The Ink DocTat tips for the smartly-inked
Watch on YouTube
A dermatologist with 600+ hours under the needle takes contest winners around the world to get inked by master artists, safely. Bangkok and Rio de Janeiro are already filmed.
A tattoo-tourism series that blends Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown with Dr. Pimple Popper. Contest winners fly around the world, all expenses paid, to get inked by local masters, with a dermatologist on set helping them get tattooed safely.
BangkokA week of inking, adventure and cultural exchange, from neo-traditional color to sacred Sak Yant blessings.
RioFilmed October 4 to 12 with three of Brazil's most decorated artists, from hyper-realism to woodblock xilotattoo.
Next?Entry to the Ink's on Me contest is free. Winners get airfare, hotel, tattooing, local transport and per diem, plus up to three full days in the chair.
As far as tattoos are concerned, the medical community has not kept up with the times. Almost half of Americans in their twenties have ink, yet doctors remain reflexive naysayers. Dermatologists owe their patients reliable, useful information on inks, skin prep and long-term care.
Dr. James Kerner, The Ink DocAn immunology researcher with 600+ hours in the chair, bridging clinical science and the culture of tattooing.
hours being inked
All advice and protocols are free. No payments from the companies whose products he endorses.
A clinically grounded timeline that lowers infection risk, calms inflammation and protects pigment for decades.
Choose a professional tattooist with a good reputation and a clean, modern studio. Do not be afraid to ask about safety practices, especially if you are immunosuppressed.
Two weeks before, lower the bacterial load and blunt allergic reactions.
If you are at higher than average risk of infection or have had significant skin infections, talk to your doctor about starting an antibiotic.
On the morning of your session, use an electric razor on the area. Never a blade, and discourage your artist from using one too.
When the inking is complete (or at the end of a multi-day session), ask your artist to wash the skin with the antimicrobial soap, let it dry and carefully apply the occlusive dressing.
Slowly and carefully remove the dressing in a hot shower. Let the skin air-dry, then apply a fresh dressing.
After five full days, remove the dressing in the shower, wash with your mild antimicrobial soap and start an emollient twice daily.
Once no area is rough or tender, stop the emollient and resume normal skincare. Congrats, your ink is fully healed.
Educational summary of Dr. Kerner's protocol. Medications mentioned require guidance from your own physician. Opinions are his alone and not those of any affiliated organization.
Stories from the road, artist interviews, product picks and straight answers to your questions.
01Blog
Sessions across three continents, told from the chair.
Read the blog
02Tat of the Week
Standout work, picked and dissected weekly.
See this week
03Interviews
Conversations with artists and industry luminaries.
Listen now
04Products
Only what he truly uses. No paid endorsements.
See the picks
05Ink Science
The FDA has approved zero tattoo inks. Contaminants, safest brands and the latest research.
Read ink advice
New posts, subscriber-only content and product specials, straight to your inbox.
Or book a $50 consultation, follow-up included