There’s something sacred about getting a tattoo. Whether it’s a piece of art, a memory, or a mark of transformation, your skin has just been through a powerful process — and it deserves to be honoured.
At Aftercare Collective, we believe healing isn’t just about skin repair — it’s a ritual. It’s the act of tending, nourishing, and preserving the artwork you now carry. Below, we share our holistic guide to tattoo aftercare — one that treats your skin like the canvas it is, and your healing like the ritual it should be.
⸻
The Day Before + Day of Your Tattoo
Set the foundation for healing by preparing your body and nervous system.
• Eat a nutrient-rich meal
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 24 hours
• Hydrate well and get a good night’s sleep
• Exfoliate the area with a gentle body scrub to remove dead skin
• Eat a snack just before your appointment to prevent blood sugar dips
These simple steps boost your immune response and help your skin start strong.
⸻
Day 1: Grounding the Skin
Your tattoo is an open wound — today’s care is all about cleansing and hydration.
• Gently cleanse the area every 4 hours with Tattoo Foam or warm water
• Pat dry with a clean towel
• Apply a micro-layer of Aftercare Collective Tattoo Balm
• Keep the area hydrated — top up balm whenever you notice dryness
Your balm acts as a breathable, healing shield — don’t oversaturate, just nourish.
⸻
Day 2–4: Prevent + Protect
As inflammation settles, your skin begins rebuilding its barrier.
• Cleanse morning and night (add a midday cleanse if needed)
• Apply a thin balm layer 3–4 times a day
• Allow your skin to breathe — more balm is not better
• Avoid scratching or over-touching the area
This is where your tattoo’s vibrancy is either preserved or compromised — stay consistent.
⸻
Day 4–6: Shed + Soothe
Redness and swelling begin to fade. You may notice peeling and light itchiness.
• Balm twice daily to reduce flaking and soothe irritation
• Keep cleansing to prevent buildup
• Avoid picking or rubbing — flakes will fall away on their own
Our balm supports skin turnover naturally and comfortably — this is a key stage in preserving linework and detail.
⸻
Day 7–14: Let the Skin Release
The shedding phase continues. Trust the process.
• Don’t force flakes or scabs off — this can scar or pull pigment
• Continue balm use 1–2x daily to ease symptoms
• Stay out of pools, baths, and direct sun
Healing doesn’t rush — it deepens.
⸻
Day 15–30: Deep Healing Begins
Your skin looks healed, but deeper dermal repair is still unfolding.
• Balm daily (morning and night) to feed the skin with nutrients
• Drink water and moisturise internally through nourishing foods
• Stay mindful of friction and sun exposure
By the end of week 4, your skin’s lower layers will have repaired, and your tattoo will truly begin to shine.
⸻
Things to Avoid During the Healing Process:
• Direct sun (especially for the first month)
• Tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo
• Swimming or soaking (for at least 2 weeks)
• Over-applying balm or heavy occlusion
• Scratching — even when it itches
⸻
Final Thoughts:
When you treat tattoo aftercare like a ritual — slow, sacred, and intentional — your skin responds in kind. The artwork settles in, the lines stay crisp, and your body feels held through the process.
Our Aftercare Collective products are formulated with this in mind: clean, vegan, and ritual-worthy. Whether it’s balm, foam, or future healing tools — each one is designed to support your skin as it transitions from trauma to beauty.
Namaste,
The Aftercare Collective