Tattoo Aftercare
Thank you for your trust and support. This comprehensive aftercare guide was created with you and your tattoo in mind.
Normal healing, without a bandage:
Day 1 (2-4 hours later):
- Remove the plastic wrap and immediately wash the tattoo (instructions below).
- Wash your fresh tattoo 2x per day with mild fragrance free soap (morning and evening). Pat dry with a clean paper towel. After 5-10 minutes, apply a thin layer of fragrance free lotion. Do not use Vaseline or Aquaphor - they do not allow the skin to breathe as needed for optimal healing.
Days 6-14: - Continue per above except you may drop down to wash 1x per day if your tattoo seems very dry. Minor skin flakiness (not crustiness) is normal between lotion applications. If the skin becomes significantly flaky or the tattoo seems crusty, an extra application of lotion between washings and/or before bed can be added. Proceed with caution as too much moisture can inhibit healing.
Healing with second skin bandage:
- You can wear the second skin for 1-5 days. The longer you wear it, the more healed your tattoo will be. Do NOT wear it for more than 5 days
- You may shower normally (it is waterproof), but do NOT soak it.
- It is normal and healthy for your body to produce plasma and fluid under the second skin, which may be yellowish or whiteish. It is also normal for your tattoo to weep ink in the bandage while healing.
- You may end up with a bubble in your bandage full of ink and bodily fluids (including blood). This is okay, as long as it stays inside the bandage and does not leak out.
- If the seal of your bandage becomes compromised in any way (leak or tear), it must be removed immediately. If your tattoo or around it starts to itch under the bandage, your body is reacting to the adhesive and you should remove the bandage right away. It may take a few days for the reaction to subside.
Removing your second skin bandage:
- Remove the bandage under very warm running water (heat helps to loosen the adhesive). Pick at the edge until you have something to grasp on to and slowly peel the bandage away, keeping it close to your body as you peel. Do not pull the bandage out/away from your body as this can cause trauma to your skin.
- After bandage removal:
- Start following the applicable aftercare instructions for normal healing without a bandage- based on the first full day after your TATTOO DATE, not on the date you removed the bandage.
Important notes about your new tattoo
- Your fresh tattoo is an open wound. If it becomes infected, the outcome of the tattoo is at stake. Stay mindful to keep it clean during healing.
- Always use clean hands to touch your fresh tattoo and only dry it with clean paper towels. Shower towels and BAR soap harbor bacteria
- Don't let your tattoo to dry out and form a scab, as it puts the outcome of the final tattoo at risk.
- Do not soak your tattoo in a pool, bath, hot tub, etc. OR let it get it wet via a pond, creek, lake, etc. until healing is complete (at least 14 days).
- It is helpful to wear loose fitting clothing over your tattoo during healing to keep it clean and avoid direct sun exposure. After healing, using sunscreen on your tattoos before sun exposure is recommended to keep them vibrant longer
- It is normal for your healing tattoo to feel and act like a sunburn, however if your tattoo becomes very hot or painful, or becomes very red, it could be a sign of infection.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your new tattoo.
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