Tattoo Aftercare in the Winter—Do’s and Don’ts | Painful Pleasures Community
 

Tattoo Aftercare in the Winter—Do’s and Don’ts

Master winter tattoo aftercare with our ultimate guide! Learn what to do—and avoid—to keep your ink looking its best during the winter.
by Whitney Johns Last Updated: January 24, 2025

Tattoo aftercare doesn’t have to be daunting—even with Old Man Winter stomping around! Check out these essential aftercare tips for tattoos new and old during the winter season. Plus, discover some awesome artist-approved aftercare supplies that are perfect for you and your fresh ink. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be a wintertime tattoo aftercare pro!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Getting a tattoo during the winter months may seem like a recipe for disaster for fresh ink. Freezing temps, and dry air don’t give your skin the moisture or nourishment it needs to thrive. But if you follow the cardinal rules of winter tattoo aftercare—moisturize and hydrate—your tattoo(s) will heal just fine.

Staying hydrated during the winter is a major key (insert DJ Khaled voice) to a vibrant and healthy tattoo. But hydration includes more than just your tattooed skin—it involves your entire body. A well-hydrated body inside translates to the outside. Staying hydrated keeps your organs working properly, especially your largest and most important one (to your tattoo), your skin!

Client self-applying aftercare cream to arm.

Drink plenty of water daily—at least eight glasses of water—as recommended. And yes, water is the best hydrator! Some drinks to stay away from are:

  • Soda – Full of sugar, and no health benefits whatsoever.
  • Processed Juice – Just because it’s not soda doesn’t make it better—it contains even more sugar!
  • Caffeinated Drinks – Coffees, Lattes, and other caffeinated drinks are often diuretics, making it difficult to stay fully hydrated.
  • Alcohol – A known offender for dehydrating and compromising the body.

On the other hand, beverages and foods to stick to during tattoo recovery are:

  • Natural Juice – Juices (fruit and vegetable) with no added sugar and high amounts of citrus promote hydration.
  • Milk – Contributes to hydration along with water.
  • Herbal Tea – Mostly made of water, it’s great for maintaining hydration.

Still, water is the best hydrator even with many healthy alternatives. Stick with drinking plenty of water—maybe even supplementing with electrolytes if you’re active— and your tattoo will heal beautifully during the winter!

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

It can’t be stressed enough: keeping your tattooed skin healthy and moisturized during the winter is important for a healthy tattoo! Without moisture, your skin can crack, scab, and peel, introducing bacteria to your healing tattoo. But you can’t use just any old moisturizer for your skin or your fresh ink.

Artist applying aftercare cream to client's arm

Stay faaaar away from over-the-counter moisturizers with these ingredients for tattoo aftercare in the winter:

  • Artificial Scents and Fragrances – Fragranced moisturizers make it harder for your skin to stay hydrated.
  • Preservatives – Additives like Formaldehyde and Parabens are bad for skin hydration and are linked to multiple health issues.
  • Harsh Ingredients – Synthetic dyes, colors, and alcohols can irritate your skin and dry it out, making its addition to moisturizers seem kinda backward.

Avoiding all the “fun” and easily accessible skin moisturizers might seem like a drag. But don’t fret! Check out these tattoo aftercare supplies created especially to keep your skin hydrated and healthy during the tattoo healing process and beyond!

  • Recovery Aftercare Tattoo Salve – No harsh chemicals here! This balm is dye-free, vegan, and compatible with all skin types. It’s also full of natural ingredients that won’t irritate delicate tattooed skin.
  • Redemption – Made with beeswax and Shea Butter, this all-in-one organic tattoo balm doubles as a moisturizer and skin barrier. And it smells great, too!
  • Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare – #1 artist recommended, this balm is all-natural and contains no petroleum. Just pure moisturization without clogging your pores.

Recovery Derm Shield tattoo bandage tubes.

A lot of folks opt for aftercare bandages in lieu of moisturizers. Some artists and clients swear by these bandages to speed up the recovery process, keeping the tattoo site moistened (even in the dead of winter), and yielding brightly healed results. Check out the most popular aftercare bandages below.

  • Recovery Derm Shield – The #1 choice for artists and clients WORLDWIDE for a reason! This flexible aftercare bandage is easy to use and nearly invisible, blocking wintry elements, debris, and germs from bothering your tattoo in its delicate state. No matter the size of your ink, Derm Shield literally has you covered!
  • Saniderm Aftercare Adhesive Bandages – Breathable and light, this adhesive bandage provides medical-grade protection against bacteria and debris that could disrupt the tattoo healing process. For more about Saniderm Aftercare, check out our blog, Healing A Tattoo With Saniderm.

You can also use fragrance-free, over-the-counter moisturizers, if they have no harsh chemicals. And don’t worry—your artist can supply you with the best aftercare moisturizers and skin barriers before you leave your session!

No matter which moisturizer or bandage you use, be sure to heed your artist’s aftercare instructions. They’ll guide you on how often to moisturize your tattoo during the recovery process and let you know exactly how much of any balm or cream you should apply.

Box of Saniderm adhesive bandages.

More Tattoo Aftercare Tips

Hydration and moisture are two extremely important aspects of keeping your skin healthy and tattoo vibrant during winter. But skin cleansing and other good tattoo aftercare habits will also keep your art colorful and radiant for years to come.

Showering with your New Tattoo

You’ve gotta keep your tattoo and the skin around it clean for it to heal properly and quickly. So, when you take a shower, remember to:

  • Shower in warm or lukewarm water (overly hot water can be damaging).
  • Avoid direct contact with shower flow and your tattoo.
  • Wash with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t inflame or irritate your freshly tattooed skin. You can opt for Dove unscented soap or use this artist-favorite option: Recovery Aftercare Soap, specifically formulated for a flawless recovery.
  • Gently wash your tattoo with clean hands—Absolutely NO loofas, washcloths, or other abrasive fabrics!
  • Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel.

Recovery Aftercare Soap surrounded by bubbles.

After-Shower Care with your New Tattoo

After cleaning your tattoo in the shower, always be sure to:

Be sure to check out our blog Can You Shower After a New Tattoo? —Your Guide for more helpful shower and after-shower tips!

Healthy Habits for Tattoo Aftercare in the Winter

Even with keeping yourself hydrated and your tattooed skin moisturized, the skin around your tattoo can still feel dry and flakey (thanks a lot low humidity and freezing wind—not!). Here are some alternative ways to stave off dry skin, keep your skin nourished, and prevent inflammation while old man winter rears his freezing head.

  • Use a humidifier indoors to increase moisture in the air.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing, especially in the vicinity of your tattoo.
  • Change up your diet with foods high in Vitamins C, E, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and citrus fruits.

A tattooed man resting in a bathtub.

Now Show Off That Ink!

Don’t be scared—get that tattoo in the dead of winter! Doesn’t matter if it’s 85 degrees outside or 8, your tattoo will look just as fire so long as you practice smart, healthy aftercare. Refer to this guide for tips any time and stay warm in a tattoo chair this winter season. Then count on tattoos that stay vibrant—and healthy—to infinity and beyond!

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