Tattoo Aftercare Troubleshooting

Quick guidance for common questions while your tattoo heals.

Important: Tattoos are wounds while healing. This guide cannot diagnose a problem. If you are worried about your healing tattoo, contact a healthcare professional; do not rely on a photo or online message to rule out infection.

My tattoo is peeling or flaking

Some peeling can occur during healing. Do not pull, pick or scrub loose skin. Clean gently as directed and use only the aftercare product and amount recommended for your tattoo.

My tattoo feels dry or tight

Follow your artist's cleaning and moisturising instructions. Avoid applying thick layers of product unless its directions recommend that amount. If dryness is accompanied by worsening pain, heat, swelling or spreading redness, seek medical advice.

My tattoo is itchy

Itching can occur during healing, but avoid scratching or picking. If itching is intense, accompanied by a rash, blisters, burning or swelling, stop any newly introduced product and seek advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

My Second Skin is lifting or leaking

Follow the specific film's instructions. If the seal is broken, leaking or contaminated, it may need to be removed rather than patched. Do not re-cover a tattoo that may be infected. Contact your artist for aftercare guidance.

Could my tattoo be infected?

Increasing or spreading redness, worsening pain, warmth, significant swelling, pus, red streaks or fever can be warning signs. Seek prompt medical assessment if these occur. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms, rapid deterioration, or breathing difficulty/facial or throat swelling.

My tattoo looks lighter than expected

A fresh tattoo changes appearance as it heals. Do not judge the final result while the skin is still healing, and do not pick at flakes. Once fully healed, contact your artist if you have concerns; touch-ups depend on the healed result, placement, skin and original design.

Can I swim, soak or sunbathe?

Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and soaking until the tattoo has fully healed. Keep it out of direct sun while healing. Once healed, sun protection helps reduce fading over time.

Helpful guides

Tattoo Aftercare · Second Skin Film Guide · Skinergy Aftercare Guide · Shop Aftercare Products · Contact the studio

General educational information only; it does not replace personalised aftercare instructions or professional medical assessment.