Getting a new piercing is exciting, but taking care of it is just as important. After all, your skin has been pierced, which means it needs time to heal properly. Without the right care, you risk infections or even losing the piercing if the hole closes up. To help you avoid that, we’ve put together 12 easy steps for the best piercing aftercare!
- Clean regularly
Keeping your piercing clean is an absolute must for smooth healing. Especially in spots like your ears, where you might not always think to give extra attention. Twice a day, gently apply a saline solution—emphasis on gently. No scrubbing allowed! Just let the solution do its thing, wiping away any dirt or oil. And whatever you do, don’t pick at those scabs! We know it’s tempting but they’re part of the healing process and will fall off when they’re ready. Picking at them can mess with the skin underneath. - Good hygiene
Good hygiene is key, and while it’s best to leave your piercing alone as much as possible, cleaning it is a must. Before you do, though, wash your hands—every time! Your hands carry way more bacteria than you think, and touching your piercing with dirty hands can lead to infection. So, make it a habit: clean hands first, then take care of your piercing. Simple, but super important! - Shower carefully
Shower time needs a bit of extra care when you’ve got a new piercing. While keeping it clean is important, blasting it with a strong showerhead or soaking it in soap and shampoo isn’t the best idea. Soap and shampoo aren’t great for open wounds like piercings. Depending on where your piercing is, some spills might be unavoidable, but no worries—just rinse it off quickly. You can still enjoy your shower, just go easy on the piercing! - Use a special piercing aftercare
You might want to consider using a special piercing aftercare product. While not absolutely necessary, these cleaners are made specifically for piercings, avoiding harsh chemicals and packed with antimicrobial properties to fight off bacteria. Regular saline solution works just fine, but these specialty products are designed to reduce the risk of infection and are gentle on your skin. If you’re looking for a little extra peace of mind, they’re worth the investment! - Avoid moisturizers and other chemical products
It’s best to steer clear of any chemical products near your piercing until it’s fully healed. That means no moisturizers, alcohol-based cleansers, Neosporin, or Bactine—these can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. And, as tempting as it might be, avoid using makeup around the piercing area for at least a few weeks. Keep it simple, and let your piercing heal without any extra fuss! - Avoid moisturizers and other chemical products
We recommend not using any chemical products near the piercing until full recovery. This includes moisturizers, and cleansers containing alcohol, Neosporin or Bactin. These can cause irritation to the skin around the piercing and cause it to inflame. Also avoid using makeup around the piercing for at least several weeks. - Don’t change your jewelry too quickly
Thinking about changing your jewelry too soon? Hold off! Swapping out your piercing jewelry too early can cause the wound to close up quickly and disrupt the healing process. For most piercings, you should wait at least 6 weeks before making a change, and cartilage piercings can take even longer—sometimes months. If you’re eager to switch things up, consult your piercer. They can check how well it’s healing and advise you on the best time to change your jewelry. Patience now will save you from potential complications later! - Don’t swim
You might be surprised, but it’s best to skip swimming for a few weeks after getting a new piercing. Chlorine might kill bacteria, but it can also irritate your freshly pierced skin. Trust us, exposing your new piercing to chlorinated water isn’t going to feel great. Aim to wait at least 2 weeks, but ideally, keep it out of the water until it’s fully healed. Your piercing will thank you for the extra patience! - Avoid sleeping on your piercing
One of the most common ways you can damage the skin around a piercing is to accidentally sleep on it. Sleeping on your piercing can be a major no-no. Putting pressure on it while you sleep can cause pain, irritation, and even shift the piercing, messing with the healing process. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, it might be time to get creative with pillows to keep yourself in a better position. A tip from us! Consider using a travel pillow to support your neck and keep your piercing away from the mattress. A little extra effort while you sleep can make a big difference in how well your piercing heals! - No alcohol (for 24 hours)
Thinking about celebrating your new piercing with a drink? It’s best to hold off for at least 24 hours. Alcohol thins your blood, which can make it harder for your piercing to clot and might lead to more bleeding and pain. Plus, you might not be as careful with your piercing after a few drinks. So, take a short break from alcohol until your piercing starts to heal properly. Your body—and your new piercing—will appreciate it! - Wear loose clothing
No matter where your piercing is, tight clothing can be a real hassle. It can irritate your skin whether you’re getting dressed or undressed. For the first few days, opt for loose clothing to avoid any unnecessary friction. If your piercing is on your ear or face, go for tops with a wide neckline that you can slip on and off without bumping into your piercing. Keep it comfy and irritation-free while your piercing heals!
Specific tips per piercing
Here are some quick tips for keeping different piercings happy and healthy:
Ear piercings
Sleep with a travel pillow to avoid pressure, and steer clear of headphones that press on your ear. Use a gentle shower setting to wash away dirt.
Nose
Skip face creams and makeup, and be extra careful when blowing your nose if you’ve got a cold.
Septum
Avoid nasal sprays (stick to saline solutions) and steer clear of twisting the jewelry.
Lip
Keep away from makeup like lipstick and lip liner, and avoid acidic or spicy foods that can sting.
Nipple piercing
Skip body creams and tight clothing, and avoid lacy bras or any fabric that might snag on your piercing.
Genital Piercing
No lubricants or sex until the piercing is fully healed.
Skin/Surface
Avoid body sprays and creams around the piercing site, and be mindful of bag straps to prevent rubbing.
Piercing Aftercare – a quick recap!
- Keep your piercing clean, but handle it gently.
- Avoid all types of chemicals, including makeup, body creams and chlorine in swimming pools.
- Make sure nothing rubs or rubs against your piercing.
- Find a sleeping position that does not put pressure on your piercing and avoid playing with it.
Taking care of a piercing isn’t rocket science—just follow these common-sense steps and you’ll be all set!
- Choose a piercing shop with a good reputation and experienced piercers!
An extra tip, and perhaps the best! Come get your piercing at INKORPORATED Amsterdam! Our skilled piercers don’t just give you stunning piercings—they’re here for you every step of the way. From thorough aftercare advice to assistance with follow-up jewelry, we’ve got you covered. We’re just a message away.
Now that you know what to do, you’re ready to make an appointment – give us a call or fill out our contact form and hopefully we can welcome you to one of our boutiques in Amsterdam soon!
