Treat Your Tattoo Like a Wound
Tattoos should be treated like any wound and cleaned regularly to stay healthy and prevent infection.
Wash with Lukewarm Water
tattoos should always be washed with lukewarm water since hot water could damage and open up pores. Submerge your hand under warm water before gently massaging it with soap for best results.
Clean Hands
Before washing a new tattoo, ensuring both hands are clean is essential. Use fragrance-free soap like Dove, Dial, or Neutrogena until your hands feel clean again.
Use Plain Liquid Soap
Use a plain liquid soap (NOT hand lotion) on the tattoo until it feels slippery and clean again. Do not place the tattoo directly under water as this could become painful and open up pores and pull ink out of the skin. Instead, wrap your hand around it and slowly run water over it until all the ink has been extracted.
Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Once your tattoo is clean, apply a light layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment by Eucerin 2-3 times daily until three days have passed. Then switch over to regular fragrance-free lotion such as Lubriderm.
Antibacterial Soap
After cleaning your hands, use an antibacterial or antimicrobial liquid soap to wash them. Use a Wipe Outz(TM) cleansing tattoo towel to gently and thoroughly wipe down your new tattoo to remove any extra ink, blood, or plasma.
Pat Dry with Paper Towel
After washing, pat the tattoo firmly with a paper towel (don’t rub!) until dry. Avoid regular washcloths or loofahs as they could contain bacteria that might irritate newly-inked skin.
Apply Unscented Lotion
Only use a thin layer, as your new ink needs airflow for healing. Avoid touching or picking at your tattoo, as this could disrupt its healing process.
Remember to reapply your ointment as needed every 2-3 days and clean your hands afterward with a mild antibacterial soap such as Wipe Outz(tm) 1-count single tattoo wipes.
