When it comes to healing a fresh piercing, the aftercare you choose can make or break your experience. One of the most common mistakes we see is the use of antibacterial soap, often assumed to be “cleaner” or “stronger.” The truth? Antibacterial soap can actually do more harm than good.
I strongly recommend using sterile saline spray, and here’s why.
🌊 Saline Spray: The Safe, Effective Choice
Sterile saline is a gentle solution made to mimic your body’s natural fluids. It helps to rinse away discharge, keep the piercing clean, and support your body’s own healing process—without introducing harsh chemicals.
Benefits of Saline Spray:
- ✅ Non-irritating and gentle on healing tissue
- ✅ Doesn’t strip away natural oils or damage skin cells
- ✅ Helps soften and remove dried lymph (“crusties”)
- ✅ Promotes a clean healing environment
- ✅ Easy to apply without touching the piercing
You can find sterile saline at most drugstores—just be sure the label says wound wash or isotonic saline with no additives. Brands like NeilMed and Steri-Wash make great options. I always have trusted products in stock at the studio as well.
🧼 Antibacterial Soap: Why It’s Not the Right Tool
Antibacterial soap may sound like a smart idea for cleaning a piercing. After all, “antibacterial” implies it’s fighting infection, right? Unfortunately, these products can wreak havoc on a healing wound.
Why Antibacterial Soap is Problematic:
- ❌ Too Harsh – Antibacterial soaps contain strong ingredients like triclosan or chlorhexidine that are far too aggressive for delicate healing tissue.
- ❌ Disrupts Healing – These soaps can dry out and damage new skin cells, slowing the healing process or causing complications like excess irritation, flaking, or redness.
- ❌ Can Create Imbalance – Your skin has a natural microbiome that helps protect you. Harsh soaps can disrupt this, making you more vulnerable to issues. Not less.
- ❌ Not Meant for Internal Use – Piercings are open wounds, and antibacterial soap is not sterile, nor is it formulated for use on deep tissue.
In short: antibacterial soap is better suited for handwashing, not wound care.
🧴 Still Unsure What to Use?
After you’ve been pierced by me, you’ll get thorough aftercare instructions tailored to your specific piercing. But the golden rule across the board is: keep it simple. Your body is great at healing. It just needs a little help keeping the area clean and free of buildup.
Stick with sterile saline spray, avoid over-cleaning, and never use harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments.
🛑 Remember: Less Is More
The biggest takeaway? Healing piercings don’t need “extra strength” anything. They need consistent, gentle care. Saline supports your body’s natural process. Antibacterial soap gets in the way.
If you’re ever unsure about how to care for your piercing, feel free to reach out. Your comfort, safety, and long-term results are my top priority.