Tattoo Healing and Aftercare
Using Second Skin/Dermwrap
Apply the second skin or dermwrap over the tattoo immediately after the session. Ensure it adheres well and seals the area. Leave the wrap on for the recommended period, usually 24-48 hours. Remove the wrap gently and clean the tattoo as directed.
Post-Care Instructions
Reapply a thin layer of ointment 2-3 times a day. Use clean hands or an applicator. Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight to prevent irritation and fading. Wear loose clothing to reduce friction on the tattooed area.
Mid-Term Tattoo Maintenance
Once the second skin phase is complete, switch to a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Clean the tattoo gently with mild soap and water once or twice a day. Refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo to avoid scarring and infection.
Long-Term Care
Monitor the tattoo for signs of abnormal healing, such as excessive redness, swelling, or discharge. Gradually expose the tattoo to sunlight with SPF protection as healing progresses. Continue moisturizing to keep the skin hydrated and support the healing process.
24 hours. It will fill with blood and you will not be able to see the tattoo. This is normal. Leave it unless it begins to lift and lose some fluid. If in the shower or over a sink, lift the derm. Don’t peel it backward as it can be hard on the area. Rinse the tattoo with warm water not hot or cold, as warm water moves body fluids freely. Avoid soap as it dries out the tattoo and can create a moisture imbalance.
Using Cling Wrap
Wrap the tattoo in cling film for the first few hours. Remove the wrap after 2-4 hours and gently clean the tattoo. Reapply a thin layer of ointment. Use cling wrap only as directed to prevent moisture buildup and irritation.
Post-Care Instructions
Reapply the ointment 2-3 times daily. Ensure you use clean hands or an applicator. Keep the tattoo away from direct sunlight to avoid irritation and fading. Wear loose clothing to reduce friction on the tattooed area.
Mid-Term Tattoo Maintenance
After the initial cling wrap phase, switch to a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Clean the tattoo gently with mild soap and water once or twice a day. Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo to prevent scarring and infection.
Long-Term Care
Watch for signs of abnormal healing, such as excessive redness, swelling, or discharge. Gradually expose the tattoo to sunlight with SPF protection as healing progresses. Continue moisturizing to keep the skin hydrated and support healing.
Non wrapped. Open healing.
Avoid touching the tattoo with unclean hands. Gently clean the area with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat the tattoo dry with a soft, clean towel. Apply a thin layer of antimicrobial or healing ointment as recommended by your tattoo artist. Keep the tattoo dry; avoid soaking in pools, hot tubs, or baths.
Post-Care Instructions
Reapply ointment 2-3 times daily. Use clean hands or an applicator. Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight to prevent irritation and fading. Wear loose clothing to minimize friction on the tattooed area.
Mid-Term Tattoo Maintenance
Transition from ointment to a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Clean the tattoo with mild soap and water once or twice a day. Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo to prevent scarring and infection.
Long-Term Care
Observe the tattoo for signs of abnormal healing, such as excessive redness, swelling, or discharge. Gradually reintroduce the tattoo to sunlight with SPF protection once the healing process is nearly complete. Continue moisturizing to keep the skin hydrated and support healing.
Follow-Up and Troubleshooting
Schedule a check-up to assess the healing process. Provide clear instructions on how to address complications, such as infections or allergic reactions.
Applying Creams
For the first 3 days, apply a thin layer of tattoo balm, cream, or ointment 2-3 times daily, usually after washing and drying the tattoo. This keeps the tattoo slightly moist.
Avoid letting the skin completely dry out. Apply a small amount of cream and rub it in like you would hand lotion. Evenly distribute the cream over the tattooed skin. Gently rubbing in the cream stimulates the skin and increases blood flow, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Do not leave a thick film on the surface. It’s normal to feel a mild tingling sensation after the initial applications.
Blot off any excess cream with a clean paper towel. After about 10 minutes, clothing should not stick to the tattoo cream. However, wear loose, clean clothes to prevent the cream from being absorbed and to avoid drying out the freshly tattooed skin.
Additional Rules
- Never scratch or pick at your tattoo while it is healing. If a scab forms, let it fall off naturally. DO NOT PICK AT IT.
- DO NOT expose the tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for the first two weeks or until completely healed.
- DO NOT swim, soak in bathtubs or saunas for at least two weeks or until completely healed. The sun, saltwater and chlorine act as a bleach which will result in a faded tattoo.
- DO NOT shave over your tattoo until it is completely healed.
- DO NOT wear pantyhose over your new tattoo until completely healed well
Washing
- DO USE a foaming soap
- DO NOT USE a bar of soap as it can contaminate and dry the new tattoo
- DO NOT USE anti-bacterial soap either. The skin has a natural friendly population of bacteria that helps to protect the surface of the wound.
- Anti-bacterial products kill nasty bacteria but also kill the friendly natural bacteria, leaving the skin without its primary defense mechanism.
- After washing, gently rinse and dry the area. DO NOT rub with a wash cloth or sponge. Pat dry. After drying, wait 40-60 minutes to allow excess water in the tattoo to evaporate and inflammation to subside. DO NOT re-bandage.
- If you must wear clothing over the tattoo, make sure it is the type that can serve as a loose-fitting bandage; soft, clean and loose.
- Remember to give the healing tattoo plenty of exposure to fresh air as well
