Aftercare Instructions

Tattoo Aftercare

Initial Care:

  • For Saniderm: Leave on for at least 5 days.
  • For traditional bandages: Leave on for at least 1 hour.

Cleaning:

  • Once bandage is removed, gently wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (such as Dial) and warm water.
  • Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry for a few minutes.

Moisturizing:

  • Apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe lotion (e.g. Aquaphor, H2Ocean) at least 4 times daily for the next 4-5 days. This will help maintain moisture and give your tattoo a slight shine.
  • When peeling begins, switch to a non-scented lotion (Aveeno, Curel, Lubriderm, Cetaphil, etc.)

Things to Avoid:

  • DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo during the peeling phase.
  • NO SWIMMING, soaking, hot tubs, or saunas for 2-3 weeks.
  • Protect from direct sunlight until fully healed.

Piercing Aftercare

Cleaning Solutions

  • H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare spray or homemade sterile sea salt solution: 1/4 teaspoon of non- iodized sea salt to 8oz. cup of warm distilled water. Stronger mix is NOT better!

Cleaning Instructions

  • Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Soak or saturate your piercing with the sea salt solution. Let the solution air dry.
  • Dry by gently patting with clean gauze.  If you use a towel, be very careful to not snag the piercing with the threading.
  • Repeat 2-3 times a day.

Oral piercings

  • Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after eating, drinking, or smoking. If mouthwash contains alcohol dilute it with water.
  • When brushing your teeth gently brush the piercing to remove any plaque build-up.
  • Rinse with a sea salt solution 2-3 times daily.          

What is Normal

          It is normal for your piercing to have some bleeding, bruising, tenderness and localized swelling. During healing you may see some discoloration or have itching. You may also have a yellowish-white discharge that hardens. This is called sebum and is a normal part of the healing process. Do not pick the crust off; the sea salt soak will soften them enough to wipe away.

Things to Avoid

  • DO NOT USE Betadine, Iodine, Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Neosporine, bar soap, Bactine or Hibiclens.
  • DO NOT PLAY with your piercing; No tugging, biting or pulling as this can introduce bacteria and keep the area swollen.
  • DO NOT over clean your piercing.  No more than 3 times a day.
  • Keep pants, belts, jewelry, tight clothing, hair products and makeup off your new piercing.  
  • No rough play, oral contact or contact with other bodily fluids.
  • Avoid swimming or soaking in unhygienic bodies of water for at least 1 month after piercing (i.e. lakes, oceans, pools, hot tubs).
  • Oral piercings should avoid alcohol, beer, spicy food and dairy products for at least 5-7 days. You may also want to avoid foods containing noodles.

DO NOT REMOVE your jewelry before the recommended time. Piercings can close in minutes even if you’ve had them for years. If you want to keep your piercing, keep the jewelry in.