Tattoo Aftercare: Second Skin Bandage

1. After your tattoo is completed, your artist will clean the area and apply a second skin style bandage over the tattoo. This bandage is a waterproof, breathable second skin, and may remain covering the tattoo for 3-5 days, as instructed by your artist. Showering while wearing this bandage is fine, however it is best to keep showers to a minimum time. Swimming or submersing the bandage is not recommended, as water may weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to some off sooner.

2.  After 3-5 days, you may remove the second skin bandage. Before touching your new tattoo for any purpose, it’s important to make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly and dry with paper towel. Start by carefully removing the bandage starting at one edge and carefully peeling the bandage away. if the bandage sticks, you can use some lukewarm water to help remove the adhesive. Very gently, remove and discard the used bandage.

3. Wash your hands again, and then use a circular motion to gently wash off any remaining ink, blood, and plasma using warm water, and a small amount of fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Gently rinse off the tattoo until the skin is clean. Gently dry with a paper towel or allow to air dry for at least 10 minutes.

4. Now that the skin is clean and dry you may use a small amount of lotion or balm. Basic skin care lotion like Cetaphil, Aquaphor or Lubriderm are recommended, if you have sensitive skin, you may use a brand that you are familiar with however it should be unscented. You may use a small amount of moisturizer 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is no longer dry, peeling or cracked. 

Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear healed on the surface but the skin will still be repairing itself for 2-4 months. It is recommended to maintain a good skin care routine for this time and be aware that the tattooed area will be more sensitive to sun.

Tattoo Aftercare: Absorbent Bandage

1. Second skin bandages are recommended, however if you have sensitivities or reactions to these products, or if you prefer, an absorbent bandage may be used instead of second skin. Once the tattoo is completed, your artist will clean and dry the area, then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or similar tattoo balm, and then cover the tattoo area with an absorbent dressing. This dressing may be fixed with medical tape or self adhesive wrap.

2.  The bandage should remain on for 4-6 hours. After this time, you may remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. Before touching your new tattoo for any purpose, it’s important to make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly and dry with paper towel. The tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance. This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process. Use a circular motion to gently wash off any remaining ink, blood, and plasma using warm water, and a small amount of fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Gently rinse off the tattoo until the skin is clean. Gently dry with a paper towel or allow to air dry. For the first couple of days, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and have a reddish appearance.

3. Now that the tattoo is clean and dry, you may apply a small amount of moisturizer 2-3 times a day. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. Basic skin care lotion like Cetaphil, Aquaphor or Lubriderm are recommended. It is recommended to wear loose, natural fibre clothing to allow the tattoo space to breathe and avoid friction or rubbing. The tattoo may continue to weep or secrete fluids for the first 24 hours. this fluid may pick up extra ink from the tattoo process, be aware that it is possible to stain clothing or bed sheets.

4. Your new tattoo is an open wound, it is important to maintain proper care and hygiene for the first several days. Avoid exposing the new tattoo to sunlight, pets, dirt, etc. Washing once a day is generally sufficient, however hygiene practices should reflect lifestyle and activity choices while your tattoo is healing. 

5. Scabs will often form in the first few days, and ink may still come up through the skin and need to be washed away. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin. In general, Scabbing is not necessarily a sign of improper wound care. Scabs will form anytime the skin is injured, and can be a sign of healthy tissue forming underneath the wound, however it is important not to pick or scratch or otherwise remove scabs. Around the beginning of the second week, the scabs will start to flake off. It is important to be especially gentle with washing and moisturizing during this week, as it is easy to tear away scabs and damage the tattoo. The skin is likely to feel very itchy during this week, however it is important not to scratch or pick at the tattoo. A small amount of moisturizer may reduce the itchiness. 

6. Around week 3 there should be no more scabs, however the skin may appear shiny as the outer layer of skin is newly healed. Proper skin care and awareness of sun exposure will remain important aspects of healing your tattoo.