Choose by the covering your artist applied, not by guessing from size alone.
01
Small tattoo · Protective film
Keep the seal clean and intact.
Leave it alone. Keep the film on for the time AU Ink gave you. Film brands differ, so do not copy another person’s schedule.
Fluid can be normal. A small pocket of clear, pink, or ink-colored fluid may collect while the seal stays closed.
Remove a failed film if it leaks, exposes the tattoo, becomes dirty or very loose, or causes a spreading rash, unusual heat, or worsening pain. Never patch it with household plastic.
Remove slowly in a warm shower, stretching the film back over itself close to the skin—never straight upward.
Wash and dry with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with clean paper towel. Do not re-wrap unless AU Ink gave you replacement film and instructions.
Leave the tattoo alone and keep it completely dry. Do not wash it or apply lotion, cream, balm, oil, or ointment.
While dry healing
Wear clean, loose clothing. Avoid friction, dirty surfaces, heavy sweating, direct sun, and sleeping on the tattoo.
From day 4
Wash the tattoo briefly using clean hands, lukewarm water, and mild fragrance-free soap. Gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel or cloth—never rub.
Twice a day
After washing and drying, apply a very thin layer of the ointment recommended by AU Ink. The skin should not look wet or greasy.
For the first 3 days, leave the tattoo alone and keep it dry. From day 4, wash it briefly, pat it dry, and apply a very small amount of ointment twice a day.
Both methods · After film or from day four
The next two weeks
Wash
Wash your hands first, then wash the tattoo briefly with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or cloth. Do not scrub.
Apply ointment
Apply a very thin layer twice a day after washing and drying. If the tattoo looks shiny, wet, or greasy, you have used too much.
Protect
Let flakes fall naturally. Do not scratch, shave, exfoliate, or pull scabs. Keep clothing and bedding clean and loose.
Bohol rule
No sea, pool, bath, hot tub, sauna, or soaking until fully healed. Showers are fine. Avoid heavy workouts early on.
Simple products win
What to buy
Use only the ointment recommended by AU Ink. Beginning after the first 3 days, apply a very thin layer twice a day after washing and drying.
Best everyday choice
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Lightweight, fragrance-free, locally available, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Mild redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness that decreases
A little clear or pink fluid during the first days
Dryness, itching, light scabbing, peeling, or flaking
A temporarily dull appearance while new skin forms
Get medical care
Redness that darkens, spreads, or returns after improving
Pain, heat, or swelling that gets worse
Pus, foul discharge, red streaks, or open sores
Fever, chills, swollen glands, or feeling unwell
Contact a doctor promptly. Severe symptoms need urgent medical attention.
Once completely healed
Sun protection keeps the contrast.
Cover a fresh tattoo with clean, loose clothing instead of sunscreen on broken skin. Once healed, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours outdoors.
Quick answers
Aftercare FAQ
Can I wash my tattoo during the first 3 days?
No. Leave it alone and keep it dry for the first 3 days. Begin brief washing on day 4.
Can I swim after getting tattooed in Bohol?
No. Avoid the sea, pools, hot tubs, baths, and soaking until completely healed. A quick shower is fine.
What should I use after day three?
After a brief wash and gentle pat dry, apply a very thin layer of the ointment recommended by AU Ink twice a day.
When should I get medical help?
Get care for spreading redness, worsening pain or swelling, heat, pus, red streaks, open sores, fever, or chills.