of water—no pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or ocean.

Showers are fine; long baths are not. Think “quick rinse,” not “long soak.”

After it’s fully healed

Once your tattoo is completely healed:

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever it’s in the sun to help keep the colors bright and lines crisp.

Moisturize regularly to keep the skin healthy and the lines crisp.

What Not to Do During Tattoo Aftercare

To protect your new tattoo, avoid:

Do not let other people touch your tattoo, especially with dirty or injured hands.
Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or exfoliating tools on the area.
Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless your artist specifically tells you to.
Do not wear tight, dirty, or abrasive clothing that rubs on the tattoo.
Do not do heavy workouts that cause the tattooed area to constantly rub or sweat against equipment or clothing.
Do not let pets lick or rub against your fresh tattoo.

If it feels dirty, sweaty, or rough, keep it away from your new ink.

When to Call Art In Motion Tattoos or a Doctor

Even with perfect tattoo aftercare, infection is still possible anytime you have an open wound.

Contact Art In Motion Tattoos or seek medical care right away if you notice:

Spreading redness around the tattoo
Heat, swelling, or severe tenderness that gets worse instead of better
Yellow or green discharge, or a foul odor
Red streaks moving away from the tattoo
Fever or feeling generally unwell

Mild redness and soreness are normal in the first couple of days. Anything that seems extreme or keeps getting worse should be checked.

Tattoo Aftercare FAQ

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Surface healing usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on size, placement, and your body. Deeper layers of skin continue healing for several months, so keep protecting your tattoo even after it “looks” healed.

When can I go back to the gym?

Light movement is fine, but avoid heavy sweating, friction, and shared equipment touching your tattoo during the first 1–2 weeks. Always clean equipment well and wash your tattoo as soon as you get home.

When can I swim or soak in water?

Wait until the tattoo is completely healed—usually at least 3–4 weeks—before swimming, using hot tubs, or taking long baths.

Can I use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo?

While it’s healing, keep the tattoo covered with clothing, not sunscreen. Once it’s fully healed, apply SPF 30+ any time it will be in the sun.

What if my tattoo scabs or peels?

Light scabbing and peeling are normal parts of tattoo aftercare. Do not pick at the skin. Let it flake and fall off naturally to avoid scarring and patchy ink.

What if I have questions about my tattoo aftercare?

Call Art In Motion Tattoos during business hours or contact your artist directly. If you ever think your tattoo might be infected, contact us and a medical professional right away.

About This Tattoo Aftercare Guide

This tattoo aftercare guide was created by Don Davis. He is the owner and lead tattoo artist at Art In Motion Tattoos in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Don and the Art In Motion team have spent years tattooing clients from Colorado and beyond. These are the tattoo aftercare instructions we give to every client.

Art In Motion Tattoo & Piercing follows all Colorado and El Paso County health department regulations for body art studios. We use single-use needles, razors, ink caps, tape, and bandages. We also keep a clean environment for every tattoo.

Our artists regularly review and update these tattoo aftercare instructions. This ensures they follow the best practices in tattooing and wound care. If you have questions about caring for your tattoo, you can contact our studio. You can talk to the artist who made your tattoo.

Author: Don Davis– Owner & Lead Tattoo Artist, Art In Motion Tattoos
Last reviewed: November 2025

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