How to Care for a Tattoo Protected With InkBeetle Gel
Follow these instructions only if your artist applied InkBeetle Tattoo Gel after your tattoo session. This method creates a protective layer over the tattoo and requires careful cleaning, thin product application, and complete drying.
Do not combine this method with Derm Shield, traditional aftercare, or additional products unless your artist specifically instructs you to do so.
Day 1
Immediately After Your Tattoo
- After completing the tattoo, the artist will thoroughly clean and dry the area.
- A thin, even layer of Ink Beetle® Derm Gel will then be applied over the tattoo and allowed to dry completely, forming a transparent protective barrier over the freshly tattooed skin.
- Once dry, the gel forms a transparent protective barrier over the freshly tattooed skin that helps reduce external contamination, friction, and initial irritation.
- The gel must be completely dry before the tattoo comes into contact with clothing.
First Cleaning
After 8–12 Hours
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
- Gently wet the tattoo with lukewarm water.
- Create a lather in your clean hands using a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. If using a bar soap, create the lather in your hands first rather than rubbing the bar directly over the tattoo.
- Using only your clean palm and fingertips, gently wash the entire tattoo to remove the previous layer of gel, visible plasma, excess ink, and other surface residue.
- Do not apply the bar of soap directly to the tattoo. Do not scrub the area or use a washcloth, sponge, exfoliating material, or your fingernails.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the soap and all visible residue have been removed.
- Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not rub. Do not use a reusable bath or hand towel on the fresh tattoo.
- Allow the tattoo to air-dry completely for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until no surface moisture remains.
- Apply a very thin, even layer of Ink Beetle® Derm Gel over the entire tattoo.
- Allow the gel to dry completely before covering the area with clothing. If cool airflow is used to assist drying, it should come from a clean, dedicated fan positioned at a safe distance. Never use hot air.
Proper washing is one of the most important parts of tattoo aftercare.
A fresh tattoo naturally releases small amounts of plasma, lymphatic fluid, and excess pigment during the early healing period. These materials should be removed gently during cleaning rather than being allowed to accumulate on the skin.
Residual product, plasma, or other buildup can keep the area excessively moist and may contribute to irritation or interfere with normal healing.
Do not avoid cleaning the tattoo simply because the area feels sensitive or tender. Wash it carefully using clean hands, lukewarm water, mild fragrance-free soap, and gentle movements.
The goal is to keep the tattoo clean without scrubbing, over-washing, or traumatizing the skin.
Ink Beetle Protective Phase
Days 2–4
During approximately the first 3–4 days, continue the complete cleaning and Ink Beetle application process every 8–12 hours. Do not repeat it more frequently unless specifically instructed by your tattoo artist.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and the foam from a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial bar soap.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining gel, plasma, soap, and visible residue.
- Gently pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not rub.
- Allow the tattoo to air-dry completely for 10–15 minutes.
- Apply a very thin, even layer of Ink Beetle® Derm Gel.
- Allow the gel to dry completely. If needed, use cool air from a small, clean fan. Never use hot air.
While using Ink Beetle®, keep the protective film clean, dry, and as undisturbed as possible.
Ink Beetle is applied as a gel and dries into a protective film. Sweat, water, and moisture can partially rehydrate the film, causing it to soften and return to a gel-like consistency. If this happens under clothing, the softened gel may stick to the fabric. Pulling the clothing away forcefully can irritate the tattoo and may disrupt the superficial layer of healing skin.
Do not overapply the gel. A thicker layer does not provide better protection and may prevent it from drying correctly.
During this phase:
- Avoid exercise and activities that cause heavy sweating.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo.
- Do not swim, use a hot tub, sauna, steam room, or soak the tattoo.
- Brief washing is necessary, but avoid prolonged or unnecessary water exposure.
- Wear clean, loose, breathable clothing whenever possible.
- Avoid tight clothing, shoes, socks, or anything that rubs or puts pressure on the tattoo.
- If clothing sticks to the tattoo or protective film, do not pull it off forcefully. Carefully moisten the area to release the fabric, or contact the studio if you are unsure.
Transition to Moisturizing & Peeling Phase
Day 4 and Beyond
- Beginning at approximately Day 4, start observing the tattoo closely for changes associated with the next stage of healing.
- The exact day is not as important as the condition of the skin. Every tattoo and every person heals at a slightly different rate.
- When the tattoo begins to feel drier and you notice light peeling or flaking, discontinue Ink Beetle® Derm Gel and transition to a lightweight tattoo moisturizer.
- Once you begin the moisturizing phase, do not alternate back and forth between Ink Beetle and moisturizer unless specifically instructed by your tattoo artist.
- We recommend After Inked® Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion. It is fragrance-free and designed for tattoo aftercare and daily skin moisturization.
During this phase:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Rinse completely.
- Pat dry using a clean, disposable paper towel.
- Allow the skin to finish air-drying completely.
- Apply a very thin layer of After Inked® Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion over the tattoo and gently spread it until only a light amount remains on the skin.
- Apply approximately twice daily — morning and evening — or only as needed to prevent excessive dryness.
The tattoo should feel comfortably moisturized, not wet, greasy, sticky, or heavily coated.
Applying more product does not make the tattoo heal faster. Avoid repeatedly adding lotion over skin that is already adequately moisturized.
As healing progresses, the tattoo may develop:
Light peeling → Flaking → Dryness → Mild itching → A slightly dull or cloudy appearance.
These changes can occur during normal surface healing.
- Do not scratch the tattoo. Do not pick at peeling skin. Do not remove flakes or scabs.
- Allow all loose skin and small scabs to detach naturally.
- Continue gentle washing and light moisturizing throughout this stage until the surface of the skin has finished peeling and feels smooth and comfortable again.
- Even after visible peeling has stopped, the deeper layers of skin continue healing. Continue treating the area gently.
Throughout the healing process:
- Avoid direct sun exposure on the fresh tattoo.
- Do not swim or submerge the tattoo in pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, or bathtubs until the skin has healed.
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms during healing.
- Avoid excessive sweating and friction, particularly during the early healing period.
- Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing over or around the tattoo.
- Do not scratch, shave over, exfoliate, or pick at the tattoo while it is healing.
- Do not apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, fragranced skin products, exfoliating acids, or other irritating products to the tattoo unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Do not allow pets to lick or rub against the fresh tattoo.
- Always wash your hands before touching the area.
Once the tattoo has healed sufficiently and the skin surface is intact, protect it from ultraviolet exposure with appropriate sun protection to help preserve the appearance of the tattoo over time.
Some redness, tenderness, mild swelling, and clear fluid can occur during the early healing period.
However, seek medical evaluation if you develop redness that continues spreading, progressively worsening pain or swelling, significant warmth, thick yellow or green drainage, foul odor, red streaking, fever, chills, or other symptoms that concern you.
A tattoo artist can help answer questions about normal aftercare, but suspected infection or a significant skin reaction should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
FIRST 14 DAYS: WHAT TO AVOID
Your aftercare method is only part of the healing process. Review the restrictions to follow during the first 14 days after your tattoo.
VIEW 14-DAY RESTRICTIONSAftercare Support for Frank’s Clients
If Frank completed your tattoo and you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, contact us with a clear photo and a brief description of what you are experiencing. We’ll help you determine the appropriate next step.