My Tattoo Is Itchy and Peeling: Is This Normal?

Hello everyone!

If you’re here because your tattoo is starting to scratch, peel or form tiny crusts, don’t panic: that’s probably one of the most common questions I get asked during healing, especially when it comes to a first tattoo.

A few days after the session, the skin begins to renew itself. The tattoo may appear drier, pull a little, become slightly dull and especially start to peel off. Visually, this isn’t always very pretty, but this phase is part of the process.

Why is my tattoo starting to scratch?

The itching often comes at the moment when the skin really starts to repair itself. It becomes drier, it itches a little and, of course, you have a strong urge to touch it.

That is exactly what needs to be avoided. Although it feels very scratchy, I really don’t recommend rubbing your nails on it or rubbing the area with your clothes. The skin is still fragile and pulling off a small crust too early can also remove pigment from that area.

When it really gets uncomfortable, I prefer to gently clean the area, dry it without rubbing it, and apply a very small amount of moisturizer if the skin is dry. Then I leave it alone.

And the little skins, I leave them too at peace

Yes, even the one that's just enough to make you angry all day long.

The tattoo can peel a little like after a sunburn, with small patches that are sometimes slightly colored and peel off when you clean it. That doesn't mean the tattoo is fading away.

I never scratch myself and of course I don’t use any exfoliants. I let the little flakes fall off by themselves as the epidermis renews itself.

Should I continue to apply the cream?

Yes, but always in small quantities. This is not the time to cover the tattoo with a thick layer of cream, thinking that it will soothe the itching faster.

In my routine, I mostly use’Aquaphor in a very thin layer during the first few days. Then, when the epidermis starts to close, usually around three to four days depending on the tattoo, I can move on to a treatment like Cicaplast Baume B5+.

I have even dedicated a full article to the range that La Roche-Posay had sent me to the studio if you want to see exactly what it is. How I use Cicaplast after a tattoo.

How long does it last?

It depends a lot on the skin, the area, and the size of the tattoo. A small piece and a large colored back won't necessarily go through all the stages at the same pace.

Itching usually accompanies this period when the skin becomes dry and flaky, but then gradually decreases. Even when the surface appears much more beautiful, the skin continues to change on a deeper level.

If you want to go through all the steps in order, I have also rewritten my Aftercare guide with exactly the same routine that I use today.

When does it become less normal?

Skin that itches, some minor discomfort and slight peeling do not particularly concern me during healing. However, if the pain increases instead of decreasing, the redness spreads, the area becomes very hot, there is significant swelling, an unusual discharge or fever, then it is better to seek medical advice.

A photo sent to the tattoo artist can also help get a first look at how the skin is evolving, but if the symptoms are significant, it obviously does not replace a consultation.

Ultimately, the hardest thing is to do nothing.

I think that’s what surprises people the most during healing: we always want to intervene. Add more cream, remove a small patch of skin, check if the color is still there, look under all the lights… when in reality, the skin needs us to let it work on its own.

Cleaning gently, moisturizing without excess and avoiding unnecessary touching the rest area is for me the best way to get through this step without going crazy.

FAQ: Tattoo that scratches and peels off

Is it normal for a tattoo to peel off?

Yes, slight itching may appear as the skin begins to repair and renew itself. The most important thing is not to scratch the area.

Why is my new tattoo peeling?

The surface layer of the skin is renewed during healing. Therefore, small patches of skin may detach for several days.

Can you apply cream when a tattoo peels off?

Yes, but I always use a very thin layer. A large amount of product does not speed up healing and can make the area too wet.

When should I seek medical advice?

If the redness spreads, the pain increases, the area becomes very hot, there is significant swelling, an unusual discharge, or fever, it is better to seek medical advice.