Tattoo peeling? Just relax

If you notice that your skin is peeling heavily shortly after getting a tattoo, don't complain to your tattoo artist – this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It will also not affect the final look or durability of the tattoo, as long as you take care of it properly. Why does a tattoo peel? What should you do to alleviate this process a little and properly care for your fresh ink? We have prepared a set of practical tips for you.

Why is my tattoo peeling?!

The answer is very simple: because your skin is healing. When getting a tattoo, we often forget (or don't even know) that it is in fact a procedure that breaks the skin's continuity and creates a superficial wound. For the body, this is a kind of shock that triggers and stimulates natural regenerative processes. Two typical signs that the healing stage has begun are itching and precisely the peeling of the tattoo.

Peeling usually appears about 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It's a bit like skin shedding after sun exposure. It is almost always accompanied by more or less intense itching. There's nothing to worry about – this is completely normal, and even desirable, as it indicates proper wound healing.

Will the tattoo "fade" due to skin peeling?

Don't worry: no, peeling skin does not remove the ink that has been introduced into its deeper layers. Although it may initially seem that the tattoo is fading (especially in the case of tattoos made with colored inks), there's no need to worry: if the design was done by a professional, using branded inks, and you also take care of your tattoo, you can count on its long-lasting durability and preservation of its original appearance for a very long time.

My tattoo is peeling: do I need to do anything about it?

You don't have to, but it's certainly worth it. Here are some rules that are good to follow during the healing phase of a tattoo:

• Do not scratch the tattooed skin, do not peel off flaking epidermis or scabs that form;
• At night, apply a dressing to protect the tattoo from irritation in contact with bedding (this can be cling film, or even better, a second skin type dressing);
• Intensely moisturize the skin using special tattoo care cosmetics – cream, lotion, or butter;
• Remember about hygiene – during the healing period, wash the tattoo several times a day with special soap or a gentle tattoo foam, e.g., Tattoo Eazer Foam;
• Do not expose the healing tattoo to direct sunlight – when going outdoors with exposed skin, apply sunscreen beforehand, preferably one dedicated to tattoo protection, such as LOVEINK Tattoo Sunscreen.

When will the tattoo stop peeling?

This depends on the healing rate of your tattoo, which is critically influenced by the size of the wound and your diligence in caring for the ink. Usually, peeling subsides with the full healing of the skin, which can take from several days to several weeks.

Read about whether the tattoo healing process can be accelerated in a separate article on our blog.

As you can see, tattoo peeling is nothing alarming and always occurs during the healing phase of the ink. Take care of proper skin care, protect the tattoo from irritation, sun radiation, and dirt, and you will gain a permanent body decoration that will please the eye even after many years.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Why does a tattoo peel?

Tattoo peeling is a normal phenomenon accompanying wound healing. In addition to peeling, you may also notice persistent skin itching. There is nothing to worry about – this will pass once the tattoo has fully healed.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

The healing time of a tattoo depends on its size and adherence to proper care principles for fresh ink (disinfection, hygiene, moisturizing, protection from sun and abrasions). Assume that the main healing stage lasts from 2 to about 4 weeks.

What not to do while a tattoo is healing?

Above all, do not peel off flaking skin, pick at scabs, or scratch the wound. Remember to wash the tattoo daily with special soap, moisturize the skin with cream, lotion, or tattoo butter, and protect the wound from the sun. For several weeks, do not swim in a pool, do not go to a sauna, and avoid overexerting the tattooed part of the body (for example: if you have a tattooed leg, refrain from running for some time).

What should be concerning during the tattoo healing stage?

If you notice that the wound is swollen, you experience continuous and increasing pain, the skin around the tattoo is severely red, pus is oozing from the wound and emitting a very unpleasant odor, a rash or other strange skin reactions appear, do not delay visiting your general practitioner.