AFTERCARE
It’s important to remember everyone heals differently. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist with any questions you may have. If your artist gives you instructions different from the instructions below, follow your artist’s instructions.
Day 1-3
WHAT TO DO:
-Leave the second skin on for 48-72 hours (follow artist instructions). No need to wash or put ointment on the tattoo during this period.
-Avoid strenuous activities, sweating, water, and sunlight during this period.
-If the bandage becomes damaged and the tattoo gets exposed, remove it and wash with antibacterial soap. Contact your artist for further instructions.
-If you experience excessive “weeping”, send a picture to your artist and they will advise.
-Don’t take Advil or anything that thins your blood.
- Remove the bandage on the last day (see below for instructions.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-The second skin will protect the tattoo from infection and prevent scabbing.
-Some redness, swelling, and heat around the tattooed area are normal.
-A clear or ink colored liquid may leak from the tattoo. This is known as “Weeping”.
-A bit of weeping is ok and the liquid will be absorbed back into the body. However if you have a sac of liquid, contact your artist.
MOST IMPORTANT:
-Avoid hot water and sweating. Sweat contains bacteria and can cause an infection. Heat /sweat also make removing the bandage more difficult resulting in a bad heal due to irritation from adhesive residue.
-Do not remove the second skin early as it may damage the tattoo and increase the risk of infection. If you have excessive weeping, contact your artist.
Day 4-6
WHAT TO DO:
-Gently wash the tattooed area 2-3 times/day (follow artist instructions). Use antibacterial soap such as Dial or SoftSoap.
-Pat the area dry with a clean towel immediately after washing. Let it air dry for 5-10 minutes before applying ointment.
-Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor Healing Ointment to the tattoo 2-3 times/day (follow artist instructions). Rub the ointment in with light pressure and remove any excess ointment from the surface with your hand.
-Avoid sun exposure.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-The tattoo may feel itchy as it begins to peel (If it isn’t peeling at this point, don’t worry, everyone’s different).
-The tattooed skin will dry out, this is normal. Be careful to not over-moisturize.
-The tattoo will generally look darker and fuzzier during this period. Don’t worry, it will go back to normal in 1-2 weeks.
MOST IMPORTANT:
-Avoid water, sweating, picking at skin, and sun exposure.
-Take short showers.
-Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing that may rub against the tattooed area.
Day 7-14
WHAT TO DO:
-Continue to gently wash with antibacterial soap 2-3 times per day (follow artist instructions).
-Apply unscented lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare product as needed to keep the skin moisturized. Gentle lotions such as Nivea, Aveeno, Cera Ve, or Cetaphil should be used. Tattoo products such as Tat-Fat, Hustle Butter, or H2Ocean can be used in place of lotion during this period
-Avoid sun exposure
WHAT TO EXPECT:
-The tattoo will continue to heal and the skin will become smoother and shiny.
-The color/contrast of the tattoo may look more vibrant as the healing process progresses. This is because the top layer of your skin has not regenerated yet.
-Peeling/flaking of the skin should subside.
MOST IMPORTANT:
-Avoid water, and sun exposure.
Removing the Second Skin Bandage
Sun, water, and over-moisturizing are the main causes of bad tattoo heals.
Don’t apply sunscreen on your new tattoo for 6 weeks. This means it’s important to keep it covered from the sun during this period when it’s most vulnerable to UV.