📋 Please Read Before You Start
This guide provides general aftercare advice based on standard tattoo healing. It is not a substitute for medical advice and may not apply to everyone. If you have a skin condition, are prone to allergies, are immunocompromised, take medications that affect healing, or have any other relevant medical history, please consult your doctor or dermatologist alongside these guidelines. Any products mentioned here are general recommendations only — always check ingredients and be aware of your own allergies before applying anything to your skin. When in doubt, ask your artist or a medical professional.
You’ve just left the studio with fresh ink. It looks incredible. Now what?
The first few weeks of tattoo aftercare determine how your tattoo looks for the rest of your life. Proper care means clean lines, solid colour, and smooth healing. Poor care means fading, patchy areas, and potentially needing a touch-up sooner than expected.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from the moment you leave XOXO to the day your tattoo is fully healed.
Healing Timeline: What to Expect
Every body heals differently, and your starting point depends on the type of wrap your artist used. At XOXO we use second skin (also called Dermalize or a similar medical-grade film), which changes the early stages of your healing timeline quite a bit. Your artist will give you specific guidance — always follow their instructions over any general guide.
Leave the Second Skin On
At XOXO we wrap all fresh tattoos in second skin — a medical-grade, breathable film that protects the tattoo while it begins to heal. You can leave this on for 1 to 3 days. If the wrap stays clean, sealed, and undisturbed, you can go closer to the 3-day mark. If it lifts at the edges, gets wet underneath, or feels uncomfortable, remove it sooner. Your artist will tell you exactly what they recommend for your specific tattoo. Don’t peek early — the fluid you may see collecting underneath (plasma and ink) is completely normal and part of the process.
Wash (after wrap removal)
Wash Gently, Pat Dry
Once the second skin comes off — whether that’s day 1 or day 3 — this is your first wash. Wash your hands thoroughly first, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. No scrubbing — just a gentle pass with clean fingertips. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (not a bath towel). Let it air dry for 10–15 minutes before applying a thin layer of aftercare cream. This is your new day one, regardless of what the calendar says.
Some Redness & Warmth is Normal — But Not All
A small amount of redness and warmth around a fresh tattoo in the first couple of days is normal — your skin is healing from thousands of tiny needle punctures. Slight, localised swelling can also occur. What’s not normal is redness that is spreading, intensifying after day 2–3, or accompanied by swelling that seems out of proportion. Continue washing 2–3 times daily and applying a very thin layer of aftercare cream. You may notice some ink and plasma weeping from the tattoo in the early days — this is normal.
Peeling and Itching Begins
Your tattoo will start to peel and flake like a sunburn. This is completely normal and means the top layer of skin is regenerating. It will itch — do not scratch, pick, or pull at the flakes. Let them fall off naturally. Continue moisturising whenever it feels dry or tight.
Peeling Subsides, Skin Looks Shiny
The peeling slows down. Your tattoo may look slightly dull or cloudy — this is the new layer of skin settling over the ink. It will clear up. Continue moisturising with a fragrance-free lotion. Avoid sun exposure.
Surface Healing Complete
The outer layer of skin is fully healed. Your tattoo should look crisp and settled. The deeper layers continue healing for up to 3–6 months, so continue being gentle and protecting it from the sun.
What Products to Use
The products listed below are general recommendations that many of our clients find work well. They are not endorsements, and everyone’s skin is different. Always check the ingredient list before applying anything to a healing tattoo, particularly if you have known allergies or sensitive skin. When in doubt, patch test on untattooed skin first, or ask your artist what they suggest for your skin type.
For the First Few Days After Wrap Removal
Use a dedicated tattoo aftercare cream. Popular options in Ireland include Bepanthen (the nappy rash version — not the antiseptic), Tattoo Goo, or Hustle Butter. Your XOXO artist will recommend what works best for your skin. Apply a very thin layer — less is more. Too much cream suffocates the skin and can slow healing.
After the First Week
Switch to a fragrance-free moisturising lotion. E45 or Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion are easy to find in any pharmacy and are generally well-tolerated. Apply whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight. Again — check ingredients if you have any known sensitivities.
🧴 Products to Avoid
Do not use: petroleum jelly (Vaseline), fragranced lotions, alcohol-based products, coconut oil in the first week, or anything with strong dyes or chemicals. These can clog pores, irritate healing skin, or pull ink from the tattoo.
The Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
✓ Wash your hands before touching your tattoo
✓ Keep it clean and lightly moisturised
✓ Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area
✓ Stay hydrated and eat well — your body heals faster when nourished
✓ Follow your artist’s specific instructions (they may differ slightly from this guide)
Don’t:
✗ Submerge it in water — no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or the sea for at least 2–3 weeks
✗ Expose it to direct sunlight while healing
✗ Scratch, pick, or peel flaking skin
✗ Let anyone touch it with unwashed hands
✗ Work out intensely for the first 48–72 hours — sweat and friction irritate fresh tattoos
✗ Apply sunscreen to an unhealed tattoo (wait until fully healed, then use SPF 50+ always)
— Aftercare Advice from XOXO Artists
When to Be Concerned
A small amount of redness and localised warmth in the first couple of days is a normal part of healing. However, contact your artist or a doctor if you notice any of the following:
⚠️ Signs to Watch For
Redness that is spreading or worsening after the first 2–3 days (rather than settling), significant swelling, pus or green/yellow discharge, a strong or unpleasant smell from the tattoo, red streaks spreading outward from the tattoo area, fever or chills. These could indicate an infection and should be assessed by a medical professional. Do not attempt to self-treat — contact your artist first, and see a doctor if in any doubt.
In most cases, proper aftercare prevents any issues. Infections are rare when you follow the steps above and your tattoo was done in a clean, professional studio. If you have a condition that affects wound healing or your immune system, we strongly recommend speaking to your GP before getting tattooed or at the first sign of anything unusual during healing.
Touch-Ups: Part of the Process
Even with perfect aftercare, some tattoos may need a minor touch-up. Areas with thin skin (fingers, wrists, feet) or tattoos with very fine detail may lose small amounts of ink during healing. This is not a flaw — it’s the nature of tattooing on living skin.
At XOXO, we offer a free touch-up on every tattoo we do — including fine line and finger tattoos. Just contact us within a reasonable timeframe after healing, and we’ll book you in at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface heals in 2–4 weeks. The deeper layers of skin continue healing for 3–6 months. Your tattoo will look fully settled after about a month, but continue protecting it from sun and harsh conditions for several months.
How long do I leave the second skin wrap on?
At XOXO we use second skin on all fresh tattoos. You can generally leave it on for 1 to 3 days. If the wrap stays clean, sealed, and comfortable, leaving it on longer is fine. If it lifts, gets wet underneath, or causes irritation, remove it sooner. Your artist will give you a specific recommendation based on your tattoo.
Can I shower with a new tattoo?
Yes — quick, lukewarm showers are fine once the wrap is removed. Avoid directing high-pressure water straight onto the tattoo. Do not take baths, swim, or soak in water for at least 2–3 weeks.
Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?
Wait at least 48–72 hours before intense exercise. Sweat, friction from clothing, and gym equipment can irritate a fresh tattoo. Light activity like walking is fine. Avoid swimming for 2–3 weeks.
My tattoo is peeling — is that normal?
Yes, completely. Peeling typically starts around day 4–7 after the wrap is removed and lasts a few days. It looks like a sunburn peeling. Do not pick at it — let the flakes fall off naturally. Your tattoo may look slightly dull during this phase but will brighten up once healed.
When can I go in the sun?
Avoid direct sun exposure on a healing tattoo entirely. Once fully healed (3–4 weeks minimum), always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen before sun exposure. UV light is the biggest enemy of tattoo longevity — it breaks down ink over time.
Is Bepanthen good for tattoo aftercare?
Bepanthen nappy rash cream is a widely available and commonly used option in Ireland. Apply a very thin layer — a little goes a long way. It’s a recommendation, not a requirement; some artists prefer dedicated tattoo aftercare products, and individual skin reactions vary. Always check the ingredients if you have known allergies, and follow your artist’s specific advice.
Questions About Your Healing Tattoo?
If you were tattooed at XOXO and have any concerns about how your tattoo is healing, DM us on Instagram or send us an email. We’re always happy to check in.
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