The life of your tattoo depends on the care it receives in the first few days!
DAYS 1 – 2:
Keep the bandage on until morning. Wash the tattoo first thing in the morning with clean hands and 2 to 3 more times per day for the first two days. If this is not possible, use the paper towel treatment described below.
You should use Cetaphil cleanser or another unscented cleanser or soap. After you have cleaned your tattoo, apply a light coat of Pegasus Pro Tattoo Ointment, Out To Sea Tattoo Lotion, or another clean, unscented, fragrance-free lotion such as Cetaphil or Lubriderm for Sensitive Skin.
Avoid aloe vera and Neosporin; they make the skin heal too fast.
THE PAPER TOWEL TREATMENT
You will notice plasma forming on your tattoo; plasma is what causes scabs to form.
IN ORDER TO AVOID SCABS, you should take a clean paper towel and lay it over the tattoo. Apply slight pressure to the tattoo. The towel will absorb the plasma. Carefully peel away the paper towel (do not leave on until it dries) and reapply the ointment/lotion. Repeat above process twice a day for two days.
DAYS 3 – 4:
Clean your tattoo twice a day. Repeat paper towel procedure, if needed. Apply your UNSCENTED lotion or tattoo aftercare product liberally throughout the day with clean hands.
DAYS 5 – 15:
Apply lotion as needed. DO NOT PEEL, SCRATCH, OR RUB. If it feels itchy, you can slap your tattoo; this will relieve you somewhat. Remember, TATTOOS TAKE APPROXIMATELY 1 – 3 WEEKS TO HEAL COMPLETELY. Be kind to your tattoo, and it will be kind to you!
DURING THE TWO–WEEK HEALING PROCESS:
DO NOT use oily products such as VASELINE or NEOSPORIN on your new tattoo.
DO NOT swim, sauna, or soak (shower OK)
DO NOT expose to direct sunlight
ABSOLUTELY NO PICKING!
The top layer of skin will peel and the tattoo can be very itchy. Again, DO NOT PICK or scratch! Let the skin fall off and exfoliate naturally. It's a good idea to get in the habit of sunblock, as the sun will fade a tattoo.
THE TATTOO IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. USE COMMON SENSE!
