How to Care for a New Piercing: A Simple Aftercare Routine

Piercing aftercare doesn't need to be complicated — in fact, overcomplicating it is one of the most common ways people slow down their own healing. Here's a straightforward routine that works.

The basics

• Rinse with a saline solution once or twice a day — avoid over-cleaning, which can irritate the piercing

• Wash your hands before touching the area at all

• Leave the original jewelry in until your piercer tells you it's safe to change

• Avoid submerging the piercing in pools, hot tubs, or open water while it's healing

• Don't rotate or twist the jewelry — that's an outdated habit that can actually slow healing

Moisturizing (once healing is underway)

We keep this part simple: use a light, non-scented hydrating cream, and avoid oil-based creams entirely. Oil-based products can trap bacteria against the skin and clog the piercing, which is the opposite of what you want while it's healing.

What's normal vs. what's not

Some redness, mild swelling, and clear or slightly whitish discharge in the first couple of weeks is normal. Increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, or thick colored discharge after the first week or two is worth a check-in with your piercer or a doctor.

If anything about your healing looks or feels off, don't guess — come back in and we'll take a look.