How you prepare for a session, and how you care for your skin afterward, has a real effect on both your comfort and your results. None of this is complicated, but it’s easy to overlook, so here’s a straightforward guide to what actually helps.
Before your session
- Stay out of the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanners) on the treatment area for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. Tanned or sunburned skin is more likely to react poorly to treatment.
- Skip the alcohol and blood thinners. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil for about 48 hours before your session if possible, since these can increase bruising and bleeding.
- Come with clean, product-free skin. Avoid lotions, makeup, or self-tanner on the area on the day of your appointment.
- Stay hydrated. Well-hydrated skin tends to tolerate treatment better and heals more efficiently afterward.
- Tell us about any medications or conditions. Certain medications and skin conditions can affect how your skin responds to laser treatment, so let us know during your consultation.
Immediately after your session
Some redness, swelling, and a sensation similar to a sunburn are normal and expected right after treatment. You may also notice the area whiten temporarily (a frosting effect), which fades within minutes to hours. We’ll apply a cold compress and any recommended aftercare product before you leave, and go over exactly what to expect over the following days.
Caring for the area in the days after
- Keep it clean and covered. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water, pat dry, and keep it covered with a clean bandage for the first few days.
- Don’t pick at blisters or scabs. Small blisters or scabbing can occur; let them heal and fall off naturally to avoid scarring or infection.
- Moisturize. A fragrance-free healing ointment or moisturizer helps keep the area comfortable as it heals.
- Avoid the sun completely. Keep the treated area covered and out of direct sunlight until it’s fully healed, and use sunscreen on it going forward.
- Skip the pool, hot tub, and sauna. Avoid submerging the area in water, and avoid excessive sweating, for about a week or until it’s fully healed.
- Avoid tight clothing over the area. Friction can irritate healing skin, so opt for loose clothing if the tattoo is somewhere clothing might rub against it.
When to call us
Mild redness, swelling, and itching are a normal part of healing. Reach out to us if you notice signs of infection, such as increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, or a fever. It’s always better to check in than to wait if something feels off.
Long-term care between sessions
Between appointments, keep the area moisturized and protected from the sun, since sun exposure can interfere with how evenly your skin fades. Beyond that, there’s nothing special required, just let your body do the work of clearing the broken-down ink before your next session.
If you have questions about your specific aftercare routine, our team at Ink Rewind is happy to walk you through it during your consultation or any time between sessions.