Peeling and flaking of Tattoos is an expected part of their healing process, as dead skin cells shed and remove excess ink pigment from your body through this natural process.
Itching is normal, but if it becomes severe or persistent, it should be checked immediately as this could indicate infection or other side effects that should be dealt with promptly.
Redness and Irritation
At some point during the tattoo healing process, your skin may start to dry out, scab, and flake – this is normal and should occur around day three.
It’s essential not to scratch or pick at scabs to maintain optimal results, as doing so could damage new tissue and cause ink fading.
Wash your tattoo with mild soap in warm water before pat drying it before applying fragrance-free ointment to keep skin hydrated and soft.
Roman notes that while some peeling and scabbing are expected after getting a tattoo, excessive peeling or drying could indicate something is amiss with the healing process. If this occurs, follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions carefully and contact them if the situation persists.
An allergic reaction to ink could also cause redness and itching; should this occur, take an antihistamine such as Benadryl as soon as possible.
Infection
Mild infections caught and treated quickly will not damage a tattoo design. In contrast, untreated infections could result in scabs that rub off onto freshly healed skin, revealing ink beneath and changing its visual design.
Tattoos typically scab in their first few days of healing, so if you notice flaking skin or a small scab on your new tattoo in this stage of its recovery, don’t scratch.
Doing so could transfer bacteria from your fingers into the wound, increase the risk of infection, and pull away unsettled ink from beneath it before it has set correctly, causing patchy areas within it to appear on your new design.
However, long periods of submersion in water should also be avoided regardless of a bandage being worn; otherwise, water leakage may introduce bacteria or dirt into an open wound and increase the risk of infection.
Sweat, water, and soap could also seep under loose scabs to cause problems and lead to infection.
Excessive Exfoliation
Tattoo healing often results in white flakes of skin peeling off like thin paper, and picking or scratching at them should be avoided as doing so could cause premature removal of scabs, lifting ink, and ruining the appearance of new layers of skin underneath.
While picking at or scratching these flakes is normal and part of the healing process, choosing may accelerate this process and cause its premature removal before its time has come – all potentially ruinous consequences!
Staying hydrated (we suggest our Aftercare Brightening Tattoo Balm) while the tattoo scabs and peels ensure an even appearance and facilitate their departure without damaging or altering it.
Be careful not to pick at it, as doing so could cause infection, scarring, and unsettled patches in your tattoo design.
Sunburn
Sunburnt Tattoos often produce peeling or flaking skin that can be disconcerting. Though this process may resemble your tattoo, it’s part of its healing process as dead cells shed and new, healthier skin is exposed and begins to regenerate beneath.
Avoid picking or pulling at skin flakes, as doing so could strip them away prematurely and dislodge unsettled ink, leaving areas of patchiness within your tattoo.
Follow your Philadelphia tattoo shop’s aftercare instructions carefully, especially regarding washing and moisturizing. Always use an effective moisturizer like our Aftercare Brightening Tattoo Balm, which contains plant-nourishing oils and butter to heal and protect your tattoo from infections caused by submerging it in water – such as showering can be enough to cause infection!
