Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but the aftercare process, especially the peeling stage, often causes concern about hygiene. The appearance of flaky, shedding skin can make you question whether it is safe to wash the area. This phase is a fundamental part of healing, and proper cleaning is necessary to ensure the best outcome for your new artwork.
Understanding the Peeling Stage
Receiving a tattoo causes trauma to the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) as needles deposit ink into the deeper layer (the dermis). This controlled injury triggers a natural healing response, similar to how skin reacts to a minor abrasion. The peeling, which typically begins around the third to seventh day, is the damaged epidermis shedding to reveal the new skin underneath. This flaking skin is not the tattoo ink coming out, as the pigment is lodged beneath this superficial layer. The flakes may appear colored due to a mix of dead skin cells and trace amounts of ink and plasma the body is expelling.
The Direct Answer: Washing Protocols
Yes, you must continue to wash your tattoo even while it is peeling. Maintaining hygiene during this sensitive phase is important because the peeling skin creates an environment where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of infection. Gentle washing removes dead skin cells, external contaminants, and plasma residue. A proper cleaning regimen keeps the area clean and moist, promoting efficient healing and preventing thick scabs. Washing must be quick, deliberate, and performed gently to remove harmful microbes without physically forcing the peeling process.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Method
Preparation and Wetting
Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching the sensitive area. Wet the tattooed area using only lukewarm water; excessive heat can cause irritation and pull moisture from the dry, peeling skin. Cup the water in your hand and allow it to gently flow over the tattoo, avoiding a high-pressure stream.
Washing and Rinsing
Apply a small amount of mild, unscented, antibacterial soap to your clean fingertips. Gently lather it over the peeling skin using only the pads of your fingers in a light, circular motion. Never use a washcloth, sponge, or abrasive material that could rip off the delicate flakes. Once clean, rinse the area completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no soap residue remains, as this can dry out and irritate the skin.
Drying
Pat the tattoo completely dry using a clean paper towel. Paper towels are preferable to cloth towels, which may harbor bacteria or leave lint behind.
Actions to Strictly Avoid
During the peeling phase, several actions must be strictly avoided to protect the tattoo’s final appearance and health. Never pick, scratch, or manually peel off any flaking skin; forcing the skin to shed prematurely can pull out ink, resulting in patchy areas, or lead to scarring and infection. You must also avoid soaking the tattoo entirely, which means no long baths, swimming, or using hot tubs. Submerging the tattoo allows bacteria to penetrate the vulnerable skin barrier and delays the healing process. Highly scented soaps, body washes, or abrasive exfoliating products should also be avoided, as harsh chemicals can cause irritation and inflammation.