Aftercare

Instructions

 

LOTION METHOD:

  • Leave your bandage on as recommended by your artist—anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Once you remove the bandage, use your hand to gently wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Carefully dry your tattoo by patting it with a clean towel. DO NOT re-bandage.

  • Allow any excess moisture to air-dry off the tattoo— 20 minutes is usually plenty, and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free plain hand lotion, blotting off any excess. Apply lotion with clean hands 2–3 times a day for the next several weeks. Your skin needs to breathe, so lotions should be used very sparingly.

  • In 2-3 days, your tattoo will begin to dry and flake, or scab.


SECOND SKIN METHOD:

Second Skin (also known as Tegaderm, Saniderm or Derma-Shield) is a breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier that covers your new tattoo. The bandage will protect your tattoo from contamination while also keeping any excess ink, or fluids from getting on clothes and sheets. You can shower normally while healing, but DO NOT submerge underwater of any kind—pools, hot tubs, baths, etc.

  • Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Second Skin. They will often provide you with a second bandage. Leave the original bandage on overnight, or as directed.

  • Remove your bandage slowly and carefully the next morning, working from the outside edges inward. Discard this bandage, and gently wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Carefully pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel.

  • Re-cover your tattoo with the second provided bandage. Leave this one for 3-4 days, and repeat the previous steps. You may notice a small amount of flaking skin. Use a fragrance-free lotion as needed to keep the tattoo moisturized until skin heals.

  • Follow the same precautions as you would healing without the use of Second Skin.

DO NOT pick at your new tattoo.

DO NOT submerge your tattoo in pools, baths, hot tubs, etc.—showers are fine.

DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds.

Keep your new tattoo clean using fragrance-free soap.


Any questions or concerns, immediately contact your artist or the shop.