It’s an exciting day—you’ve just stepped out of the tattoo studio, the buzz of the needle still echoing in your ears, and your new ink is fresh and vibrant. You’re feeling proud, maybe a little sore, but ready to show off your artwork to the world.

But wait! Before you rush to post that perfect Instagram pic, there’s something important you need to know: proper aftercare can make all the difference between a stunning tattoo and one that fades, blurs, or becomes infected. The road to healing is crucial, and understanding the dos and don’ts can save you from discomfort down the line.

Tattoo aftercare is essential, especially in those first few days when your skin is healing. The most common issues include redness, swelling, and, yes, even irritation. A little care can prevent these minor annoyances from turning into major setbacks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to ensure your new tattoo heals beautifully. Keep reading to discover the ultimate tips for caring for your fresh ink and a guide for the best products on the market!

Timber’s Tattoo Tips: 

1. Keep it Clean

The first step in tattoo aftercare is ensuring the area stays clean. Use mild, unscented soap to gently wash your tattoo a few hours after getting it. Avoid harsh scrubs or anything that could irritate your skin. Your tattoo artist will provide instructions, so follow those closely for the best results!

2. Moisturize, Don’t Overload

After cleaning, apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free and natural moisturizer like Squirrel’s Nut Butter. Remember, less is more! You want to keep your tattoo moisturized without clogging your pores or suffocating the skin.

3. Stay Out of the Sun

Your fresh tattoo is delicate, and exposure to UV rays can cause fading and irritation. Keep your tattoo covered with loose clothing or a bandage while it’s healing, and avoid direct sunlight for at least a few weeks. When it’s time to show off your ink, slather on a high SPF sunscreen to protect it!

4. Don’t Pick or Scratch

As your tattoo heals, it might itch or flake—this is normal! But resist the urge to pick at it. Scratching can lead to scarring or uneven healing, which will ruin the crisp lines and colors of your tattoo.

5. Avoid Soaking

While a hot bath sounds tempting, it’s best to steer clear of soaking your tattoo in water until it’s fully healed. This includes pools, lakes, and hot tubs. Stick to quick showers, and keep the water temperature moderate to prevent irritation.

6. Pay Attention to Changes

Keep an eye on your tattoo as it heals. Some redness and swelling are normal, but if you notice increasing pain, pus, or any signs of infection, reach out to your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional right away.

Wrapping It Up

Your tattoo is a personal expression of art, and taking care of it ensures it remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come. By following these simple aftercare steps, you’ll not only enjoy your new ink but also keep it looking its best. Now, go ahead and flaunt that masterpiece with confidence!

Squirrel’s Nut Butter - The All Natural Tattoo Aftercare Solution: 

Squirrel’s Nut Butter is well known by athletes for its anti chafe products. However, the product was originally created as a remedy to skin irritation which makes it perfect for tattoo restoration. Handcrafted with only four all natural ingredients, coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil, Squirrel’s Nut Butter products offer an all natural and effective solution. See why these four ingredients are so effective in ensuring clean and vibrant ink. 

• Beeswax: This natural antibacterial ingredient helps protect and soothe vulnerable areas. It’s essential for preventing infection during the healing process, which typically takes two to four weeks for the surface of a tattoo, but remember, full healing can take three to six months!
• Vitamin E Oil: An antioxidant powerhouse, Vitamin E helps repair and protect the skin from environmental damage. This ensures your tattoo maintains a nice, even, and vibrant finish.
• Coconut Oil: Known for its deep moisturizing properties, coconut oil combats dry, itchy, and irritated skin. After getting a tattoo, your skin craves moisture, and this ingredient delivers!
• Cocoa Butter: With its anti-inflammatory properties, cocoa butter calms inflamed skin, providing relief from irritation and keeping your tattoo happy and moisturized.

Testimonial:

Getting tattooed is more than just a form of art; it can be a therapeutic and healing experience. However, I’ve always found the aftercare process to be a bit of a struggle. With so many differing recommendations from artists, it can be confusing to know what to use. That’s when my local tattoo artist introduced me to Squirrel’s Nut Butter. Initially, I thought it was just for athletes, but I learned it was originally created to heal eczema. It turns out it works wonders for all types of dry, cracked, and healing skin—especially tattoos!

After using it on my tattoos for the past few months, I can confidently say my artwork has healed beautifully. Whenever my tattoos would itch or peel, I reached for the green anti-chafe tin and gently massaged it into my skin, soothing the irritation.

That’s why I recommend Squirrel’s Nut Butter. Your skin deserves the very best. With its all-natural ingredients designed to nourish, restore, and repair, it’s perfect for every tattoo enthusiast.