Aftercare

 Follow these steps to properly maintain your new body art and piercings.

Tattoos

1. Be sure you cover your new tattoo in a thin layer of A&D ointment (tattoo ointment) and a bandage.
2. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and water and be sure to pat dry.
3. Apply a layer of A&D ointment (tattoo ointment) twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
4. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the A&D ointment (tattoo ointment.)
5. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist, yet not saturated.

You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. 

Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage).If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, don’t worry. It’s normal. But never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color. If you think your tattoo is infected, or isn’t healing properly, go see your doctor.

Beachside Tattoos does not recommend the use of Vaseline on any tattoo or piercing after it is completed. Vaseline is not an effective aftercare product.
 

 Piercings

The suggestions that follow are intended as guidelines to help you care for your new piercing. Keep in mind that everyone is unique in body and lifestyle, and many factors contribute to how a piercing heals. We offer free consultations at any time during the healing process.

CARING FOR YOUR NEW PIERCING

Basically there are three very important things to remember: 

DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PIERCING! The only time you will touch your piercing is when you are cleaning it, and you will first wash your hands. 

DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY. New piercings can shrink the moment jewelry is removed, making it painful or impossible to get it back in. 

CLEAN YOUR PIERCING! Clean your piercing at least 3x daily, with a saline water solution.

What is normal during the healing process:

• Bleeding, bruising, and/or swelling are fairly common with a new piercing.
• Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing can be expected for several days or longer. Discoloration (redness) and itching during healing process are also fairly common.
• Secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) is part of the healing process and is to be expected. It is liquid when it leaves the body but dries into “crusties.”
• Piercings will go through “ups and downs” while healing. They may seem healed for a while, and then regress. The key is to continue your cleaning routine throughout initial healing time. 
• Piercings (including healed piercings) that are not cleaned daily may smell unpleasant. This does not necessarily indicate a problem.
• Jewelry should not be expected to rotate or move freely in most piercings, even after healing. • Most piercings will shrink or close very quickly if the jewelry is removed, so if you like your piercing it is vital to LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN AT ALL TIMES!