Updated October 28, 2026
Tattoo Aftercare and Ink Safety
A new tattoo is a wound, and the next two weeks decide how it heals. This page collects what dermatologists, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say about healing, aftercare, contaminated inks and choosing a studio.
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| Typical stage | Dates | Aftercare reminders |
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Method: Mayo Clinic says most tattoos take about two weeks to heal, so day 14 marks the typical end of surface healing; the raw and peeling split is a rule of thumb. Care reminders come from Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Large or dense pieces often take longer. Typical dates, not medical advice: follow your artist and see a doctor for signs of infection.
How to Care for a New Tattoo
Your artist's instructions come first, because wraps and films differ. Medical guidance is short and consistent.
Wash twice a day
Mayo Clinic advises washing the tattooed area twice a day with soap and water and a gentle touch, then patting it dry. Avoid holding it under a direct stream of water.
Moisturize lightly
Apply a mild moisturizer several times a day (Mayo Clinic). The AAD recommends a water-based lotion or cream and warns that petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade.
Do not pick or soak
Picking at scabs raises the risk of infection and can scar the design. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers and lakes until it heals, and wear clothing that will not stick to it.
Sun protection for life
Keep a healing tattoo out of the sun. Once healed, the AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before you go out and reapplied at least every two hours. Skip tanning beds and sunlamps.
Know the signs of infection. Cleveland Clinic lists bumps, pus-filled bumps, redness and swelling (sometimes in one ink color only), fever, chills and increasing pain. If you notice them, seek medical treatment right away. The AAD adds that reactions can appear years later; see a board-certified dermatologist if tattooed skin changes.
Contaminated Tattoo Ink
Tattoo ink is regulated as a cosmetic in the United States, and the FDA notes that many pigments in it are not approved for skin contact. The FDA lists recalls and warnings tied to tattoo or permanent makeup inks in 2004, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019. In May 2019 it advised consumers, artists and retailers to avoid several specific inks that were contaminated with microorganisms.
The 2024 FDA lab study. Scientists at the FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research tested 75 sealed tattoo and permanent makeup inks from 14 manufacturers (Yoon et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2024). They found bacteria in 26 of them, about 35%, with contaminated products from 10 of the 14 makers. Of the 34 bacterial isolates, 19 were possibly pathogenic strains. The authors found no significant link between a "sterile" claim on the label and the absence of contamination.
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) gave the FDA authority to order a mandatory recall of a cosmetic, which includes tattoo ink. If you have a reaction, tell your artist which ink was used and report it to the FDA (general line 1-888-INFO-FDA, or the FDA's cosmetic complaint page).
Choosing a Licensed Studio
Cleveland Clinic notes that a licensed artist and shop may lower your infection risk. Rules differ by state.
Check the license
Ask to see the shop and artist license, and check your state or local health department for complaints against the shop.
Watch the setup
Mayo Clinic: fresh disposable gloves for every tattoo, needles and tubes from sealed packages, and ink poured into new single-use cups.
Ask about sterilization
Reusable equipment should go through an autoclave, a heat sterilizer, and surfaces should be disinfected after each client.
Ask about the ink
Ask which brand and lot the artist uses, so you can check FDA alerts later. Skip home kits.
The AAD also suggests placing a tattoo on skin free of moles, because ink can hide early signs of skin cancer.
Common Questions
How long does a new tattoo take to heal?
Mayo Clinic says most tattoos take about two weeks to heal. Large or heavily worked pieces can take longer.
Can I swim with a new tattoo?
No. Mayo Clinic advises staying out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing.
What sunscreen should I use on a healed tattoo?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied at least every two hours.
Is tattoo ink labelled sterile always free of bacteria?
No. In a 2024 FDA study of 75 sealed tattoo and permanent makeup inks, 26 were contaminated with bacteria, and the authors found no significant link between a sterility claim on the label and the absence of contamination.