Five Tips for Long-Lasting, Healthy Tattoos: A Dermatologist’s Guide

So you’ve just gotten that amazing new tattoo, a piece of art you are thrilled to have permanently adorning your skin. However, the journey to a vibrant, long-lasting tattoo starts well before the first needle touches your skin. Proper preparation, including maintaining a healthy skin barrier, is just as important as aftercare in achieving the perfect body art. A properly functioning skin barrier is an essential component of healthy skin. It helps protect against harmful pollutants and UV rays, stay hydrated, and absorb vital nutrients. By prioritizing both preparation and aftercare, you’re not just getting a tattoo; you’re investing in a permanent piece of art that will stay beautiful for years to come.

You might be feeling a lot of emotions about getting your ink, but prepping properly is crucial for a successful tattoo experience. Just like any new wound, a tattoo needs a clean and moist environment to heal properly. Skipping cleaning sessions or using harsh soaps can dry it out, increasing the risk of infection and scabbing. And sun exposure? That can lead to fading and loss of color vibrancy, making your beautiful new art look dull before its time. In the first few days, with the initial excitement and adrenaline still pumping, your new art might feel fine and not super sensitive. You might be tempted to skip a cleaning or think a little sunshine won’t hurt. But trust us, that short-term convenience can come at a big cost later.

Epionce is here to guide you through every step of the journey! From pre-tattoo prep like healthy skin practices to post-tattoo cleaning and aftercare guidance, we’ll provide expert tips and trusted products to keep your tattoo looking fresh and fabulous. 

As noted by Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, founder of Epionce,  “When you have a tattoo applied, you must have a normal skin surface. I suggest the use of the Enriched Body Cream or Renewal Body Lotion twice a day for two weeks before the procedure. Then you will have a more predictable response and a more even distribution of the tattoo. Right afterward, it’s important to have it hydrated and semi-occluded, in other words, somewhat covered.”

Ready to unlock the secrets to the best practices for pre- and post-long-lasting, healthy tattoos? Here are five dermatologist-approved tips to keep your body art looking its best:

1. A Healthy Skin Barrier

Pre-ink: Beyond the artist’s skill, the aesthetic outcome of any tattoo also hinges on a healthy skin barrier. A simple Epionce daily regimen for the face and body will create a healthy canvas for your new ink. We recommend using a:

• Cleanser: Purifying Wash
• Renewal: Renewal Body Lotion
• Sunscreen: Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50

Post-ink: Your tattoo needs to be kept clean, just skip the harsh washes! Some problems with harsh washes are they lead to drying, fading, and irritation. Harsh soaps and washes can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. This can hinder healing and make your tattoo itchy and uncomfortable. Dry skin can also lead to scabbing and peeling, which can take some of the ink with it. This can cause your tattoo to appear faded or patchy.

Dr. Carl adds: “After two days you want to be using our Epionce Essential Recovery Kit*, where we use the Priming Oil, followed by the Renewal Calming Cream and cleansing the wound with Milky Lotion Cleanser.”

The Renewal Calming Cream is a fragrance-free, dermatologist-approved formula that is clinically proven to deliver deep hydration and irritation relief. Packed with colloidal oatmeal, a gentle yet powerful calming agent, it helps reduce visible redness and scaly patches, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable. Formulated with cholesterol and ceramides, it supports your skin’s natural barrier, making it ideal for those with sensitivities to common moisturizers. This multitasking cream can be used on both your face and body for all-over comfort.

The Milky Lotion Cleanser is your gentle daily hero for dry and sensitive skin. This fragrance-free cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Unlike harsh cleansers, Milky Lotion Cleanser soothes and calms, helping to reduce visible redness and scaly patches. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it leaves your skin feeling soft, comfortable, and perfectly prepped for your next skincare step.

Remember: Following your tattoo artist’s specific aftercare instructions is always best. However, understanding the importance of gentle cleansing will help you keep your tattoo clean and vibrant throughout the healing process and for many years to come. 

2. The Power of Hydration

Pre-ink: Drink plenty of water leading up to your tattoo appointment and be sure your skin is supple, smooth, and flake-free the day of. Start applying the Epionce Enriched Body Cream or Renewal Body Lotion regularly at least two weeks prior.

The Enriched Body Cream is a luxuriously rich allover body cream that provides instant, long-lasting hydration to soften and smooth the skin. It provides maximum hydration for dry skin on the hands, feet, and elbows; body butter consistency is ideal for daily use. Perfect for that post-cleanse deep hydration. We recommend applying it one–three times throughout the day. 

Renewal Body Lotion is an advanced moisturizer for the body that delivers deep hydration to improve the visible appearance of dry, photo-aged skin on the arms, legs, and body while increasing visible firmness and tone. Perfect for daily use, it encourages healthier skin and calms dryness.

Post-ink: Remember nighttime hydration! While you sleep, your body prioritizes healing, making this the perfect time to give your tattoo an extra boost. Before bed, we also recommend incorporating a thin layer of Renewal Calming Cream into your routine. This richer moisturizer will ensure your skin stays soft and supple, maximizing the healing process. Remember, less is more — a thin layer is all you need to avoid clogged pores.

3. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

Sun exposure is one of the biggest threats to a tattoo’s longevity. Ultraviolet rays can break down the ink, causing your tattoo to fade and lose its vibrancy. This is why we recommend making sunscreen a daily habit, even on cloudy days. We also recommend reapplying every two hours, or more if you will be swimming or sweating. Consider using sunscreen daily so you can flaunt your tattoo with confidence knowing both you and your art are protected from the sun. 

Epionce’s award-winning Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 helps to protect against sunburn and helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging when used as directed. Providing a light, even layer of coverage, perfect for most skin types, Daily Shield is a water-resistant formula that is enhanced with botanical ingredients for antioxidant benefits.

4. Proper Skin Prep

Avoid excessive and unprotected sun exposure on the days leading up to your tattoo — sunburned skin is a no-go. The night before and the day of, perform a total body wash using Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser to clear the skin of unwanted impurities.

The Lytic Gel Cleanser effectively dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup, and calms the visible appearance of irritated skin without overdrying or leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped of its natural oils.

5. Don’t Compromise Aftercare

During the healing process, your tattooed skin may itch or feel slightly raised. While scratching is tempting, resist the urge! Scratching can damage the healing skin and potentially lead to uneven skin tone,  scarring, or infection. 

To ensure the lifelong vibrancy of your tattoos, it’s crucial to follow a comprehensive aftercare routine during this healing period and beyond. And of course, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if something feels off. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and ensure your tattoo heals correctly.

Dr. Carl explains, “One of the biggest complications with tattooed skin is uneven skin tone. In other words, the increased browning that occurs can last for up to two months. To prevent that from happening, make sure that you’re not only using good post-treatment care but also continuing to use a high-potency sunscreen, like the Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50. Apply that at least twice a day to reduce the risk of uneven skin tone.”

Epionce products are specifically formulated to support all skin types, including the unique needs of tattooed skin. Consult an Epionce Professional to develop a regimen tailored to your individual tattoo care needs.

*For help with purchasing the Epionce Essential Recovery Kit, find an Epionce Pro near you.