Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Guide

Your tattoo or piercing is healing skin. Good aftercare helps protect the area while it heals, but healing varies from person to person and by placement, size, style and lifestyle.

🖤 Tattoo Aftercare

Immediately After Your Tattoo

Follow the covering instructions given to you at your appointment. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

Second Skin

If Second Skin has been applied, keep it on for the period advised by your artist unless it becomes excessively irritated, leaks, lifts significantly or causes a reaction. Do not scrub, pick or re-seal used film yourself. When removing it, gently peel it back under lukewarm running water. Once removed, wash the tattoo gently and begin your normal aftercare routine.

Second Skin is optional and is only used where appropriate. If you experience significant irritation, blistering or a suspected adhesive reaction, remove the film and seek appropriate medical advice if necessary.

If You Are Not Using Second Skin

1. Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
2. Gently wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
3. Do not scrub, exfoliate or use a face cloth or loofah.
4. Pat dry with clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.
5. Once dry, apply only a thin layer of suitable aftercare moisturiser.

Aftercare Products

Our recommended options are Skinergy Tattoo Aftercare, Aqueous Cream, and coconut oil & beeswax. Skinergy is our preferred professional tattoo aftercare range, but purchasing Skinergy is optional.

If you choose to use your own aftercare products or products other than those recommended by Tattoos By Charlene, you do so at your own risk. Everyone's skin reacts differently, and we cannot guarantee how your skin will respond to a product we have not supplied or recommended. Patch-test unfamiliar products where appropriate and stop using any product that causes irritation or an adverse reaction.

Whichever suitable aftercare method you choose, use a thin layer. More product does not mean better healing.

During Healing

DO: Keep the tattoo clean; moisturise lightly when it feels dry or tight; wear clean, loose clothing where possible; allow peeling and flaking to happen naturally; reduce unnecessary friction and irritation; and follow the specific instructions provided for your tattoo.

DON'T: Pick, scratch or peel the tattoo; scrub or exfoliate it; soak it in baths, swimming pools, jacuzzis or the ocean while it is healing; apply perfume, body spray or harsh products directly onto a healing tattoo; allow dirty hands, clothing or equipment to repeatedly rub against it; or expose a fresh tattoo to unnecessary direct sunlight.

Sleeping, Exercise & Everyday Activity

Use clean bedding and avoid prolonged pressure or rubbing on the tattoo while sleeping. During exercise, minimise excessive sweat, friction and contact with shared or dirty equipment. Clothing, footwear, work, sport, washing and everyday movement can all affect healing and pigment retention.

Once Fully Healed

Protect your tattoo from the sun with broad-spectrum SPF when it will be exposed. Regular moisturising can help keep healed skin comfortable and your tattoo looking its best. Tattoos naturally age and change over time, even with excellent care.

High-Fade & High-Friction Areas

Fingers, hands, feet, toes, sides of fingers and other high-friction, frequently washed, pressure-prone or sun-exposed placements can lose pigment faster than other areas. This can happen even with excellent aftercare.

A complimentary touch-up, where applicable and subject to healing and assessment, is not an unlimited maintenance service. Repeated fading in high-fade or high-friction placements is not covered by ongoing complimentary touch-ups. After the complimentary touch-up has been used, further touch-ups or refreshes may be charged following assessment.

Read our High-Fade & High-Friction Areas guide

When to Get Help

Some redness, tenderness, warmth, swelling, itching and peeling can occur during normal healing. If you develop worsening or severe symptoms, significant swelling, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe pain or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.

💎 Piercing Aftercare

Wash your hands before touching your piercing. Clean the area as instructed with appropriate piercing aftercare, and avoid unnecessary touching, twisting or moving of the jewellery.

Keep the area clean and dry where practical. Avoid swimming, soaking, unnecessary pressure, friction and trauma while the piercing is healing. Be mindful of hair, clothing, headphones, helmets, phones and other items that may catch or rub the piercing.

Do not remove jewellery prematurely unless advised by your piercer or a medical professional. Healing times vary considerably depending on the piercing and the individual.

Important

Do not use harsh chemicals, alcohol, peroxide or aggressive cleaning methods unless specifically instructed by a qualified professional. If you develop worsening pain, spreading redness, significant swelling, pus, fever, jewellery embedding or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.

❤️ Remember

Aftercare supports healing but cannot guarantee a particular healing result or permanent tattoo pigment retention. Your artist or piercer's specific instructions for your procedure take priority where they differ because of the placement, products used or individual circumstances.