AFTERCARE FOR TATTOOS

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Taking care of your new tattoo

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Aftercare with Second Skin

• Leave your Second Skin wrap on for at least 3 days, no more than 5 days.

• During this time your tattoo is going to weep and the bandage is going to fill up with body fluid called plasma. This plasma will also mix with excess pigment and create a murky colored fluid and will most likely cover your tattoo. This is completely normal. Your bandage is also breathable and waterproof, so there is no need to worry about getting it wet during showers.

• Rule number one! When touching your healing tattoo ALWAYS make sure your hands are clean. Germs and bacteria are just nasty!

• When you’re ready to take off the Second Skin, try to do so while in the shower. Place your tattoo under luke-warm water and slowly remove the bandage. (Some dead skin may or may not come off on the back of the bandage so don’t be alarmed if you see this).

• Try to avoid taking your bandage off dry.

• Immediately wash your tattoo with liquid anti-bacterial soap. DO NOT USE ANY FRAGRANCED WASHES OR SOAPS.

• Gently massage the tattoo using only your fingertips to get it nice and sudsy!

• NEVER EVER use a rag or a loofa to exfoliate your tattoo while it’s healing.

• Rinse off your tattoo, pat dry with a clean paper towel.

• Apply a small amount of lotion to your tattoo (brand does not really matter) as long as it is unscented, such as Jergens or Aveno. The Second Skin removes the need to use any ointments.

• Repeat the washing and lotion steps twice a day until your tattoo is healed. In between washes if your tattoo appears to be dry or peeling you can apply lotion as needed in between washes.

• You do not need to re-bandage or wrap your tattoo once the Second Skin is removed!

• Your tattoo may still peel/flake (much like a sunburn) and will also be itchy.

 

The only time you will take the Second Skin off before the 3-6 days is up:

• If you either have a negative reaction to the bandage

• If it partially comes off and exposes the tattoo.

 

Sun Exposure

• Wear protective clothing when you are going out in the sun with a fresh tattoo. Exposure to the sun can have a negative effect on your fresh tattoo.

• Do not applying sunscreen as this will have a negative effect on the healing of your tattoo.

 

Signs of Infection

• Redness and swelling around the tattoo. (It will be red and swollen when it is fresh, this is normal. If your tattoo is red and swollen after the first week, you might have an infection)

• Pus is another sign of infection. (If this happens to you, seek medical advice immediately)

 

Dos and Don’ts

• Never scratch or pick at your tattoo. If it becomes itchy due to the healing process apply aftercare ointment to the area to subside the itching.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing over the tattoo. This one is a must so the tattoo heals properly

• Avoid swimming pool, sauna or hot tub and avoid taking baths during the healing process (2 weeks). The water will soak into your tattoo and fade the ink.

• Don’t apply any anti-itch creams only the cream provided.

• Do not work out while your tattoo is healing. Sweat and bacteria is not a good combination for a fresh tattoo.