Piercing Aftercare & Cleaning Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for a healthy healing process. Please review the following guidelines carefully and follow your artist’s recommendations.

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Recommended Cleaning Solutions

XPressions® Piercing Aftercare Spray or Swabs

• The most effective method for cleansing new piercings.

• containing Cet-C (a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial agent), Glycerin, that are alcohol-free, non-toxic, and designed to prevent infection for external and internal piercings.

• Designed to prevent infection, inflammation, and scarring.

• Use twice daily to gently remove dried discharge and secretions. ( Do Not Use Alcohol or Peroxide with XPressions)

Non-Iodized Sea Salt Solution

• A suitable alternative to aftercare spray.

• Mix ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt with 1 cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water.

• Using a sterile spray bottle is recommended.

⚠️ Do not make the solution stronger—overly concentrated mixtures can irritate the piercing.

Important: Using the wrong products or improper cleaning methods may result in complications during healing.

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Cleaning Instructions

• Wash hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.

• Clean 2-3 times per day with the aftercare solution recommended by your artist.

• Use a lint-free cotton swab (Q-tip) to gently clean the entrance and exit points, removing any buildup.

• Dry carefully by patting with clean, disposable paper products. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria and snag jewelry.

• During healing, always use fresh bed linens, towels, and clothing.

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What to Expect During Healing

• Immediately after piercing: Minor bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising is normal.

• During healing: Some discoloration, itching, and a whitish-yellow secretion (not pus) may form crust around the jewelry. The surrounding tissue may feel tight as it heals.

• Once healed: Jewelry may not move freely; do not force it. A piercing may appear healed before it truly is, as tissue heals from the outside in. Continue cleaning for the full healing period.

⚠️ Even fully healed piercings can shrink or close within minutes if jewelry is removed. To maintain your piercing, always keep jewelry in place.

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Best Practices

• Wash hands before touching your piercing. Avoid unnecessary contact.

• Do not rotate or twist jewelry during healing.

• Support your immune system with proper rest, hydration, and a balanced diet.

• Exercise is fine, but listen to your body.

• Maintain a clean environment: wash bedding regularly and wear clean, breathable clothing.

• Showers are preferred over baths. If bathing in a tub, disinfect it thoroughly and rinse your piercing afterward.

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What to Avoid

• Environmental Risks:

• Direct sunlight, tanning beds, oils, lotions, and beauty products.

• Hot tubs, pools, lakes, or any unclean bodies of water for 2–4 weeks.

• If necessary, use a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (e.g., 3M™ Nexcare™ Clean Seals).

• Lifestyle & Hygiene Risks:

• Alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco (especially for oral piercings).

• Tight clothing or pressure that may irritate the piercing.

• Sleeping on fresh piercings before switching to shorter bars.

• Hanging charms or accessories until the piercing is fully healed.

• Improper Cleaning Practices:

• Cleaning more than 2–3 times daily (over-cleaning can delay healing).

• Using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps (these damage healthy tissue and may cause scarring).

• Allowing contact with another person’s bodily fluids.

• Removing jewelry prematurely—healing takes months, and removal can cause the piercing to close rapidly.

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✨ Remember: Healing times vary from person to person. Patience and consistent care are key to achieving a safe, comfortable, and lasting piercing.