Tattoo Peeling:

Tattoo Peeling:

When Does the Peeling Stage Begin?

Everyone’s body is unique when healing from getting a tattoo, but peeling skin after is an inevitable and important part of the process. The peeling process can scare many people – particularly those new to getting ink – however it’s important to remember that peeling is a normal part of the tattoo aftercare and healing process.

Why Does My Tattoo Look Like It’s Peeling and Flaking Off?

When your tattoo peels, it will often look like the tattoo is peeling off completely. This is due to the dead flakes of skin containing small amounts of ink. It is not the case that your whole tattoo is coming off so you should not worry.

Why Is My Tattoo Peeling?

Just like a new piercing, your tattoo causes trauma (even if minor) to the body — the peeling is a response to that, explains Winter. Although your tattoo ink doesn't live in the top layer of skin (it's actually underneath, in the dermis), it does trigger the body to shed as a response to what your body thinks is an injury. Essentially, it's trying to heal itself by sloughing away the epidermis. (Source: www.refinery29.com)

Does Peeling Cause the Tattoo Ink to Fade?

Blessedly, no. In fact, after your tattoo has finished peeling completely, it should make your tattoo appear even brighter and more vibrant. "After the skin has shed, the underlying skin will reveal the sharp and true colors of the initial tattoo," Dr. Lin says. "This is because the tattoo ink is placed in the dermis, and it's only the epidermis which peels."

How Do I Take Care of a Peeling Tattoo?

All tattoos, no matter how big or small, require their own tattoo aftercare routine. The best practices include washing your tattoo every night (gently, with a fragrance-free soap), patting it dry with a paper towel, and applying a thin layer of ointment (Dr. Lin recommends Aquaphor) or fragrance-free lotion to the ink for the entire healing process — which can take anywhere from two to four weeks. You'll know your tattoo is fully healed when it stops peeling and the ink is settled into the skin. If it's not healed within four weeks, then see your physician to make sure you don't have an infection.

All tattoos, no matter how big or small, require their own tattoo aftercare routine. The best practices include washing your tattoo every night (gently, with a fragrance-free soap), patting it dry with a paper towel, and applying a thin layer of ointment (Dr. Lin recommends Aquaphor) or fragrance-free lotion to the ink for the entire healing process — which can take anywhere from two to four weeks. You'll know your tattoo is fully healed when it stops peeling and the ink is settled into the skin. If it's not healed within four weeks, then see your physician to make sure you don't have an infection.

When Does a Tattoo Start Peeling?

For the first couple of days, your skin will feel raw and tender because the broken skin is still very fresh. But after a couple of days, it should start to tighten up and dry out, and roughly two or three days from the application is when you’ll start to see this peeling process begin. Cue the itchiness, flakiness, and scabbing. (Source: www.cosmopolitan.com)