At AmazInk Tattoo Studio, helping your tattoo heal well and look great long‑term is as important as the tattoo itself. Below are our aftercare guidelines using Bepanthen ointment/cream. Following these carefully will reduce risk of infection, ensure the colours stay sharp, and help the skin to recover cleanly.
Why Proper Aftercare Matters
A fresh tattoo is essentially a controlled skin injury. Proper cleaning, protection, and moisture allow healing without complications.
Using a suitable product like Bepanthen Tattoo Ointment / Aftercare and Protection Ointment, which contains pro‑vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), helps skin regeneration and keeps the area moisturised.
Poor care (harsh soaps, over‑moisturising, picking, excessive sun or water exposure) can lead to fading, scarring, infection, or colour loss.
Aftercare Steps
Below is the recommended schedule and steps. Always follow any additional instructions your tattoo artist gives.
What to do immediately after the tattoo & first hours• The tattoo will be covered with a sterile dressing, clingfilm, or “second skin” in the studio. Leave this on for the period specified by your artist (Change every 3-4 hrs if cling film, or up to 24 hrs if second skin).
• After removal, wash hands thoroughly. Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance‑free, antibacterial soap. Use your hands (not cloth) and do not scrub.
• Pat dry with clean paper towel or soft towel. Don’t rub.First few days (Day 1‑3)• Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen ointment/aftercare cream 2‑4 times daily, or as advised by your artist. The layer should be light — you want moisture, not heavy occlusion.
• Continue cleaning with mild, unscented soap minimum twice daily.
• Avoid soaking: no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas. Showers are OK but avoid direct water pressure on the tattoo. During healing (approx. 1‑4 weeks)• Continue applying Bepanthen 2‑4 times per day, particularly when the tattoo feels dry or tight. Switch to lighter moisturisers once the surface is mostly healed (scabbing has reduced, peeling has stopped), if your artist agrees.
• Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling any scabs. This can cause loss of colour or scarring.
• Wear loose clothing over the tattoo to avoid friction.
• Keep out of direct sunlight. Once healed, use a broad‑spectrum SPF (30 or higher) when exposing tattooed skin to sun. Long‑term care & what to watch for• Even after it looks healed (2‑4 weeks), the deeper layers can still need time (sometimes several months) to fully settle. Moisturising regularly helps maintain vibrancy.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, heavy exfoliants, strong perfumes on the tattoo.
• If you notice swelling, increasing redness, pain, unpleasant discharge (yellow/green), or fever — contact a medical professional. These are signs of potential infection.
Things to Avoid
Applying Bepanthen too thickly or too often (suffocating moisture may trap bacteria or delay healing)
Using scented, perfumed, or alcohol‑based soaps or creams on the tattooed area during healing.
Submerging in water (e.g., baths, swimming pools, hot tubs) until fully healed.
Sun exposure or use of tanning beds while the tattoo is fresh.
Your Commitment
To ensure the best possible outcome, we ask all clients to commit to following these care instructions. If there are any complications or uncertainties (for example you have sensitive skin, allergies, or health conditions that may affect healing), you should contact us or a medical professional as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
While we provide this aftercare policy based on accepted practices and manufacturer information (e.g., Bepanthen’s product data: pro‑vitamin B5; number of daily uses; user satisfaction surveys) this advice is intended for general information. It does not substitute personal medical advice. If you have allergies, medical conditions, or notice unusual healing, seek professional healthcare guidance.