First tattoo today - do’s and don’ts aftercare

[Cakeinvader]

I’m getting my first tattoo today - only a small one. How should I look after it to avoid infection bearing in mind it’s on my 61yr old skin?

Ohhh good luck. I always ask for second skin to be put on mine, you need to keep that on for 7 days then take it off in the shower, the tattoo will be healed but dry so moisturise with cocoa butter. This saves all the bother with keeping it clean as the second skin keeps the plasma there to help heal the tattoo faster.

Thank you - I’ll ask for that.

Not all places offer second skin and may not be necessary if only a small tattoo. Keep it clean and dry for the first 7 days. They should give you special tattoo cream or you can use bepathen cream. Apply thinly a couple times a day. It will prevent the tattoo from drying out. Don't scratch it, it'll get itchy as it starts to heal.

It will itch like mad but don’t scratch it, no matter how much it’s itching! Hope you love your first tattoo!

Keep it out of the sun. Do not pick at it! Your tattoo place should give you some special moisturiser.