How to care for a new tattoo? Step-by-step aftercare
A fresh tattoo requires proper care from the very first hours after the session ends. Because the skin has been repeatedly pierced by a needle, hygiene, proper protection, and avoiding anything that could cause further irritation are especially important during the first few days.
How should you wash a fresh tattoo? When should you start applying cream? How many times a day should you use the cream? How long should you wear a second skin, and when can you go back to the pool, gym, or expose the tattoo to the sun? In this guide, we walk you through the entire process step by step.
Fresh tattoo care at a glance
1. Protect – apply a dressing according to your tattoo artist's instructions.
2. Wash gently – using clean hands, lukewarm water, and a mild product designed for fresh tattoos.
3. Pat dry, don't rub – by gently dabbing with a clean disposable towel.
4. Moisturize with a thin layer – after removing the final dressing, apply an appropriate cream according to your skin's needs and the product instructions.
5. Don't scratch, don't soak, and protect from the sun – let your skin regenerate at its own pace.
The most important rule – listen to your tattoo artist
Care may vary slightly depending on the size and location of the tattoo, the method used to protect the skin, and the products used.
That is why your primary source of information should be the artist who performed the tattoo. They know how the session went, how your skin reacted, and what type of dressing was applied.
The following rules provide a general care framework and help you understand what to do during the successive stages of healing.
What happens to the skin after getting a tattoo?
During tattooing, needles repeatedly break the skin barrier to insert pigment. Immediately after the session, the tattooed area may be red, slightly swollen, tender, and warmer than the surrounding skin.
For the first few hours, a small amount of blood, plasma, and excess pigment may also seep out. This is a normal reaction of freshly tattooed skin.
In the following days, redness and tenderness should gradually decrease. Then, the skin may begin to feel dry, itchy, and start to peel slightly.
You should not speed up this process by scratching, exfoliating, or picking at scabs.
If you want to see exactly how a tattoo changes over the following days and weeks, also read our guide Stages of tattoo healing.
Still in the studio – protecting a fresh tattoo
Once finished, the artist thoroughly cleans the skin of excess pigment, blood, and products used during the session.
Tattoo Eazer Foam, among other things, can be used for gentle cleansing during tattooing and after the session. The foam helps remove excess ink, blood, and residues of products used during the process.
At the end of the session, the artist may also apply a finishing product, such as Tattoo Eazer Finish, before covering the fresh design.
Next, the fresh tattoo is protected. Nowadays, an adhesive second skin dressing is very commonly used for this purpose.
It is also possible to use a short-term protection with another type of dressing. In such a case, you should follow your artist’s instructions exactly regarding how long to leave it on and when to change it.
Do you have a second skin applied?
The care method in the first few days will be slightly different. We have prepared a separate guide regarding application, wear time, fluid collecting under the film, and safe removal of the dressing.
Second skin – how to use and how long to wear it?The first 24 hours – how to care for a fresh tattoo?
The most important thing in the first 24 hours is maintaining cleanliness and properly handling the dressing applied by your tattoo artist.
If you have a second skin, do not remove it just to wash the tattoo. A properly applied dressing should remain on the skin according to the manufacturer’s and artist’s instructions. The first dressing may need to be replaced sooner if a large amount of fluid accumulates underneath, if it starts to leak, or if it loses its seal.
If the tattoo was secured with a dressing meant for short-term wear, remove it at the time indicated by your artist, and then begin gently cleaning the skin.
You should not keep a fresh tattoo under regular, airtight plastic wrap for several days on your own. Such protection does not work the same way as a specialized second skin dressing.
How to properly wash a fresh tattoo?
After removing the dressing, the tattoo must be kept clean. It does not, however, require constant washing – excessive cleaning can also unnecessarily irritate the skin.
The basic routine is as follows:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water.
- Use a mild product designed for cleaning freshly tattooed skin.
- Do not scrub the tattoo. Wash it gently with your hand.
- Rinse the product off thoroughly.
- Dry without rubbing, by gently dabbing with a clean disposable towel.
A good solution is the ready-to-use Tattoo Eazer Foam, which can be used for gently washing a fresh design.
There is no need to “disinfect” your tattoo every time you wash it. For regular care, what matters most is gentle cleansing without aggressive rubbing or irritating products.
When should you start moisturizing your tattoo?
If you are using a second skin, do not apply cream or butter under the dressing. The skin should be clean and dry before applying it.
Moisturizing begins after the final removal of the dressing or according to the instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
After washing and drying the tattoo, apply a very thin layer of an appropriate care product. The skin should remain moisturized, but not covered in a thick, greasy layer.
For care, you can use, for example, Tattoo Eazer Cream. This cream is designed both for fresh tattoos and for the subsequent care of healed skin.
How many times a day should you moisturize the tattoo?
There is no single number that applies to every skin type. The size of the tattoo, its location, the condition of the skin, the cosmetic product used, and the stage of healing all matter.
The most important rule is: use a small amount of the product and do not allow the skin to get too dry, nor keep it covered in a thick layer of cosmetic product.
In the case of Tattoo Eazer Cream, a small amount is applied to clean, dry skin, leaving a thin layer. When caring for a fresh tattoo, you can repeat this application about 3–4 times a day.
If the skin still looks heavily greased from the previous application, there is no need to add another thick layer.
3-step care – what to use?
Basic fresh tattoo care does not have to require many different products. The skin's most important needs can be reduced to three simple steps: cleansing, protection, and subsequent moisturizing.
The order is important. Second skin is applied to properly prepared, clean, and dry skin – without a layer of cream under the dressing. Moisturizing with cream begins after the protective dressing stage is finished.
See all tattoo care products →
What does tattoo healing look like day by day?
Every tattoo heals a little differently. The size of the project, the placement on the body, the technique, and the individual regeneration of your skin mean that the stages below should be treated as guidelines.
First 1–3 days
The skin may be red, slightly swollen, and tender. A small amount of plasma, blood, and pigment may appear.
Around days 3–7
Oozing should gradually subside. The skin may start to feel dry, tight, and itchy.
Around weeks 1–3
The tattoo may peel, and small scabs may appear on the surface. Do not scratch or pick at them.
Subsequent weeks
The surface of the skin gradually returns to its normal appearance. Deeper layers may still be regenerating, even if the tattoo looks healed on the outside.
We describe the entire process in more detail in our guide Stages of tattoo healing – what does the regeneration process look like?
Tattoo peeling and itching – is this normal?
Yes. During healing, the surface of the tattoo often begins to dry, peel, and itch.
It is crucial that you do not scratch it. You should also not tear off loose bits of epidermis or scabs, even if they look like they are ready to fall off.
Let them peel off on their own.
During this period, moderate skin care, loose clothing, and avoiding anything that could mechanically irritate the tattoo area are especially important.
You will find more information in our guides on tattoo peeling and tattoo itching.
What should you not do while a tattoo is healing?
Proper care isn't just about washing and applying cream. It is equally important to avoid situations that can irritate or contaminate freshly tattooed skin.
Do not scratch or pick at scabs.
Peeling skin and small scabs should fall off on their own.
Do not soak the tattoo.
A short shower is fine, but until it is fully healed, avoid long soaks in the bathtub, swimming pools, hot tubs, and bathing in lakes or the sea.
Do not expose a fresh tattoo to intense sun.
During the healing period, it is best to shield it from direct UV radiation. Regular sun protection with SPF products should be introduced once the skin surface is healed.
Do not wear very tight clothing over the tattoo.
Friction, moisture, and constant pressure can increase irritation.
Do not overdo your workouts.
Not every fresh tattoo requires you to completely give up physical activity, but for the first few days, it is worth limiting exercises that cause heavy sweating, friction, stretching, or pressure on the freshly tattooed area.
Do not use random cosmetics.
Freshly tattooed skin is not the place to test scented lotions, scrubs, exfoliating products, or other potentially irritating preparations.
When can you return to the pool, gym, and normal activity?
Returning to normal activity should depend on the stage of healing and the tattoo's location.
Pools, hot tubs, saunas, and bathing in bodies of water should wait until the surface of the skin has fully healed. Before then, stick to short showers.
The gym and sports require individual assessment. Light activity might be possible sooner, but exercises that cause intense sweating, rubbing the tattoo against equipment or clothing, or heavy stretching of the tattooed area should be postponed.
For example, a fresh tattoo in the crook of the elbow will be exposed to different stresses than a small design on the forearm.
Sun and SPF – when can you use them?
A fresh, healing tattoo should not be exposed to intense sunlight.
During this time, the best protection is limiting exposure and wearing appropriate clothing that does not rub the skin.
After it is fully healed, it is a good idea to incorporate sun protection as a permanent part of your tattoo care. UV radiation affects the skin and can cause the appearance of the pigment to deteriorate over time.
When spending longer periods in the sun, choose a product with high UVA/UVB protection and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When should tattoo healing be cause for concern?
During the first few days, slight redness, tenderness, itching, peeling, or a small amount of discharge can be part of the normal regeneration process.
However, the symptoms should gradually subside over time.
Contact your doctor if symptoms appear such as:
pain that intensifies instead of subsiding,
expanding redness,
skin that is clearly hot around the tattoo,
worrying or purulent discharge,
unpleasant odor,
red streaks extending beyond the tattoo area,
fever or general malaise.
If you suspect an infection, do not try to treat it using only tattoo care products.
How to care for a tattoo after it has completely healed?
Care does not have to end once the peeling stops.
Regular moisturizing helps keep the skin in good condition, and protection against UV radiation is important for the long-term look of the tattoo.
Once healed, you no longer need the regimen used for fresh skin. Normal care is sufficient, including gentle washing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day should I wash a fresh tattoo?
Usually, gentle washing about 1–2 times a day and whenever the tattoo actually gets dirty is enough. There is no need to wash the skin constantly. If your tattoo artist has recommended a different schedule, follow their instructions.
How many times a day should I apply ointment to a fresh tattoo?
There is no single universal number. The product should be applied in a thin layer according to its instructions and the skin's needs. In the case of Tattoo Eazer Cream, a small amount can be used about 3–4 times a day while caring for a fresh tattoo.
Should a fresh tattoo be greasy all the time?
No. The goal is to limit excessive dryness, not to cover the tattoo with a thick layer of product. A thin layer of the appropriate product is sufficient.
Can I take a shower with a fresh tattoo?
Yes. A short shower is fine, but while it is healing, you should avoid soaking your skin for a long time in a bathtub, pool, hot tub, or natural bodies of water.
Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?
This depends on the location and size of the tattoo, as well as the type of training. In the first few days, it is best to limit activities that cause intense sweating, rubbing, pressure, or strong stretching of the freshly tattooed area.
Is itching of the tattoo normal?
Yes. Itching and peeling often occur during skin regeneration. However, you should not scratch the tattoo or peel off the flaking skin.
Can I apply SPF to a fresh tattoo?
During active healing, it is best to avoid direct sun and cover the tattoo with appropriate clothing. Regular sun protection with an SPF product is worth starting after the skin surface has healed.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Visible redness, peeling, and scabs usually disappear gradually over the following weeks. However, complete skin regeneration takes longer and depends on, among other things, the size of the tattoo, its location, and individual skin characteristics. You can find more in the guide Stages of tattoo healing.
What should I do if I have a second skin applied?
You do not need to remove it for daily tattoo washing. The dressing should be used according to the manufacturer's and tattoo artist's instructions. We have described this in detail in the guide Second skin on a tattoo – what is it, how long to wear it, and how to use it?
Key care rules
Cleanse → Protect → Moisturize → Let the skin heal
Wash gently – without scrubbing or irritating preparations.
Protect correctly – follow the instructions regarding the dressing used.
Moisturize in moderation – a small amount of the appropriate product is enough.
Do not scratch – flaking skin and scabs should fall off on their own.
Do not soak – showers are fine; pools, bathtubs, and hot tubs only after healing.
Protect from UV – avoid the sun during healing, and use regular sun protection after it has healed.
Check out tattoo care products
