By Paul Zapico | Charleston, SC Tattoo Artist

Getting a tattoo is an investment in your body and your art. How you care for it in the first few weeks determines how vibrant and sharp it looks for years to come. Here’s everything you need to know straight from a professional Charleston tattoo artist. You can also visit the Aftercare section for more info.

The First 24 Hours

Your tattoo is an open wound and needs to be treated like one. Keep it covered, clean, and away from direct sunlight. Avoid touching it with unwashed hands and stay out of pools, oceans, and bathtubs until it’s fully healed.

Basic Tattoo Aftercare Steps

1. Remove the initial wrap after 2-3 hours unless you were given Saniderm (see below)

2. Gently wash with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap — we recommend Dial Unscented Soap

3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub

4. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo aftercare balm — we recommend Lubriderm Unscented or Aquaphor

5. Repeat washing and moisturizing 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks

6. Never pick or scratch peeling skin — let it fall off naturally

7. Stay out of direct sunlight — once healed always apply SPF 50 sunscreen over your tattoo

What to Avoid

• Soaking in water (pools, oceans, baths) for at least 3 weeks

• Direct sunlight and tanning beds

• Tight clothing rubbing over the tattoo

• Picking, scratching, or peeling

• Petroleum-based products like Vaseline

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

How to Use Second Skin / Saniderm

Saniderm is a transparent adhesive bandage that protects your fresh tattoo and speeds up healing dramatically. Many tattoo artists including Paul Zapico use it because it keeps the tattoo moist, clean, and protected without daily wrapping.

You can purchase Saniderm here: Saniderm on Amazon

Step by Step Saniderm Instructions:

https://faq.saniderm.com/knowledge-base/how-does-saniderm-work/

1. Leave the first piece on for 24 hours — your artist will apply this in the studio. You may see ink, blood, and plasma pooling under it — this is completely normal

2. Remove after 24 hours — peel back slowly under warm running water to avoid irritation

3. Wash gently with unscented soap and pat dry with a paper towel

4. Apply a second piece of Saniderm for an additional 3-5 days — make sure skin is completely dry before applying or it won’t stick

5. Remove the second piece after 3-5 days by peeling slowly in the direction of hair growth under warm water

6. Moisturize daily after removal with unscented lotion until fully healed

Saniderm Tips:

• If the bandage lifts or leaks before 24 hours, remove it and wash normally

• Never re-apply Saniderm over an infected or irritated area

• If you experience a rash or allergic reaction remove immediately — some people are sensitive to the adhesive

• After removing Saniderm your tattoo may look fully healed but the deeper layers of skin are still healing — keep moisturizing

Ready for Your Next Tattoo?

Based in Charleston, SC and Goose Creek, Paul Zapico specializes in custom tattoos for men and women — black and grey, realism, fine line, traditional, Japanese, color, and more. Private studio, by appointment only.