Tattoo Aftercare
Congrats on your new tattoo!! Follow the steps below and keep it clean, protected and lightly moisturised.
Covering
If your tattoo artist has applied a second skin (medical-grade breathable sticker) for protection, it is recommended to keep it on for 24 hours during summertime and up to 72 hours during wintertime. We consider this protective film the best tattoo aftercare product as it shields your skin from bacteria, debris, and friction from clothing. It is waterproof, vegan, and dermatologically tested.
It is normal to see ink or body fluids inside the protective film, so there is no need to worry. However, if your skin develops a reaction to the sticker, remove it immediately. If your artist has applied aftercare cream and cling film, remove it after 2 hours.
Cleaning
Once the covering comes off, gently clean your tattoo once a day (or more if you get sweaty) with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Subsequently, pat dry (do not rub) with a clean, soft towel or preferably kitchen paper (roll). Always wash your hands thoroughly with antimicrobial soap and water before touching your ink.
Moisturising
- Apply a very thin layer of cream 3-4 times a day.
- We recommend specialised tattoo aftercare creams because they have nutrients and vitamins your skin needs.
- Choose a moisturiser that absorbs well, especially in hot weather.
- Do not use baby oil, Vaseline, or off-the-shelf moisturisers as they can irritate skin.
- Don’t over-moisturise. When the dermis is fully covered, it cannot breathe properly and healing slows.
- After the first week, moisturise 2-3 times a day depending on your skin.
Sensitivity
Do not panic if for the first few days your skin is feeling sensitive, warm to the touch, weeping body fluids and ink, or has mild redness/swelling. The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology explains that this is absolutely normal. If you experience an allergic reaction or you think something is odd, contact us immediately.
The epidermis re-generation process begins right after the session. Until the tat is fully healed, it might look faded or/and dull. This is because the outermost layer of the skin is adapting to the ink by creating a new, translucent layer that sits on the surface for a while.
Healing guide for best tattoo aftercare
• Wear loose, soft, clean clothing over your fresh body art.
• Stay away from dust, bacteria and follow hygiene standards.
• Do not expose the ink to direct sunlight for 3 weeks and if you absolutely have to apply sunblock with SPF 50 or let the shop know as they might recommend a UV Protection Film. Under direct sunlight always wear blackout clothing that fully covers your ink, not a thin see-through fabric.
• The American Academy of Dermatology states that tanning beds/sunlamps might fade the ink and can cause skin reactions therefore they should be avoided.
• If you scratch pick, peel or irritate the tattooed area you will cause permanent damage. Therefore, let it heal by itself.
• Do not soak in baths, swimming pools, or the ocean.
• Avoid heavy exercise or gym at least for the first days of the healing process. Gyms harbor a lot of bacteria and in combination with stretching your skin will likely result in permanent damage.
All aftercare advice is based on our work as a professional tattoo studio and the knowledge of our team built through years of practice. The guidelines above are essential for proper healing and should be followed strictly. Healing speed and skin reactions can vary from person to person, so if something does not feel right, contact the studio before making any changes.
Tattoo aftercare in hot climates like Cyprus
If you live in Cyprus or are visiting Paphos for a tattoo, especially during the warmer months, heat and sun exposure are your biggest enemies during healing. A fresh tattoo is an open wound. High temperatures, sweating and strong sunlight can slow down healing and increase the risk of irritation or fading.
During the first couple of weeks, your tattoo should be protected from direct sunlight at all times. Strong sun can damage the skin, affect colour retention and cause unnecessary stress to the healing area. If you must be outside, fully cover the tattoo with blackout clothing: thin or see through fabrics are not enough.
If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, use a high quality sunblock with SPF 50 only after the tattoo has peeled (1.5-2 weeks), or contact the studio for advice. In some cases, a UV protection film or sunblock moisturising tattoo creams may be recommended. When in doubt, always ask. Proper protection during healing makes a long term difference to how your tattoo looks and ages.
Long-Term Healing: What To Expect
The initial phase of the healing process is approximately 2 weeks. By that time your tat will completely peel but there is still some dry skin that formed over it that will slowly disappear at week 3/4. If it looks milky white after it has fully peeled (1.5-2 weeks), it is a result of over-hydration. In that case, you should moisturise less, only once a day. What most people don’t know, is how long does it take a tattoo to fully heal?
It can take up to 6 months for it to fully settle in your skin. During that time moisturise once a day to help keep colour vibrant. Continuing moisturisation can help people with dry skin keep their tattoo looking fresh. We care about how every tattoo ages, and proper long term care helps our work stay strong for years to come.
FAQ
How long should I keep the second skin on?
Keep the first layer on for about 24 hours in summer and up to 72 hours in winter, unless it leaks or feels wrong.
Can I use Vaseline or petroleum jelly?
Absolutely Not! Use a light, water-based tattoo aftercare cream in a thin layer.
How do I clean my tattoo?
Wash once a day with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, then pat dry with kitchen paper.
How much cream should I use?
Week 1: a very thin layer four times a day. Week 2: 2–3 times a day, depending on skin type.
Can I go to the gym?
Avoid heavy exercise for the first few days.
Can I swim or soak?
NO!!!
Can I go in the sun?
Avoid direct sun for absolute minimum 2 weeks.
Why does my tattoo look dull or flaky?
That’s normal while the outer skin renews.
My tattoo is not healing well. What shall I do?
There are a lot of variables that can affect healing. Message us with a description and a photo, or visit the studio. We’re here to help, our job is finished when your tattoo is fully healed and looking great!!
Is baby oil good for tattoos?
No. Baby oil should never be used on a fresh tattoo.
Baby oil is a by-product of the petroleum refining process. On fresh tattoos it clogs the pores, prevents the skin from breathing, and can trap bacteria. This can seriously interfere with healing and increase the risk of irritation or infection.
Under no circumstances should baby oil be used on a new or healing tattoo.
On fully healed tattoos (at least 6 months old), some people choose to use baby oil to enhance shine and make colours appear more vibrant. We understand the logic behind this, but it must be used with caution.
If baby oil is applied and the tattoo is exposed to the sun, the skin can burn very easily. On a fresh or recently healed tattoo, this can cause permanent damage.
For healing tattoos, always use products designed specifically for tattoo aftercare.
