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MCMORBIDCHEMISTRY

Aftercare

General tattoo aftercare guide

Keep this page handy while your tattoo heals. Print it if you'd rather have it on paper.

01

First 24 Hours

  • Leave the covering in place for as long as Juan instructed at the end of your session.
  • Wash your hands before touching the tattoo at any point.
  • Once the covering is removed, gently clean the area and let it air dry.
  • Expect some redness, warmth and clear or lightly tinted fluid early on.
  • Sleep on clean bedding and avoid pressing the fresh tattoo against surfaces.
02

Washing

  • Wash two to three times a day with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
  • Use clean hands only — no washcloths, loofahs or brushes.
  • Do not scrub, pick or scratch, even when the area starts to flake.
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel instead of a shared bath towel.
  • Keep showers short and avoid letting hot water run directly on the tattoo.
03

Moisturizing

  • Apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product Juan recommended.
  • Thin layers only — heavy or occlusive coats can trap moisture and slow healing.
  • Moisturize after washing and any time the area feels tight or dry.
  • Stop or adjust if you notice irritation from a product and let Juan know.
04

Normal Healing

  • Mild swelling, tenderness and redness in the first days are common.
  • Flaking and peeling, sometimes with color in the flakes, are part of healing.
  • Itchiness is normal — tap gently rather than scratching.
  • The tattoo may look cloudy or dull for a period before it settles.
  • Healing timelines vary from person to person and by placement.
05

Activities to Avoid

  • No soaking: pools, hot tubs, baths, saunas, oceans, lakes or rivers.
  • Avoid heavy sweating and intense training in the early healing stage.
  • Avoid tight clothing, straps or gear that rubs the area.
  • Keep pets, gym equipment and unwashed hands away from the tattoo.
  • No shaving, exfoliating or other treatments over the healing area.
06

Sun Exposure

  • Keep a healing tattoo out of direct sun and away from tanning beds.
  • Cover the area with clean, loose clothing when you're outside.
  • Once fully healed, use a high-SPF sunscreen to help preserve contrast and color.
  • Long-term sun protection matters most for color and fine detail.
07

When to Contact the Artist

  • You're unsure whether what you're seeing is normal healing.
  • An area looks patchy or light once fully healed and may need review.
  • You had a reaction to an aftercare product you were using.
  • You need guidance before travel, training or an event during healing.
08

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Spreading redness, increasing pain or swelling that worsens after the first days.
  • Thick or discolored discharge, or a foul odor from the area.
  • Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell after your session.
  • A rash, hives, blistering or difficulty breathing.
  • Anything that concerns you — contact a licensed medical professional promptly.

Important

This is general guidance only. The instructions Juan gives you for your specific tattoo take priority over this page, and advice from a licensed medical professional takes priority over both. If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects healing, or suspect an infection or allergic reaction, contact a healthcare provider.

Questions about your healing? Email Morbidchemistry@gmail.com.

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