Aftercare

I’ll ask you at the end of the session which one do you prefer or recommend you the one that better suits your skin or specific case.

1. Second Skin

Second skin is a clear, adhesive bandage (like Saniderm or Tegaderm) that creates a protective barrier over your tattoo while allowing it to breathe and heal naturally.

⠀Days 2 - 5: Keep it On

  • Leave the second skin on for 2-5 days

  • You may see fluid buildup under the bandage: this is normal

  • You can shower with it. Avoid long, hot showers and excessive sweating

  • Stay out of direct sunlight

⠀Removal Day: Take It Off Properly

  • Take a warm shower to soften the adhesive

  • Wash your hands thoroughly

  • Gently peel from one corner while letting warm water run between the skin and bandage

  • Wash the tattoo with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never rub)

⠀After Removal: Daily Care

  • Wash tattoo 1-2 times daily with gentle soap

  • Apply thin layer of unscented lotion 3-5 times daily

  • Avoid direct sunlight for 2 weeks minimum

  • Use SPF 30+ sunscreen once healed (after 3 weeks)

2. Absorbent Pad

Tattoo Pads are absorbent sheets used to shield and protect the skin from the outside dirt and UV-light as well as effectively absorbing the excess of fluids that your fresh tattoo will produce. Usually used for bigger tattoos or with lots of color pigment.

⠀Hours 5-8: Initial Care

  • Keep initial bandage on for 5-8 hours (if tattooed in the evening remove the next day)

  • Remove bandage and wash hands thoroughly (do not shower before removing the bandage)

  • Gently wash tattoo with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water

  • Use fingertips to clean off blood, ink, or plasma

  • Pat dry with clean paper towel

⠀Days 1-7: Daily Routine

  • Wash tattoo 2-3 times daily with gentle soap

  • Pat dry with clean paper towels

  • Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment or fragrance-free lotion

  • Avoid heavy application that can clog pores

⠀Ongoing Care

  • Continue gentle washing and moisturizing

  • Watch for signs of healing (some peeling and itching is normal)

  • Avoid picking or scratching

3. Traditional (saran wrap)

This method uses your body's natural healing process with regular cleaning and moisturizing.

⠀Hours 1-3: Initial Care

  • Keep initial bandage on for 2-3 hours

  • Remove bandage and wash hands thoroughly

  • Gently wash tattoo with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water

  • Use fingertips to clean off blood, ink, or plasma

  • Pat dry with clean paper towel

⠀Days 1-7: Daily Routine

  • Wash tattoo 2-3 times daily with gentle soap

  • Pat dry with clean paper towels

  • Apply thin layer of aftercare ointment or fragrance-free lotion

  • Avoid heavy application that can clog pores

⠀Ongoing Care

  • Continue gentle washing and moisturizing

  • Watch for signs of healing (some peeling and itching is normal)

  • Avoid picking or scratching

EXTRA TIPS

  • Keep it clean

  • Moisturize regularly

  • Let it breathe

  • Be patient with healing

  • Avoid gym and sauna for 14 days. Excessive sweating can cause ink loss and stretching or moving the tattoo area can damage the tattoo or even cause the wound to re-open.

  • Do not swim for 2 weeks. Bacteria and chlorine can cause irritation and infection.

  • Be extra careful around pets.

  • Don't pick or scratch

  • Avoid sun exposure

  • Don't over-moisturize

When to contact your artist or doctor

Call immediately if you experience:

  • Fever or chills

  • Excessive redness that spreads

  • Green or yellow discharge

  • Severe swelling

  • Red streaks extending from the tattoo

  • Severe pain that worsens over time

For moisturizing

  • Aquaphor de Eucerin

  • Cicaplast Baume B5 – La Roche-Posay

  • Hustle Butter

For sun protection

  • Any broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen

  • Mad Rabbit SPF 30 (tattoo-specific)

  • Reapply every 2 hours when in sun