Look, I've been tattooing in Moose Jaw for over a decade, and I've seen what Saskatchewan winters can do to fresh ink. When it's -30°C outside and you're blasting your furnace at full power, your skin becomes a desert. And that's a problem when you're trying to heal a tattoo.
The Saskatchewan Winter Problem
Here's what makes our winters brutal for tattoos:
- Indoor heating – Dries out your skin faster than you can say "windchill"
- Temperature extremes – Going from -30°C outside to +22°C inside stresses your skin
- Low humidity – Saskatchewan air is already dry; winter makes it worse
- Heavy clothing – Layers can rub against fresh tattoos
- Cracked skin – Dry skin cracks, and that's terrible for healing
Pro Tip: I tell all my Saskatchewan clients to moisturize 2-3x more often in winter than they would in summer. This isn't optional—it's mandatory if you want your ink to heal properly.
The Winter Aftercare Schedule
Days 1-3: Critical Phase
This is when your skin is most vulnerable to dry winter air.
- Wash with lukewarm (not hot!) water twice daily
- Pat dry with clean paper towels
- Apply thin layer of Aquaphor or Hustle Butter every 3-4 hours
- Keep a humidifier in your bedroom if possible
Days 4-14: Healing Phase
This is where most people mess up in Saskatchewan winters.
- Switch to fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm, Eucerin)
- Moisturize immediately after every shower
- Apply lotion 4-5 times per day minimum
- Avoid tight winter clothing over the tattoo
- Keep indoor heat reasonable (20-21°C, not 25°C)
Product Recommendations for Cold Climates
Best Moisturizers for Winter Healing:
- Aquaphor – First 3 days only, seals moisture in
- Hustle Butter – Vegan alternative, works great in dry climates
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture – Fragrance-free, perfect for days 4+
- Eucerin Original Healing Cream – Extra thick for extreme dryness
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream – Gentle, dermatologist-recommended
Common Winter Mistakes (That I See All the Time)
❌ Hot Showers
I get it—it's -25°C out and you want that scalding shower. But hot water strips your skin's natural oils and makes healing worse. Use lukewarm water only.
❌ Skipping Moisturizer
"I moisturized this morning" doesn't cut it in January. Your furnace is running 24/7. Apply lotion 4-5 times per day minimum.
❌ Tight Winter Clothing
Your wool sweater rubbing against a fresh tattoo all day? That's asking for trouble. Wear loose layers or avoid covering the area.
❌ Cranking the Heat
Your house at 25°C feels cozy, but it's a tattoo healing nightmare. Keep it reasonable and use a humidifier instead.
When to Book Your Tattoo
Honestly? If you can wait until April or May, do it. Spring tattoos heal easier in Saskatchewan. But if you're getting inked in winter, just follow these rules religiously and you'll be fine. I've done thousands of winter tattoos in Moose Jaw—it's totally doable with proper care.
Got Questions About Winter Aftercare?
Message me anytime. I'm always happy to help my clients heal properly.
Message Mike— Mike Kuntz, Owner of House of Pain Tattoos, Moose Jaw, SK