Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Caring for New and Existing Tattoos

Person with tattoo sleeve holding Dr. Bronner's Unscented Magic Balm - tattoo care

Three fun facts about tattoos:

In the U.S., more women than men have tattoos.
Black is the easiest tattooing color to remove.
Thomas Edison’s electric pen—while a failed pen—helped inspire the modern tattoo machine.

I usually open with a personal anecdote, but I don’t have tattoos myself. Instead, I asked my colleague Jessica Harvey, Dr. Bronner’s Sales Operations Manager, to share her experience. Jessica keeps things running smoothly around here and has an honest, practical approach to tattoo care.

Jessica’s Story & Tattoo Care Tips

“I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday,” Jessica told me. “Part of it was youthful defiance — my mom was out of town — but I’d wanted one as soon as I could. Over time, tattoos became part of how I feel comfortable in my skin. My mom thought it would be a phase, but at 36 I have several pieces and I’m still saving for more.”

Her second tattoo, a large colorful hip piece in her early 20s, was done before she paid close attention to ingredient labels. She followed basic aftercare—wash with soap and apply lotion—but used conventional products that left the healing skin dry and scabby. The experience was itchy and uncomfortable, especially where clothing rubbed the area.

When she got visible fine-line forearm tattoos in 2019–2020, Jessica took a different approach. She washed the fresh work with Unscented Pure-Castile Magic Soap and moisturized with Unscented Organic Magic Balm. The result was a noticeably smoother healing process: minimal scabbing, less dryness and itching, and crisper lines. She still uses the balm to refresh older tattoos and reduce dullness.

Thanks for sharing, Jess!

Person with floral tattoo on arm holding Dr. Bronner's Unscented Magic Balm - tattoo care — Jess’s later tattoos, aided by Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm and Pure-Castile Soap, healed beautifully and remain crisp and clear through the years.

Care for New Tattoos

Protecting and Moisturizing New Tattoos

Fresh tattoos need immediate, consistent protection while they heal. Tattooed skin has thousands of tiny perforations and is vulnerable to irritation and infection without proper care.

Many conventional balms are petroleum-based and can contribute to ink fade. A fragrance-free, alcohol-free balm with simple, nourishing ingredients is a better choice for healing skin. A well-formulated balm acts as both an occlusive—forming a protective layer—and an emollient—replacing lost lipids. After the initial healing phase, a lighter oil such as pure coconut oil can be used for ongoing moisturization.

Cleansing New Tattoos

Keep new tattoos clean with a mild, fragrance-free soap that rinses completely and leaves no residue. A gentle castile-style soap made from saponified plant oils and extra soothing olive oil helps remove contaminants without stripping skin, promoting a calm, clean healing environment.

Long Term Care for Tattoos

Maintaining tattoo clarity and vibrancy over time depends on steady, sensible skin care. Regular habits like a balanced diet, adequate hydration, quality sleep, regular exercise, and stress management support skin health and, by extension, the appearance of tattoos. Consistent care beats occasional intensive treatments when it comes to preserving ink.

Exfoliating Tattoos

Tattoo pigment sits in the dermis beneath the epidermis. When the outer layer becomes dry, scaly, or ashy, it can dull the look of the tattoo. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin and restores clarity. Simple sugar scrubs are effective and easy to make at home—use either a soap-based scrub or a coconut oil scrub, then rinse, pat dry, and moisturize.

Soap Scrub

¼ cup (60 mL) gentle liquid soap
1¼ cups (250 g) organic granulated sugar

Coconut Oil Scrub

2/3 cup (125 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60 mL) liquified virgin coconut oil

Massage the scrub gently onto the skin, rinse with warm water, pat dry, and follow with a moisturizer. Regular, gentle exfoliation keeps the surface layer healthy and helps tattoos look brighter.

Moisturizing Tattoos

To preserve softness and vibrancy, continue moisturizing with a fragrance-free balm on freshly healed or older tattoos. For fully healed skin, lighter lotions or a pure plant oil are also suitable. Regular moisturizing prevents dryness and keeps pigment visible and fresh.

Protecting Tattoos

Sun protection is essential. Tattooed skin is vulnerable to sunburn and UV exposure accelerates ink fading. Apply sunscreen daily to exposed tattoos and avoid tanning beds. Also, monitor tattooed areas for any unusual changes in the skin and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything concerning.

I’d love to hear your tattoo stories—what inspired your designs and how you care for them. Share tips, dos and don’ts, and what’s worked best for you.

Thanks to my neighbor Kevin for letting me photograph his arm ink for the top image.