COMPLETE AFTERCARE GUIDE

YOUR TATTOO
HEALING JOURNEY

Follow this guide for a smooth healing process
and a tattoo that looks its best for years.

BOOK APPOINTMENT DOWNLOAD GUIDE

THE HEALING PROCESS

THREE PHASES. THIRTY DAYS.

FRESH TATTOO

DAY 1–7

Leave the Derm Skin (Dermal Protective Film) on overnight
Remove the Derm Skin the next morning after waking up, unless your artist has instructed otherwise
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo
Wash gently with mild fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water, using clean hands only
Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry completely
Apply a very thin layer of Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (or Inkspace / Ravyantra Aftercare Balm if supplied)
Apply a thin layer of pure coconut oil before every shower

DON'T

No sponge, loofah, brush or washcloth on the tattoo
Do not rub the tattoo — always pat dry
Do not over-moisturise — the tattoo should never appear greasy
No swimming pools, beaches, hot tubs, sauna or steam rooms
No direct sunlight or tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo
Do not scratch, pick, or touch the tattoo with dirty hands

NORMAL

Mild redness
Tenderness
Slight swelling
Warmth around the tattoo
A small amount of plasma or excess ink

PEELING PHASE

DAY 8–21

Continue washing and moisturizing exactly as before
Continue applying pure coconut oil before every shower
Allow all peeling skin to fall away naturally

DON'T

Do not scratch the tattoo
Do not pick flakes
Do not peel skin manually

NORMAL

Peeling skin
Flaking
Dryness
Itching
Tight skin

RECOVERY PHASE

DAY 22–30

Continue light moisturizing until the tattoo feels completely comfortable
Keep the tattoo protected from prolonged direct sunlight until fully healed

DON'T

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
No swimming until the tattoo is completely healed (approximately 4 weeks)

NORMAL

Slight dryness
Mild tightness
A slightly dull appearance while the deeper skin continues to recover

KEEP IT SIMPLE

YES — RELAX.

Most things that look alarming are part of healing. Here's what's normal.

Peeling

Begins around day 8 — let all skin fall away naturally

Itching

A normal sign of healing — do not scratch

Dry / tight skin

Apply a very thin layer of Cetaphil when dry

Mild redness

Normal in the first few days

Plasma or excess ink

A small amount is normal in the first days

Flaking

Part of peeling — never pick or peel manually

WATCH FOR THESE

INFECTION WARNING SIGNS

Redness that spreads after the first few days
Yellow or green discharge
Severe swelling
Fever or chills
Increasing pain instead of improving
Bad smell from the tattoo
Excessive warmth around the tattoo

WHEN IN DOUBT, REACH OUT.

We're here to help. +91 97113 61010

AFTERCARE FAQ

THE QUESTIONS WE HEAR DAILY.

Real questions from real clients. Straight answers to help your tattoo heal perfectly.

Can I shower?

Yes. Before every shower apply a thin layer of pure coconut oil over the tattoo. Keep showers short and avoid directing high-pressure water onto the tattoo.

Can I exercise?

Light exercise is generally fine after the first few days. Avoid excessive sweating, friction and direct pressure on the tattoo until it has healed.

Can I swim?

No. Avoid swimming pools, beaches, lakes and hot tubs until the tattoo is completely healed (approximately 4 weeks).

Why is my tattoo peeling?

Peeling is a completely normal stage of healing. Do not pick or remove peeling skin. Allow it to fall away naturally.

Why is my tattoo itchy?

Itching is a completely normal part of the healing process — it means your skin is repairing itself. Do not scratch the tattoo. If the itching becomes uncomfortable, gently pat around the tattoo instead, and continue moisturizing whenever the tattoo feels dry.

How long does healing take?

Surface healing usually takes approximately 2–3 weeks. Complete healing generally takes around 4 weeks, depending on your skin type, the placement of the tattoo, and how well the aftercare instructions are followed. Even after the surface appears healed, the deeper layers of skin continue to recover.

What moisturizer should I use?

Our primary recommendation is Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. Apply only a very thin layer. If Inkspace / Ravyantra Aftercare Balm has been supplied by the studio, it may also be used according to your artist's instructions. Do not over-moisturize — the tattoo should never appear greasy.

Can I use coconut oil?

Yes. We recommend applying a thin layer of pure coconut oil before every shower — this helps reduce prolonged water exposure while showering. Coconut oil is not a replacement for your moisturizer. After showering, continue your normal aftercare routine and apply Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (or Inkspace / Ravyantra Aftercare Balm if supplied).

When should I contact Inkspace?

Contact Inkspace Tattoo Studio immediately if you notice redness that spreads after the first few days, yellow or green discharge, severe swelling, fever or chills, increasing pain instead of improving, a bad smell from the tattoo, or excessive warmth around the tattoo. If something doesn't feel right, we'd always rather hear from you early than have you worry alone.