AFTER CARE
❋
AFTER CARE ❋
keep your tattoo covered
DAY 1 - 4
Welcome to your new tattoo.
As tattoos heal, the specific needs vary from body to body. This guide is generalized to guide you all and please reach out with questions.
At the end of your appointment, I will apply second skin (Ultraderm brand), a film bandage designed to move with your body and protect your new tattoo from infection. It allows the movement of fluid out, while providing a barrier to incoming bacteria. Some people experience extreme to intermittent allergies to the adhesive in this product. Please tell your artist if you have had negative reactions.
It is normal for your body to bleed and for ink left in between your skin cells to move to the surface of your skin during the healing process. This may result in blood and ink becoming stuck in the bandage as the fluid they are suspended in transpires through the barrier. Any residue left on your skin will wash off once you remove the bandage.
Ideally, keep the second skin on for 3-4 days! Yes, you can shower with ultraderm on. Please no extended soaking (bathing, swimming.) Use rubber gloves for washing dishes to avoid soaking your tattoo (2 weeks!) or second skin in dish water if applicable.
No secondskin: please instead use Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Your artist will clean and wrap your tattoo in saran wrap after the appointment, then instruct you to shower and clean your tattoo with soap and water a few hours later. Pat dry with clean towel, and apply a layer of Aquaphor to the new tattoo. Before reapplying, always wash and sanitize your hands. If your tattoo is under clothing, feel free to wash hands, apply Aquaphor, and cover with saran wrap before putting on your clean clothes.
wash your tattoo
with soap and water
After 4 days, remove the Ultraderm. it is easiest to remove in the shower by pulling on the edges to lift it off your skin vs. peeling it off. Wash with soap and water. Pat dry with
If there is any adhesive left on your skin, you can gently rub it off with a neutral oil. Wash the oil off immediately.
hydration
DAY 4 - 10
Use a lotion or cream based moisturizer to keep your tattoo supple, moisturizing at least twice a day. Wash your hands before moisturizing. Please don’t use any salves or coconut oils, as the oils will pull the ink from the skin and may result in fades in your tattoo.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Glaxal Base are good enough options that are available at most pharmacies.
swimming
AFTER DAY 14
After 14 days, it is safe enough to begin swimming, soaking in a bath or do the dishes.
sun protection
for longevity
Sunscreen can help your tattoo maintain its integrity and definition throughout your life, so slather up before sun or UV exposure!
please don’t
use salve on your healing tattoo
pick at or rub off any scabbing
scratch your tattoo even if its itchy - hydrate and slap it.
soak or go in a hot tub while your tattoo is healing
expose your tattoo to intense sun (tanning beds, UV treatments etc)
For more information on the health and healing of your new tattoo, please visit Health Link’s Health Topic on Home Treatment for new tattoos.