Editorial Team··5 min read
Dr Pickles works best when you apply it correctly. Most application mistakes come from using too much or starting too early. Here's the artist-recommended schedule.
When to start Start using Dr Pickles when you remove the bandage your artist applied. Depending on your artist's instructions, that's anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours after the tattoo.
If your artist used a Saniderm-style adhesive film, leave that on for the recommended period (usually 3–5 days), then start Dr Pickles after the first proper wash.
How to apply it 1. **Wash first.** Lukewarm water + fragrance-free soap. Pat (don't rub) dry with a clean paper towel. 2. **Wait 5 minutes.** Let the skin completely dry. Applying balm to wet skin traps moisture and causes the tattoo to weep. 3. **Apply a THIN layer.** A pea-sized amount covers a 10cm tattoo. The balm should disappear into the skin within 30 seconds — if it's still glossy after a minute, you've used too much. 4. **Wait 30 seconds.** Don't cover or wear tight clothing immediately.
How often - **Days 1–3:** Wash + apply 2–3 times daily. Skin is healing rapidly. - **Days 4–7:** Wash + apply 2 times daily. Most people peak on Day 5–6 with itching. - **Days 8–14:** Wash + apply 1–2 times daily. The peeling stage starts. - **Days 15–21:** Wash + apply 1 time daily. Surface healing complete. - **Days 22–30:** As needed, usually no balm required. Use SPF50+ instead.
What NOT to do - **Don't over-apply.** Too much balm suffocates the skin and slows healing. - **Don't apply to wet skin.** Pat dry properly first. - **Don't rebandage** after the first wash. The tattoo needs air. - **Don't mix with other creams** (Bepanthen, Vaseline, coconut oil) during the same heal — it can react and irritate. - **Don't scratch or pick** during the peeling stage. Apply a thin layer of Dr Pickles instead.
How long the tube will last - 50g tube: One medium tattoo (forearm/calf size) for full 30-day heal, or two small tattoos. - 75g tube: One full sleeve heal (multi-session), or two medium tattoos. - 20g tube: Touch-ups only, or a tiny tattoo.
When to stop Stop using Dr Pickles when the tattoo looks fully healed (typically Day 21–30). After that, switch to a fragrance-free moisturiser (any unscented body lotion is fine) and add SPF50+ for life.
For the full healing timeline, see our [day-by-day healing guide](/tattoo-healing-timeline).