The adrenaline of your tattoo session has worn off and now you’re waiting (impatiently, most likely) for your tattoo to heal fully. Then you can show it off to the world!

But wait, what’s happening? My skin is peeling off. Gross!

Yes, this is a very common concern from newly inked people, discovering that their healing tattoo is starting to peel.

So, this article is a rough guide to set your mind at ease. Find out what tattoo peeling is, whether it’s normal, and how to get through this stage of the tattoo healing process.

My Tattoo Is Peeling and the Ink Is Coming Off

Tattoo peeling is the process of your skin starting to peel off during the first week or so after getting a tattoo.

What it looks like: have you ever had glue dry on your skin and then peeled it off? It’s like a white film or very thin paper that’s coming off. And that’s what tattoo peeling looks like. White flakes or larger flecks of skin will start to peel off the tattoo area. You may find that certain areas peel more than others – if you’ve had intense color or black shading in one area, the skin there may peel more.

What’s happening: yes, your skin is peeling. But you’re not going to shed down to the bone! What’s happening is your body is shedding the very top layer of skin, the epidermis. This is a totally normal response for your body.

The process of getting a tattoo damages your skin – the needle literally punctures your body repeatedly. So, your body sees this as trauma or damage to your body. Peeling skin is a response to that, along with scabs, swelling and redness.

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So, that’s what is happening.

• Tattoo peeling is natural.
• Tattoo peeling happens in most cases.
• Tattoo peeling doesn’t last forever.

Should You Be Worried?

No, you should not be worried if your tattoo starts peeling. In fact, your tattoo artist should have warned you that this could happen.