Can I wash my tattoo with no soap?
Showers are fine-just NO SOAKING! Using a mild, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, and Neutrogena); gently wash all excess blood, ointment, ink, and plasma from your tattoo. Only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor bacteria.
If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don't worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.
3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges or loofahs on a fresh tattoo. 4.
Yep. It's fine if your tattoo gets a little wet, but it shouldn't be submerged in water or left under running water for long periods of time. Keep time in the shower to a minimum, and be gentle to avoid irritating your newly tattooed skin.
Wash and Treat
After you remove the bandage, you should wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area.
So, you can (and should) clean your new tattoo pretty soon after getting it. But, as far as showering goes, Richmond says to wait 24 hours — and, even then, don't let the water's stream hit your tattoo directly. Keep up that initial cleaning routine a few times a day for two to four weeks while your skin heals.
It is important to wash the tattoo every 4-6 hours or after any period of sweating, letting it completely air-dry afterwards, and applying a new piece of plastic wrap each time. It's also important not to over-wrap the area, unnecessarily covering untattooed skin, which can trap excess moisture.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Speaking of bacteria, it's important to choose an unscented antibacterial soap for tattoos so that you minimize your risk of infection as your tattoo heals.
You can use antibacterial soap for the first 3-5 days and then regular soap or body wash is fine.
Does soap ruin a new tattoo?
When should you wash a new tattoo? Dr. Gohara says it's important to shower within the first 48 hours and that gentle cleansers are key. “Avoid soaps and harsh sulfates and choose a wash that infuses moisture,” she says.
Unscented formulas are usually best for tattoo aftercare, as added fragrance can irritate damaged skin. Having said that, scented soaps used for older tattoos are usually fine if your skin isn't particularly sensitive.
