How to care for your tattoo: moisturize it, protect it, and help it heal
Did you just get a tattoo? Your tattoo is much more than just a design on your skin—it’s a work of art that deserves your full attention. To preserve its beauty and ensure optimal healing, it’s essential to take care of it right from the start.
The Different Stages of Tattoo Healing*
Phase 1: The First Few Days (Days 1–3)
During this time, your tattoo is like an open wound. It may be red, swollen, and ooze slightly. This is perfectly normal! Your skin is reacting to the ink and beginning the healing process. If your tattoo artist advised you to keep a protective film on for the first few hours, be sure to follow their advice.
Phase 2: Scab Formation (Days 4–10)
Your skin will naturally form protective scabs. This is a sign that the wound is healing normally. These scabs may itch, but it is crucial to resist the urge to scratch them.
Phase 3: Peeling Skin (Days 10–20)
The scabs will gradually fall off, giving way to peeling skin. This stage can be stressful, but it is essential to the healing process.
Phase 4: Deep Healing (Day 20 to Day 60)
Even if your tattoo appears to have healed on the surface, the skin continues to heal deep down for several weeks.
* These time frames are approximate and may vary slightly from person to person
Essential Steps for Proper Tattoo Healing
The cleaning phase
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo
- Gently clean your tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Gently pat dry with a clean towel; never rub vigorously, as this could damage your tattoo.
Hydration: The Key to Proper Healing
Hydration is crucial for optimal healing. Intense Repair Body Balm is particularly well-suited for this purpose thanks to its formula enriched with:
- Shea butter: nourishing and protective, it strengthens the hydrolipidic film
- Hydréïs™ and hyaluronic acid: intense moisturizing effect for deep repair
- Heartleaf extract: a soothing concentrate that relieves itching
Its creamy, non-sticky, fragrance-free texture provides immediate comfort and helps maintain the optimal level of hydration needed for healing.
Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs After Getting a Tattoo
- Never scratch your tattoo, even if it itches
- Avoid baths and swimming for the first 3 weeks
- Do not pick at the scabs that form; they should fall off on their own, even if they look unsightly.
- Do not expose your tattoo to the sun while it is healing
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and might chafe
- Avoid intense workouts for a few weeks
How to Apply Your Repair Treatment
- Gently clean and dry your tattoo
- Take a small amount of Intense Repair Body Balm
- Apply a thin layer by gently patting it on
- Let it soak in naturally
- Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day, or more if the itching is too severe
Tips for Long-Term Maintenance
Sun protection
Even after it has healed, your tattoo should be protected from the sun to prevent it from fading. Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen, such as Nuhanciam's Invisible Cream SPF 50+.
Regular Hydration
Continue to moisturize your skin daily with the Intense Repair Body Balm. Its formula, made with 97% naturally derived ingredients, helps:
- Maintain skin elasticity
- Prevent Drying Out
- Preserving the vibrancy of colors
Warning Signs to Watch For
There may be signs that indicate you should consult your tattoo artist or see a healthcare professional:
- Redness that extends beyond the tattoo
- Significant swelling
- Unusually hot weather
- A purulent discharge
- Fever
Taking care of your tattoo isn't complicated, but it does require diligence and patience. With a good care routine and the right products—such as Intense Repair Body Balm and our Invisible Cream SPF50+—you'll give your tattoo the best chance to heal perfectly and stay beautiful for a long time.
Remember that everyone’s skin is unique and may react differently. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional. Your tattoo is a personal investment that deserves the best care so it will look its best for years to come!
