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Aftercare

Tattoo

Piercing

🩹 1. First hours after the tattoo
  • Your artist will usually apply a bandage or protective film.
  • Nowadays, many use transparent “second skin” film (Dermalize, Suprasorb, etc.). This is kept on for 12 to 24 hours (follow your artist’s recommendation).
  • If second skin is not used, a traditional bandage is removed after 2–4 hours.
💧 2. Initial cleaning
  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Remove the bandage and clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free neutral soap.
  3. Pat dry with a clean towel or disposable paper towel, never rub.
🧴 3. Moisturizing
  • If you’re using second skin, your artist may recommend keeping it on for 3–5 days, changing it if it peels off or fills with fluid. Once it’s removed, start moisturizing.
  • If you’re not using film, apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (Bepanthol Tattoo, Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or another your artist recommends).
  • Reapply 2–3 times a day for 2–3 weeks.
🚫 4. What you must avoid
  • Do not scratch, rub, or peel scabs.
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, long baths, or the sea for at least 2–3 weeks.
  • Do not expose the tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds.
  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub on the tattoo.
☀️ 5. After healing
  • Once healed (3–4 weeks), always use SPF 50 sunscreen on the tattoo when exposed to the sun.
  • Keep the skin moisturized to maintain vibrant colors.
⏱️ Healing time:
  • Superficial healing: 2–3 weeks
  • Full healing (deeper layers of skin): up to 6 weeks

🧼 1. Gentle and consistent cleaning

  • Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.

  • Clean the area twice a day with sterile saline solution (0.9% saline, pharmacy spray).

  • If there is discharge or crust, soften it with saline and gently remove it with a sterile gauze.

  • Avoid cotton balls (they can leave fibers).

🚫 2. Avoid harsh products

  • Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, or strong soaps: they dry out the skin and delay healing.

  • Do not apply antibiotic creams unless prescribed by a doctor.

✋ 3. Do not manipulate the piercing

  • Avoid twisting, moving, or playing with the jewelry, especially during the first days.

  • Do not remove the jewelry until fully healed, as the hole can close quickly.

🌊 4. Avoid risky activities

  • Avoid swimming pools, beaches, hot tubs, and long baths for at least 2–3 weeks.

  • Do not sleep on the piercing if it is in the ear.

  • Avoid makeup, perfumes, or cosmetic products near the area.

⏱️ 5. Healing times (approximate)

  • Earlobe: 6–8 weeks

  • Cartilage: 3–6 months

  • Nose: 3–4 months

  • Lip: 6–8 weeks

  • Tongue: 4–6 weeks

  • Navel: 6–9 months

💡 6. Extra tips

  • Use high-quality titanium or surgical steel jewelry for the initial piercing (avoid costume jewelry).

  • If you notice severe pain, spreading redness, warmth, or greenish discharge, contact your piercer or a doctor.

  • Even once healed, keep cleaning the area regularly.

tattoo
chris in benidorm
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