Getting a new tattoo is exciting—whether it’s your first or your fiftieth. But once the ink settles, the healing process starts … and that often means peeling. If you’re noticing flakes of skin coming off your fresh tattoo and wondering, “Is this normal?”, don't worry - we've got you!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tattoo peeling: what’s normal, what’s not, how long it lasts, and most importantly—how to naturally soothe your skin during the process. Plus, we’ll share why our cult-favorite Organic Tattoo Aftercare Balm is a must for healing your tattoo 3x faster - making the recovery process smooth, painless, and itch-free.
Is Tattoo Peeling Normal?
Yes, if your tattoo is peeling, know that it's completely normal. It’s a natural part of the skin’s healing process after being punctured thousands of times by a tattoo needle. As your body creates new skin cells, it sheds the outermost layer—similar to how you might peel after a sunburn.
When Does Tattoo Peeling Start?
For most people, tattoo peeling begins around days 3–5 after getting inked. However, the timing can vary depending on your skin type, the size of the tattoo, and how well you’ve followed your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions. For most people, the peeling phase lasts a few days to a week, though bigger pieces might take a little longer to fully shed those outer layers and reveal the fresh masterpiece beneath.
What Tattoo Peeling Should Look Like
You might notice:
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Flaking Skin: Small sheets or flakes of skin coming off the tattoo and surrounding area.
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Itchiness: The area may feel itchy as the skin heals, but avoid scratching as this can lead to scarring or uneven healing. Dab a touch of our Organic Tattoo Aftercare Balm on your fresh ink to instantly soothe any itching.
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Dullness: Your tattoo may appear a little dull during the peeling stage, but don’t worry—once it’s healed, the colors will be bright and vibrant again.
All of the above is normal—tattoo peeling is just your skin doing its thing and regenerating like it’s supposed to. But remember: the new skin underneath is still tender, so it’s important to treat it gently while your tattoo heals.
What’s Not Normal (When to Be Concerned)
While peeling is a natural part of the tattoo process, there are certain signs that might suggest your new ink is not healing as it should. If you notice any of the following, it could indicate an issue:
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Excessive Yellow, Green, or Foul-Smelling Discharge: This could mean an infection. Remember, your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and if the area is oozing pus, Don't wait - check in with a healthcare professional right away.
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Pain that Worsens: A little soreness is usually normal, but if the pain keeps getting worse, it could be a sign that something’s not right.
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Red, Hot, and Angry-Looking Skin: A tiny bit of redness is normal, but if your tattoo or the surrounding area starts looking inflamed, swollen, or hot to the touch, it could be signs of an infection or allergic reaction.
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Large Scabs or Cracking Skin that Bleeds: This could mean the area is drying out too much or healing too fast—possibly from over-washing, scratching, or skipping the balm.
If you're noticing excessive peeling or anything that feels beyond the ordinary, it’s a good idea to check in with your artist or healthcare provider.
Natural Ways to Soothe Your New Tattoo
1. Keep your Tattoo Clean
Gently cleanse your tattoo twice daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Don’t scrub—just use your hands and pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Moisturize with a Healing Balm
Hydrated skin = happy ink. But not all balms are worthy of your fresh masterpiece.
Most conventional tattoo aftercare products are packed with petroleum, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances that can clog your pores, irritate your skin, and actually slow down the healing process.
Our Pick: Blue Heron Botanicals Tattoo Aftercare Balm
Handcrafted in California with 100% natural, wildcrafted ingredients, this small-but-mighty balm is a cult-favorite among tattoo artists, collectors, and first-timers alike. Why? Because it helps heal your tattoo up to 3x faster—think 7–10 days instead of the usual 2–6 weeks.
Packed with powerful healing botanicals like calendula, chamomile, comfrey, tea tree oil, and yarrow, it soothes inflammation, relieves itching, prevents scarring, and protects against bacteria—all while flooding your skin with deep, lasting moisture.
Bonus: It’s not just for new tattoos. Use it anytime to revive your existing ink, amp up the color, and protect against sun fading.
Oh—and did we mention it’s zero-waste? Clean ink, clean conscience.
3. Avoid Picking or Peeling the Skin
We know—it’s tempting. But peeling and picking the skin can pull up ink and lead to uneven healing or even scarring. Let your body do its thing and shed skin at its own pace.
4. Stay Hydrated + Nourished
Drink plenty of water and eat antioxidant-rich foods. Hydrated skin heals faster and flakes less dramatically—especially if you already struggle with dry skin.
5. Wear Loose Clothing Over the Tattoo
Avoid tight clothes that rub and can irritate your new tattoo. Instead, slip into soft, loose fabrics that let your skin breathe freely and heal easily.
Learn more about Tattoo Aftercare in our In-Depth Guide to Organic Tattoo Aftercare:
Tattoos and Sun Exposure
Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight while it’s healing. Fresh tattoos are especially sensitive to UV rays, and sun exposure can cause the ink to fade or become distorted. Steer clear of tanning beds as well—they can severely damage healing tattoos and increase your risk of infection.
When can I go in the sun after getting a tattoo?
It’s best to avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks after getting a tattoo. After that, always use mineral sunscreen to protect your ink and prevent fading. Our Tattoo Aftercare Balm is formulated with Red Raspberry Seed Oil for natural sun protection.
Tattoo Peeling FAQ
How long does tattoo peeling last?
Tattoo peeling usually lasts 3–7 days, but it can vary depending on your skin type, the size of your tattoo, and how well you take care of it. Larger tattoos may peel for up to 10 days.
Can I use lotion on a peeling tattoo?
Definitely! But, remember, not all tattoo creams are created equal. Opt for a natural, synthetic-fragrance-free balm like our bestselling Organic Tattoo Aftercare Balm that will speed healing, soothe itching, prevent infection, and deeply hydrate your new ink. Avoid anything with alcohol or petroleum-based ingredients, as these can irritate the skin and delay the healing process.
Is it okay if my tattoo isn’t peeling?
Yes, not all tattoos will peel noticeably. It’s possible to heal just fine without a lot of visible peeling. If your tattoo is healing well and there’s no excessive redness or pain, you’re probably in the clear.
Does tattoo peeling remove ink?
Nope. Peeling is totally normal and doesn’t remove the ink embedded in your dermis (the deep layer of skin). What’s flaking off is just the top layer of dead skin cells.
Do tattoos fade after peeling?
They can look a little dull or cloudy at first, but this is temporary. As your skin finishes healing, your tattoo will regain its full vibrancy.
Will tattoo ink come back after peeling?
Yes. What may seem like fading is often just new skin healing over your tattoo. Once that layer settles, your ink will appear more vivid again.
Can peeling skin ruin a tattoo?
Only if you pick at it. Letting the skin flake off naturally is key—picking or scratching can pull out ink and cause scarring. Moisturize instead to ease discomfort.
Should I wash my tattoo when it starts peeling?
Yes, but gently! Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Pat dry with a clean towel—never rub—and follow up with a light layer of your Tattoo Aftercare Balm.
Why does my tattoo look like it’s missing ink?
This is usually just part of the healing process. Cloudiness or patchiness can occur while the skin regenerates. If it still looks off after a few weeks, your artist may recommend a touch-up.
Why is a lot of ink coming off my tattoo?
You’re likely seeing excess surface ink mixed with flaking skin and plasma—not the ink in your dermis. Totally normal during the first few days and during peeling.
How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?
A healing tattoo may be red, tender, and flaky—that’s normal. Signs of infection include thick pus, spreading redness, increased heat, pain, or a foul odor. If you notice any of those symptoms, contact a medical professional.
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Tattoo peeling is a normal part of healing, and while it may feel a little unsettling, it's totally expected. With the right natural aftercare and aftercare tips, your tattoo will heal beautifully, leaving you with vibrant, long-lasting art on your skin. Just remember: when needles penetrate the skin, it takes time, patience, and the right aftercare routine to support proper healing—especially if you're managing inflammatory skin conditions or sensitive skin.
Ready for the easiest, most comfortable tattoo recovery of your life?
Try our Organic Tattoo Aftercare Balm—your skin (and your ink) will thank you.
