Aftercare made easy…
Aftercare is just as important as the tattoo procedure itself. Make sure to follow the instructions below to get the best possible healing on your new tattoo.
Make sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your aftercare container, or your tattoo. This prevents oils, dirt and harmful bacteria from contaminating what you use for aftercare and your tattoo.
Take a small amount of antibacterial soap (about the size of a dime) and create suds with a little water.
Gently apply the sudsy soap to the tattooed area and the area around the tattoo.
Rinse the soap and suds from the tattooed area with cool water. Avoid warm or hot water as this can traumatize the tattoo and create healing issues.
Gently pat dry the tattooed area with a clean paper towel, or bathroom towel. Take extra care not to scrub the tattoo especially in the later healing stages as this can remove healing areas of the tattoo.
Next you will apply a very small amount of aftercare product to your tattoo two to three times daily. Be sure to only apply what absorbs in your skin. Over-applying any product can suffocate the skin, trap excess moisture, and slow the healing process.
Avoid soaking the new tattoo in any water, for any amount of time. Pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria and chemicals, which can lead to infection. Avoid swimming for the first two to three weeks or until the scabs have fully healed. Showering is safe as long as you’re gentle and avoid soaking the area.
Avoid exposing the new tattoo to the sun. This can seriously affect the healing of a new tattoo and make brand new tattoos look aged or heal adversely. Once healed Mad Rabbit provides a 30 SPF Sunscreen that you can use to protect your new piece.
Avoid petroleum-based products, as they can trap bacteria and hinder healing. I tend to avoid hand lotions as well as these product contain a various amount of alcohols that can dry out and irritate a new tattoo.
Avoid tight clothing and wear loose, breathable fabrics over your tattoo during the healing process. Tight clothing can stick to lotions or gels, pull off scabs, and cause unnecessary pain or irritation. Dedicate a few pieces of clothing specifically for this stage to prevent ink from staining your wardrobe.
Avoid strenuous activity. Working out can introduce bacteria to your fresh tattoo through sweat, overstretch healing skin, and cause scabs to tear. Wait 48 hours before doing light activities like walking or cycling. For the first four to six weeks, avoid strenuous exercises and clean your tattoo immediately after any physical activity.
Scabbing is a natural part of the healing process. Picking at scabs can pull ink out of your skin, leading to patchy spots and scarring. Resist the urge to scratch, and use your moisturizer to calm any itching.
Aftercare products recommended are: Unrefined coconut oil, Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, and Hustle Butter. If you are allergic to mango or coconut, go with Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel.