Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Martian Arts Tattoo Studio | 503-477-5069

 

  • First of all, remember that your body is healing a wound, so treat the tattoo and yourself with care. Redness, soreness and mild swelling in the first day or 2 is normal. Get some rest, eat your veggies and drink lots of water. A healthy immune system = a healthy tattoo 🙂
  • Remove the bandage with CLEAN HANDS after 1-4 hours. If you have an adhesive bandage, refer to the removal information provided by your artist or click here for instructions.
  • After removing the bandages, work up a lather with a gentle liquid soap and warm water, using only your fingers. Do not use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth. Pat dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry for several minutes before applying a *very* small amount of ointment or lotion.
  • Once dry, with CLEAN HANDS, apply just enough ointment to moisturize. Aquaphor is one affordable, reliable and readily available product, and lots of other options are out there. Do NOT use vaseline or neosporin. Ask your artist if you are interested in another product.
  • Repeat the cycle of washing, drying and applying ointment 2-3 times a day for the first 2-3 days.
  • Wear loose, soft, comfortable clothing that will cause minimal friction to your tattoo.
  • Once it starts to peel, switch to a gentle, white unscented lotion. Apply sparingly a couple times a day with CLEAN HANDS to a tattoo that is clean and dry, until healed.
  • Do not pick or scratch your healing tattoo, EVER. This can increase your risk of infection, scarring and loss of ink. Scabbing, itchiness and skin peeling are all totally normal. Just remember, DON’T SCRATCH.
  • Avoid long showers, baths, swimming, hot tubs and saunas until your tattoo is healed.
  • Avoid sun exposure. Once healed, always use sunblock to keep your tattoos fresh.
  • When in doubt, keep your tattoo clean and don’t mess with it too much.  It is better to keep it clean and leave it alone than to apply the wrong product, or too much product, and especially DON’T TOUCH YOUR TATTOO WITH DIRTY HANDS.
  • If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of the artists at our shop!