How to Take Care of and Heal Your Small Tattoo
You’ve just gotten a new tattoo, and now you’re wondering how to take proper care of it without stressing. Proper healing is key if you want your tattoo to stay bold, crisp, and looking its best for years. Many people focus only on the design itself, but what happens afterward matters just as much. The way you care for your tattoo while it heals will affect both its final appearance and how your skin recovers.
Understanding the Healing Process
Every tattoo heals differently. Factors such as your age, overall health, skin type, and where the tattoo is placed all play a role. Larger pieces generally take longer to heal, and areas that move a lot, like elbows or knees, can slow things down even more.
Here’s a clear and simple step-by-step guide to help you properly heal and care for your palm-sized tattoo.
Tattoo Care: Days 1–5
After your session, your artist will cover your tattoo with a breathable adhesive film.
- You can safely keep this film on for about 4–5 days, as it is antibacterial and waterproof.
Considerations:
- Your tattoo will likely release some fluids in the first hours, which may make it look blurry. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Once the wrap is removed, your tattoo will look crisp again.
- If the bandage causes redness around the edges or starts to feel itchy, carefully remove it using lukewarm water. Clean your tattoo with mild soap and gently pat it dry with a paper towel.
- If large pockets of fluid form under the film, gently remove it, clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild soap, and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Small tattoos usually don’t release much fluid, so there’s normally no need to change the protective film during these first 4–5 days. If you’re unsure, always contact your artist directly.
Tattoo Care: Day 5
At this stage, you can begin a regular cleaning and moisturizing routine:
- Remove the protective film if you haven’t already
Wash gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap - Pat dry carefully (do not rub. Use only paper towels)
Apply a thin layer of suitable moisturizer if the skin feels dry
Repeat this 2–3 times daily, always allowing the tattoo to dry completely before applying moisturizer.
Considerations:
- Thoroughly cleaning your tattoo after removing the film helps prevent large scabs from forming, which can dry out and crack.
- Tightness, soreness, mild scabbing, and wrinkled skin (from the bandage) are all completely normal.
Tattoo care: DAY 6-15
Consistency is key during this phase:
- Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo
- Avoid using towels or sponges, use clean hands or disposable paper instead.
- Continue washing and moisturizing regularly.
- Prioritize natural, gentle creams over harsh or heavily chemical products.
Considerations:
- Apply a thin layer of cream whenever your tattoo feels dry or itchy.
- Avoid over-moisturizing, as excess moisture can lead to poor healing or patchiness.
- Flaky skin is completely normal. Do not pick at it, scabs will fall off naturally. Picking can cause infections or uneven healing.
Suggestions and Tips
- Avoid intense exercise for at least 14 days. Excessive sweating can affect ink retention and lead to uneven healing. Repetitive movements may also reopen the skin.
- It’s normal for the bandage to peel along the edges. Keep the film on as long as the tattoo is not exposed.
- Be careful around pets. Pet hair can irritate the tattoo or introduce bacteria.
- Avoid saunas, as sweating can negatively affect healing.
- Treat your tattoo like an open wound: keep it clean and avoid unnecessary contact.
- Once healed, use SPF 50 to keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.
For more detailed information and answers to common questions, check out our guide to the 20 most frequently asked tattoo questions.
Tattoo Healing and Aftercare FAQ
How long should I wait before going to the Gym or Sauna?
After getting your tattoo make sure to wait 2 weeks minimum before going to the Gym or Sauna. Exercise can cause the tattoo to stretch out and distort. Also, sweating too much make it difficult for the second skin to stay on and can cause slight ink loss.
How long should I wait before soaking the tattoo in water?
After getting your tattoo make sure to wait 1 week minimum before swimming and bathing. You cannot soak with the Second Skin either. In order to avoid infection and degradation we suggest to avoid pools and the sea.
Is it normal to have fluid under the Second Skin?
It's completely normal. The fluid that gets trapped between the skin and the layer of Second Skin is a mixture of Blood, Plasma and Ink. The Second Skin is anti-bacterial, so it also provides protection against external contaminants entering the broken skin, reducing scabbing and risks of infection.
How long does it take for the Tattoo to heal?
If the tattoo is taken good care of the tattoo is healed after 4-7 days. It takes 2-3 weeks for the skin to feel normal and for the ink to settle completely 1 to 2 months.
What should I do if the Second Skin peels off before time?
If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply. You can also peel it off, clean the area and continua with the normal after care.
During the Healing Process, should I keep my skin moist or dry?
You can mosturise your fresh tattoo but make sure to don't exaggerate with the cream application. Always keep the tattoo dry and clean to avoid infections.
