
Looking After Your Tattoo
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To ensure you get the best out of your new tattoo, you need to make sure that you listen to, and follow the advice given to you by your tattooer. These will include the following:
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Two to three hours after being tattooed, remove the bandage from your tattoo, wash the tattoo in clean, warm running water using mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Once the tattoo has been cleaned, start applying the recommended cream.
Only use creams recommended by your tattooer for healing, but do not overuse. We recommend Bepanthen antiseptic cream. Use for only two weeks.
When you feel the skin is drying out, apply recommended cream and massage in well using freshly cleaned hands. Repeat as necessary to keep the tattoo only very slightly moist. Generally three times a day is adequate. Do not let your tattoo dry out!
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After the initial bleeding of the tattoo has stopped, do not reapply a bandage or plastic wrap.
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Do not swim in chlorinated or salt water until healed. Soaking a new tattoo in any type of water will degrade the newly formed scab, prolonging the healing time and most likely causing damage to your tattoo.
Do not rub, pick or scratch at a new tattoo as this will slow healing time and may lead to secondary infections.
Do not wear tight or dirty clothing over the tattoo, unless advised differently by you tattooer.Do not sunbathe, use tanning beds or apply fake tan while your tattoo is healing.
Return to the tattooist as advised or if having problems.
If the tattooed area becomes excessively irritated, itchy, red or sore, consult your doctor and tattooist.
Risks
The risks when getting a tattoo can come from many factors:
These include, but are not limited to, cross contamination, unsafe procedures, medical conditions and incorrect healing procedure.
These have the potential to spread diseases and infections such as hepatitis and hiv.
If you have any concerns about your procedure, or want any further information about the risks involved, ask your tattooer or visit the department of health, online at www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas.
To comply with the health departments health regulations we achieve the following:
- The shop is clean and hygienic.
- A ‘certificate of registration’ is be available for viewing.Instruments used to pierce the skin are sterilised.
- The tattooer will not have exposed cuts or wounds and presents in clean condition.
- If you have any queries, you are welcome to ask them what sterile or new equipment they use. And if they reuse, how they sterilise their equipment.
- We will wear disposable gloves for each client.
- New ink containers will be used for each client.
In Victoria it is against the law to tattoo any person under the age of 18 years, even with parental consent.
If you are over 18 years of age, the decision to get a tattoo is your personal choice.
But remember a tattoo is a lifelong change to your body image.
Some tattoos can be surgically removed, but this is expensive, time consuming, and sometimes leaves scarring.
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Your new tattoo is a work of art, and it deserves proper care to ensure it looks great long after healing. That's why following the above aftercare tips will help you maintain your tattoo's vibrancy and appearance.
With the right care, your tattoo will look amazing for years to come.
Explicit Balm
Here at Explicit Ink Tattoo Studio, we make our very own, in-house, high quality, all natural, vegan friendly, tattoo aftercare salve!
It's unique design allows for easy, no mess application to your fresh tattoo, saving time and reducing oily fingers!
Get yourself a tube when you come in for your next tattoo or click the link below to go to our online shop to purchase.


Because we want to give our clients the very best in quality and natural aftercare to give your tattoo the best chance to last, reduce drop-outs, and keep colur vibrancy, we are constantly researching and developing our balms. This is why on occasion ingredients may change. Below is our updated full list of ingredients.
All ingredients are locally sourced by reputable Australian companies and not tested on animals.
Ingredients
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Fragrance.
Why is this Balm so good you ask???
Well here is a little information about why we have chosen specific ingredients and how they help your skin heal faster, while protecting it from potential infections.
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Anti-inflammatory synergy: Aloe vera, calendula oil, tamanu oil, and oat extract work together to calm irritation and reduce redness.
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Antibacterial protection: Neem oil, lavender essential oil, and tamanu oil offer layered antimicrobial effects.
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Moisture retention: Mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot kernel oil ensure prolonged hydration and barrier support.
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Avocado Oil:
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Rich in oleic acid, vitamins A, D, and E, and lecithin, which promotes skin regeneration and reduces inflammation.
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Enhances collagen synthesis and accelerates the healing process by reducing inflammation.
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Apricot Kernel Oil:
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Lightweight oil with linoleic acid and vitamins A and E, which supports barrier repair.
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Softens the skin, helps soothe irritation, and maintains moisture levels.
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Olive Oil:
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High in antioxidants and fatty acids, especially squalene and oleic acid, which combat oxidative stress.
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Promotes hydration and protects against infection by forming a barrier on the skin.
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Mango Butter:
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Non-comedogenic butter rich in stearic and oleic acids.
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Softens scar tissue, retains moisture, and soothes irritation.
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Calendula-Infused Oil:
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Contains flavonoids and triterpenoids with potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
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Speeds up tissue regeneration and reduces redness.
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Botanical Oat Extract:
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Rich in beta-glucans and avenanthramides, which calm irritated skin.
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Soothes inflammation and provides a barrier against environmental irritants.
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Tamanu Oil:
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Contains calophyllolide and delta-tocotrienols with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
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Promotes the formation of new tissue, reducing scarring.
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Aloe Vera Extract Oil:
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Loaded with polysaccharides, vitamins, and glycoproteins that hydrate and calm skin.
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Reduces inflammation, encourages skin regeneration, and provides mild antimicrobial protection.
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Lavender Essential Oil:
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Antibacterial and antifungal with soothing effects.
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Reduces pain and inflammation while promoting faster healing
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Neem Seed Oil:
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Antimicrobial and antifungal, containing azadirachtin and nimbin.
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Protects against infections while soothing irritation.
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Rosemary Oleoresin Extract:
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Natural antioxidant rich in carnosic and rosmarinic acids.
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Antibacterial properties.
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Candelilla Wax:
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Vegan wax providing structure and a protective barrier.
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Locks in moisture without clogging pores.
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