Inside: Tattoo Peeling Tips – Are Tattoos Supposed to Peel?
A new tattoo is a great way to express yourself, but it can become a nightmare without proper aftercare. A peeling tattoo is nothing to worry about if you take care of the tattoo properly. Otherwise, you are susceptible to scarring and infections.
This is a simple guide on what you can expect as the inked spots peel, what you should avoid and what you can do to ensure your tattoo remains vibrant.
Why Tattoos Peel
The tattoo healing process is different for everyone depending on their skin type. Peeling is inevitable and an essential part of the healing process, but the extent can vary from one person to the next. It can be scary at first, but it is painless.
Depending on your skin type and health, your tattoo can start to peel 3 to 4 days after you get it. For some people, it can begin a week later. We shed skin cells daily. When your tattoo starts to peel, it will do so in larger chunks which may contain some ink. Don’t be alarmed. This is perfectly normal.
The tattoo will not fade. That is just the top layer of your skin that is peeling off, i.e. the epidermis. The design underneath will remain intact since the ink is underneath the dermis, i.e. the second layer of skin. The healing skin will shed off or peel off from the top layer. The process is not painful. If you feel persistent pain or irritation, get to a doctor fast. It may be a sign of an infection.
How to Deal With Tattoo Peeling
While peeling is a normal part of the healing process, it can be uncomfortable. You can make the experience better with a refined aftercare routine. Here are some tattoo peeling tips that can help:
Shower Using Warm Water
Your skin will be highly sensitive after you get your tattoo. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid basic hygiene. It can lead to infections. Just shower with lukewarm water and a scent-free soap and dry the tattooed area by dabbing with a soft towel. The warm water will also speed up peeling.
Keep the Skin Hydrated
Your tattoo will dry up if it is not hydrated or moisturized regularly. Smear on some prescribed moisturizer twice a day, preferably with an 8-hour gap between applications. Keep it up till the skin stops peeling and doesn’t feel stretched. Too much moisturizer can clog up pores which can lead to breakouts.
Don’t Scratch or Pick
The area around your fresh tattoo will start to itch, but that is a good sign. It means it is healing nicely. Just don’t scratch it! It’s an open wound that can break open with nails leading to an infection.
Your fingernails have a lot of bacteria underneath, after all. Even if you don’t get an infection, the scratching can cause scars that will not heal properly. Do not pick at the scabs that form either for the same reason.
Don’t Soak the Tattoo in Water
Avoid pools, saunas and baths at least a few weeks after you get your tattoo. Chlorine can irritate the fresh wounds and cause serious infections. Bath and sauna water may get too hot to handle and burn the sensitive derma.
Hold off on de-stressing with a long soak till after your tattoo is healed completely. You may regret it otherwise.
A tattoo is a great way to express yourself to the world, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Follow the aftercare and tattoo peeling tips in this guide to ease the peeling process and prevent scarring or diseases that can ruin your life and tattoo.
A little tattoo aftercare will go a long way and ensure the colors come out nice and vibrant. If you experience serious side effects such as discharge, excessive itching, or inflammation, seek medical attention immediately!
Do’s + Don’ts of Tattoo Peeling
Here are some Do’s
- Wear loose clothing.
- Give your body time to heal through its own natural processes.
- Use only suggested lotions and creams on the newly inked area.
- Keep the freshly tattooed area clean.
- Keep your tattoo moisturized.
- What ever you do do not pick the tattoo, this prevents it from scabbing up correctly.
Here are some Don’ts
- Pick or pull on the scabs/flakes.
- Itch, scratch, or rub your peeling tattoo.
- Submerge your tattoo in water for extended periods.
So if you are confident enough to get a tattoo, these fun designs are excellent options you can try:
Unique lobster tattoos – If you love the sea or a lobster dinner, pay homage to this fabulous crustacean with a lobster tattoo. Check out the designs here.
DNA strands, chains and flowers – If you are fun, mysterious and adventurous, celebrate yourself with these funky and eclectic designs that refuse to conform.
Charming salmon tattoos – Love to fish? Say it loud and proud with a whole school of salmon inked on your body for all to see! Here are some great designs to get inspiration from.
Find the Perfect Tattoo Design Inspiration
- Cute Cloud Tattoos – Because of their symbolic meanings, as well as infinite design possibilities, the tattoos of clouds are becoming increasingly popular in the world. Whether used on their own or as parts of some larger designs or scenes, clouds have the ability to connote a variety of meanings. At the same time, design-wise, there are several variations, as well as styles which you and your favorite tattoo artist can work with, to create the perfect cloud tattoo for you.
- Embroidery Tattoo Ideas – If you love tattoos as well as embroidery, you are going to go wild for these embroidery tattoos! These designs are some of the coolest tattoo ideas around. They look like you have actual embroidery stitches in your skin! They do take some time for the tattoo artist to make them so detailed, but it’s worth every second! Don’t miss these awesome embroidery tattoo designs.
- Eye Catching Aesthetic Tattoo – Aesthetic is concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty, and what better way to show off what you think is beautiful than some stunning tattoos. From ocean waves, soaring butterflies, to pretty flowers, and colorful designs these eye-catching aesthetic tattoo ideas are perfect for your next ink session. Some of our favorite tattooed areas for these are small but fun places like behind the ear, forearm, collarbone, or finger. You can create a beautiful story with these simple works of art, let us know in the comments your favorite.
I'm Victoria Hudgins founder of Tattoo Glee and managing editor. I'm a Tattoo Stylist and love helping others find the best way to express all the fun and joy that is within them! Follow along with my posts for all the celebratory style your next ink design is needing.