Are Tattoos Supposed to Peel? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’ve finally got the tattoo you’ve always wanted, and now you’re wondering why it has started peeling or flaking off your skin. When this happens, it can make the tattoo look older than it really is, or even make the ink fade over time. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your tattoos last longer and don’t cause any complications with your skin. This guide will take you through what causes tattoos to peel, as well as how to fix it if you experience this problem before and after you get inked up.

Why does your skin peel when you get a tattoo?

Your skin is basically covered in a thick layer of dead cells. These dead cells are supposed to stay attached, but when you get a tattoo, it hurts and breaks them loose from your body. This peeling process will help rejuvenate new skin underneath as well as help you heal faster. The quicker you heal, the sooner you can go back and get another amazing tattoo! :]

The answer lies in the ink

Depending on who you ask, tattoos either last forever or can fade away within weeks. The truth is somewhere in between. Some tattoo ink does eventually fade or wear off (this includes pigment from natural sources such as henna). This rate of fading depends on a few different factors, including how well you took care of your tattoo and whether you’ve used any lotions or chemicals that might interfere with its longevity. Additionally, darker colors do tend to fade faster than lighter ones—but once they do fade away, no trace of your old ink will remain. That said, if you have an underlying condition like psoriasis that affects your skin more than normal, it could cause some minor discoloration even after a traditional tattoo has faded.

How do I know if my tattoo is peeling right now?

If you’re concerned about whether or not your tattoo is peeling, take a look at it. The most obvious way that a tattoo peels—or sheds its top layer of skin—is when you can see patches of lighter skin showing through where ink once was. But if your ink looks the same as it did when you got it done, don’t despair! Your artist might have used a different kind of technique (often one that lasts longer) and there are other signs that can help determine whether or not your tattoo is in need of attention.

How long should it take for my new tattoo to stop peeling?

New tattoos typically take about a week or two to stop peeling. During that time, it can be tempting to pick at your tattoo, especially if it starts peeling sooner than you’d like. But there are a few things you should keep in mind before digging in with your nails: 1) Your tattoo isn’t actually peeling off – It might look like it is, but don’t try and peel away what you think is coming off. The old ink and skin cells are essentially being rubbed away. 2) …

Will this affect my tattoo design in any way?

A lot of artists will tell you that they’re not sure how their tattoos will change as they heal. The most common thing is that a design can sometimes appear darker when it starts peeling, but it should fade back into its original appearance in a few days. However, some artists have seen tattoos become very scaly during peeling, and others say that skin heals so differently from person to person (even those with very similar skin) that it’s impossible to predict how any design will look once healing has been completed. Any artist who says they can accurately predict your tattoo design based on its current condition doesn’t really know what they’re talking about—so don’t listen!

Now what do I do with all this dead skin?

Depending on where you’re located, your artist may have provided you with a cleaning solution that has special properties that soothe and help your skin heal. However, if not, know that your dead skin cells are actually helping your tattoo to heal faster and more thoroughly. Just be sure not to pull at or scratch it; treat it as gently as possible and leave any scabs alone until they fall off on their own (usually within 10-14 days). Depending on where you’re located, your artist may have provided you with a cleaning solution that has special properties that soothe and help your skin heal. However, if not, know that your dead skin cells are actually helping your tattoo to heal faster and more thoroughly.

My new tattoo is peeling, what do I do now?

Chances are you’re not thrilled about your new tattoo peeling. While tattoos don’t peel as much as they used to, it’s still something many people experience from time to time. Fortunately, it doesn’t mean your ink is rubbing off or disappearing—though that wouldn’t be a bad thing! Rather, it usually means that either your artist didn’t use enough of a topical anesthetic or their equipment was dirty and introduced bacteria into your bloodstream. Either way, there are some easy steps you can take to fix a peeling tattoo and get back on track with healing!