It is completely normal for your skin to peel after getting a tattoo, and this process is a sign that the body’s natural healing response is working correctly. This flaking is an expected stage of recovery for the treated area. Recognizing the stages of peeling and providing appropriate care helps ensure your new artwork heals properly by allowing you to differentiate between normal shedding and potential complications.
Understanding Why Peeling Occurs
The tattooing process involves rapidly puncturing the top layer of skin, the epidermis, thousands of times to deposit ink. This action creates a controlled wound, and peeling is the body’s method of shedding the damaged skin cells from this outermost layer. The needles are designed to implant the pigment into the deeper layer, the dermis, where the ink remains permanently locked away. Because the ink is anchored in the dermis, the temporary peeling of the epidermis does not affect the long-term appearance of the tattoo. The body accelerates its natural exfoliation cycle to replace the injured surface cells with new, healthy ones.
The Appearance of Normal Shedding
Normal peeling typically begins between the third and seventh day after the procedure, once the initial swelling and weeping phase have subsided. This stage generally lasts about one to two weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. The flakes of skin that come off are usually thin and translucent, similar in appearance to a mild sunburn peeling away.
It is common for these flakes to contain some color, which is simply dried excess pigment and dead skin cells that were trapped in the epidermis. The skin underneath the shedding layer may appear slightly dull or milky for a short time, but this is temporary and due to the new, un-matured skin cells. Resisting the urge to pick or scratch is important, as the skin needs to shed naturally to prevent patchy healing.
When Peeling Signals a Problem
While some peeling is a healthy sign, certain symptoms indicate a problem that requires medical attention. Excessive redness and swelling that spreads beyond the tattoo’s border or worsens after the first few days are major warning signs. Intense or increasing pain, especially when paired with a feeling of warmth or heat radiating from the area, suggests a potential infection.
The presence of thick, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge, distinct from the normal clear plasma that may ooze initially, is another indicator of infection. If you develop a rash of painful bumps, fever, or chills, contact a doctor immediately. Peeling that continues intensely for more than two weeks, or is accompanied by deep scabbing, may also signal an issue like an allergic reaction or improper application, which a medical professional should evaluate.
Managing the Skin During the Peeling Phase
During the peeling phase, gentle aftercare is necessary to support the healing process and ensure the ink remains vibrant. Continue to wash the tattooed area one to two times daily using a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Do not rub the area; instead, gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel to avoid prematurely pulling off skin flakes.
Applying a thin layer of an unscented, recommended moisturizing product is important to keep the skin hydrated and minimize excessive dryness. This thin application prevents the skin from becoming saturated and allows it to breathe. Avoid soaking the tattoo in any standing water, such as pools, hot tubs, or long baths, until the peeling has completely finished, as this can introduce bacteria and compromise the healing barrier.