Like one in four people in Britain, I have a tattoo. Eight of them, in fact, and their visibility means people frequently ask me, before embarking on their first, how to care for a fresh one. This interest in aftercare must be soaring, because a number of good-quality dedicated tattoo-skincare brands (like Stories & Ink, from £15) are popping up, as are tattoo-specific products within mainstream skincare lines.
I have mixed feelings, because looking after newly tattooed skin is the same as that for skin generally – to keep the surface moist and the barrier protected – and I’m not convinced one needs to spend additional cash on anything special (although I respect the impulse to buy a lovely new cream to celebrate your new artwork, of course).
A fresh tattoo should be kept clean and well moisturised to prevent the design from cracking and flaking, but not so wet as to hinder the natural healing process, at the end of which a tattoo will look sharper and more vibrant than when new. Beyond that, I believe the key is to leave tattoos to do their own thing.
My own routine is simple: as soon as I’m safely home, I remove the clingfilm that is there to protect others from your bodily secretions, and air the tattoo. I leave it until morning and then wash it in clear warm water (add a little gentle foaming cleanser if there’s blood or gunk. CeraVe, Simple or similar is ideal), pat – never rub – dry, and apply a thin layer of moisturiser. I use Bepanthen nappy ointment. This has recently been released in a specifically badged “Tattoo Care” formulation (£6.99) but, to my touch, it’s pretty interchangeable with the original. The texture is ideal – thick enough to stay in its location but sufficiently soft and melting that it doesn’t drag or aggravate the tender skin beneath.
Nursem was co-founded by an intensive care nurse who found her skin sore and irritated by the constant need to wash her hands on the ward. The brand still donates hand cream to NHS staff, but the range has expanded beyond the extremities. Nursem’s Caring Skin Fix (£14.99) uses allantoin and oatmeal to effectively soothe and comfort post-inking soreness, and hyaluronic acid to keep the design hydrated. Simple but diligent application of either should see tattoos healed and glorious in a fortnight. Use a moisturising sunscreen thereafter, to make lines and colours pop.
Grooming: Neusa Neves at Arlington Artists using Happy Face Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream. Model: Meera Solanki at Hired Hands