How long do you have to keep your skin on after getting a tattoo?

Author: Davion Schowalter  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Tattoo Aftercare with Second Skin That is completely normal, so do try to keep the second skin on for the full 24 hours. After that 24 hours has passed, remove the second skin and clean your tattoo with neutral/unscented soap, and then pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

How long to leave tattoo skin on?

From a tattoo artist, leaving it on for ~3 days is actually best, and the only reason to take it off earlier than that is if it starts peeling up and the tattoo is exposed or if it starts leaking the plasma everywhere.

When can I take a tattoo wrap off?

After you leave the studio you will have been cleaned and bandaged; remove the bandage after 3-4 hours. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.

How long do you have to keep aftercare on a tattoo?

Keep the routine and eventually by the last week, the outer layers of skin should be healed. But there is more healing to do. After the first month, you still need to be diligent about protecting and caring for your tattoo as it could take 3 to 4 months for the lower layers of skin to heal fully and completely.

When should I stop putting lotion on my tattoo?

After the tattoo has healed, it is usually suggested to moisturise for 2 weeks to one month. In most cases, ointments are best used in the early phases of the healing process (2 first weeks). Ointments are high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. For the rest of the healing process, a lotion is ideal.

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

"If there is some scabbing or flaking, we advise clients not to pick and to allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own," says Otsuji. "Picking at your tattoo during the peeling stage can result in it appearing patchy, distorted, and dull once healed."

When to stop putting Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

What you Cannot do after a tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  • Scratching.
  • Picking at scabs.
  • Exfoliating the area.
  • Using petroleum jelly.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing.
  • Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Can you sleep with a new tattoo uncovered?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

How long do I keep a tattoo wrapped?

Your tattoo artist will wrap your tattoo immediately after finishing the piece. This bandage should be left on anywhere between 3 and 24 hours after getting your tattoo – depending on the bandage used and the size of your piece. Tattoo bandages often come off before going to bed the first night.

Can I touch my tattoo while its peeling?

It's normal for tattoos to peel during the healing process, and letting nature take its course is essential! Don't pick, scratch, or do anything else that can disrupt peeling skin, as that can damage the appearance of your tattoo and even lead to scarring.

Can I take off second skin early?

No need to worry if your second skin is peeling off early - jump in the shower and warm water (never hot water straight after being tattooed) will relax and soften the adhesive, allowing you to remove it with ease.

Does tattoo ink spread over time?

Tattoo ink does spread naturally as the skin ages, but the rate depends on several factors. Natural Ink Spread: Over years, pigment particles move slightly, softening lines and blurring details. Thicker skin (back, thighs) spreads less, while thinner skin (wrists, fingers) spreads more.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Can clothing touch a new tattoo?

Depending on the location of the tattoo, keeping it exposed to as much fresh air as possible is best. However, if you do cover it, wear loose-fitting clothing that won't rub or constrict your skin. Avoid anything tight around the tattooed area.

What food is not allowed after tattoo?

Examples of the main food to avoid include:
  • Soft drinks.
  • Processed juices.
  • Fried foods, such as French fries, pastries and other savory snacks.
  • Fast food.
  • Pork and processed meats, such as sausage, ham, sausage, bacon, mortadella and salami.
  • Sweets, cream-filled biscuits, cakes, ready-made cake batters, cereal bars.

Is vaseline good for tattoos?

What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

What is the best tattoo aftercare?

Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

What is mad rabbit tattoo aid?

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.

Previous article
What does a goatee convey?
Next article
How much weight should I use for reps?