Common Mistakes

"I couldn't resist, the itching was unbearable and I scratched a little..."

Why it is terrible

• You pull out ink along with the scabs
• You damage skin in the healing process
• You can create permanent scars
• You introduce bacteria with your nails

What to do instead

• ✓ Pat gently with open palm
• ✓ Apply cream (temporarily relieves)
• ✓ Use cold compresses
• ✓ Distract yourself (itching is worse when you focus on it)

Itching lasts a maximum of 3-5 days. The damage from scratching lasts forever.

"I saw a raised scab and pulled it. It looked ugly..."

Why it is terrible

• Scabs are attached to the ink
• When you pull them, you pull out pigment
• You create "gaps" in the design
• You increase the risk of infection

The rule

If it does not fall off on its own, do not touch it. Let scabs fall off NATURALLY. Keep them moisturized if very tight.

"I thought more cream = faster healing, so I applied it every hour..."

Signs of over-moisturizing

• Tattoo looks "soaked" or shiny
• White/wrinkled skin
• Pimples around the tattoo
• Itching increases instead of decreasing

The correct approach

• ✓ THIN layer of cream, 2-3 times a day
• ✓ If absorbed in 30 seconds = correct amount
• ✓ If visible layer remains after 5 min = too much

"I read that skin needs to breathe, so I did not apply anything..."

Why it is terrible

• Dry skin cracks → ink loss
• Problematic healing
• Tattoo permanently looks dull
• Unbearable itching

The correct balance

If skin feels tight = needs cream. If it shines = too much cream. Consistent but moderate moisturizing.

"I love boiling hot showers, especially in winter..."

Why it damages

• Opens pores excessively, can "draw out" fresh ink
• Aggressively dehydrates skin
• Prolongs redness and swelling

The correct approach

• ✓ WARM water, not hot
• ✓ If it reddens your skin, it is too hot
• ✓ Short showers (10-15 minutes maximum)
• ✓ Do not direct the stream at the tattoo

"A week passed, so I went to the pool..."

Prohibited (minimum 2-3 weeks, ideal 4 weeks)

• ❌ Pools · ❌ Sea/beach · ❌ Lakes/rivers
• ❌ Bathtubs · ❌ Jacuzzis · ❌ Saunas

Permitted

• ✓ Normal showers
• ✓ Washing the tattoo with running water

"It was only 20 minutes in the sun..."

Why it is the worst long-term mistake

• UV breaks down pigment molecules
• CUMULATIVE and IRREVERSIBLE damage
• 10 years without protection = tattoo 50% paler

Protocol

• ✓ Weeks 0-2: Zero sun exposure. Cover with clothing.
• ✓ Week 3+: SPF 50+ ALWAYS, even when cloudy
• ✓ Reapply every 2 hours

Sunscreen: $15,000 CLP/year. Touch-up for fading: $150,000+ CLP. Worth it.

Prohibited products

• ❌ Pure petroleum jelly — does not let skin breathe
• ❌ Alcohol — too aggressive, damages pigment
• ❌ Aloe vera in first 72 hours — irritating on fresh wound
• ❌ Homemade/natural creams — no sterility guarantee
• ❌ Peroxide, topical antibiotics without prescription
• ❌ Fragranced creams or expired products

Use only

• ✓ Products recommended by your artist
• ✓ Fragrance-free neutral soap
• ✓ Dermatological SPF 50+ sunscreen

"I did not want to miss my gym routine, so I went the next day..."

Correct timing

• Light exercise: OK after 3-4 days
• Intense exercise: Wait 7-10 days
• Swimming/water sports: 4 weeks

If you must exercise

• ✓ Cover the tattoo · ✓ Wash immediately after
• ✓ Avoid equipment that touches the area

Solutions

• ✓ First night: cover loosely with cling wrap
• ✓ Wear old clothes and clean dark sheets
• ✓ Nights 2-7: extra pillows to prop yourself up

"It's a bit red and swollen, but that's normal, right?"

Every person heals differently based on age, immune system, tattoo location, size, skin type and care. Normal ranges: surface healing 7-14 days · deep healing 3-4 weeks · full shine return 1-2 months.

Choose ONE quality product and use it consistently throughout healing. Only change if there is a clear allergic reaction. Hard to identify what works or causes a reaction if you constantly switch.

"My artist told me X, but I read Y online, so I did Y..."

Your artist knows YOUR specific tattoo. They know what technique was used, what ink, what depth. Generic internet instructions do not replace professional advice. When in doubt: contact your artist first.

Normal things that seem bad

• ✓ Peeling like a sunburn (days 4-7) — completely normal
• ✓ "Dull" or "cloudy" tattoo (week 2-3) — the shine returns
• ✓ Intense itching (days 4-6) — sign of active healing
• ✓ Some ink on wrap/clothing (first days) — excess coming out

When in doubt: Photo + message to your artist. Better to ask than to regret.