Always tend to your tattoo (washing, moisturizing, removing bandages, etc.) with properly washed hands
For second skin: Leave on for minimum 24 hours, but no longer than 3 days. Discard bandage upon removal. If bandage has been prematurely breached in any way (edges rolled open to area of tattoo, holes, ripping, or encased liquid leaking) please remove the bandage as normal and wash the tattoo immediately.
Always remove bandage under running water with your temperature preference, cold or warm water. Warmer water tends to aid in ease of removal and leaving behind less adhesive residue. Do not use exceedingly hot water. Gently peel the edges and pull the bandage parallel to your skin to remove, be sure to avoid accidentally scratching your tattoo during this step.
Additional notes; second skin should be kept out of sunlight as usual with a fresh tattoo. Second skins may accelerate the possibility of sunburn. Fluid build up is normal, especially for more dense pieces with heavier line work or shading. This fluid is a mixture of blood, plasma, and lymphatic fluid. Some may prefer to remove second skin when fluid builds up, some may prefer to allow the fluid to remain, either way is safe as long as overall second skin instructions are followed.
Exercise or activities that may produce excess sweat should be avoided while you have the second skin on, as this can build up sweat under the second skin and irritate the tattoo. If you developed a red ring of irritation around your second skin or any sign of allergic reaction, remove it as soon as possible. Second skins on high movement areas are more susceptible to becoming irritated.
For Disposable Bandage: Leave your bandage on for a minimum of 1 hour but no longer than 4 hours. Gently unwrap bandage, discard bandage immediately.
Post bandage removal (disposable & second skin): wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial soap such as unscented Dr. Bronners (my favorite) or Dial Gold liquid soap. Never use bar soap or any product with fragrances. Gently rub your tattoo under warm water with only the pads of your fingers or palm of your hand. Lather the soap and once you’ve broken up any remaining ink, fluid, and ointment, rinse the soap off thoroughly. Pat your tattoo dry with a freshly washed and unused towel, or disposable paper towel.
Allow your tattoo to breath for a couple minutes, 5 minutes is enough, and then apply a thin layer of moisturizer, reapplying up to twice a day for the first 3 days. Continue to wash your tattoo no more than twice a day for the first 3-4 days. Washing your tattoo once a day during your normal shower routine after the initial 3-4 days of healing is sufficient. After 3 days you can slightly increase the amount of moisturizer through the rest of the healing process. I like to lay it on slightly thicker during the peeling and itchy stage versus the the thin application during the first 3 days. Moisturizer should be minimal ingredient and unscented. I prefer Dr. Bronners unscented balm. Apply moisturizer gently to avoid dislodging any scabs. Never scratch or pick at an itchy or scabby tattoo. Failure to do so may result in loss of pigment which will require the tattoo to be touched-up. Slapping an itchy tattoo may help satisfy the desire to scratch!
Healing process: Your tattoo should be kept clean during the healing process. Do not submerge in any water (swimming, baths, etc.) and avoid saunas, until it is healed. In case of contamination (coming in contact with dirt or any foreign matter, pet hair or debris, becoming sweaty, etc.) promptly wash your tattoo by rinsing away contaminants and then wash and moisturize as normal. To prevent excess exposure to contamination, prepare your sleeping area with freshly washed linens, wear freshly laundered clothes, and avoid direct contact with pets, to the area of your tattoo.
Keeping your tattoo covered with clean loose fitting clothes can aid in avoiding contamination during the day as well as protecting your bed linens post bandage removal, if your tattoo is still weepy. Weeping typically occurs during the first 3 days of healing.
A healing tattoo should always be moisturized, but especially during the weepy phase of healing. Clothes covering an un-moisturized tattoo while it’s still weeping, could result in your clothes getting stuck to your tattoo and may be uncomfortable or painful to remove without the help of water.
Healing can take 2 weeks to a month depending on the piece, the area of the tattoo, your immune system, etc.
Avoid direct sunlight to your tattoo, tanning included, for at least 2 weeks
Keeping it moisturized and protected from the sun after the healing process, will aid in longevity of your tattoo for the years to come :)
Your tattoo healing process is your responsibility the second you step away from your appointment, this includes avoiding infection by following the instructions provided. Infections are rare but can happen and may result in the need to seek medical attention, and will result in a poorly healed tattoo.
Now enjoy your new tattoo! Never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, I will always be happy to help my clients. <3
