SECOND SKIN -

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I will most likely have applied a piece of second skin to your new tattoo. If so, follow these instructions:​

• Leave this piece on for 3 days, depending on amount of fluid collected under the bandage. It is normal to see some fluid under the bandage! Your tattoo may look muddy or hazy underneath. Excessive fluid will affect the adhesion of second skin.

• After 3 days, remove the second skin under warm running water, such as a shower. Find an edge and pull the bandage back over itself slowly and gently, in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on this aftercare bandage can be painful. Never remove second skin without running water, this can cause abrasions on your skin!

• Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap or saline wound wash, pat dry with a clean paper towel. You may now apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your tattoo such as Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or Joshua Tree. Whatever works best for your skin! Use a very thin layer so your tattoo can breathe. It should not feel wet or gooey. I will give you a saline cloth, hustle butter and sterile paper towel in your aftercare kit to help with this.

• Wash 1-2 times a day and apply your fragrance-free moisturizer until your tattoo begins to peel or flake.

• When your tattoo begins to peel or flake, wash once a day and switch to a fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm. Moisturize the area with this as needed.

• After your 2 week healing time, you may stop washing but keep using fragrance free lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).

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Second skin is waterproof, so you may take showers while wearing it, but please limit your exposure to water. You may have redness around the edges of your bandage, or if your bandage is on a crease/bend in the skin. If you notice any type of allergic reaction, rash, excessive fluid from the tattoo, burning, or acne, take off your second skin IMMEDIATELY! Do not exercise while wearing the aftercare bandage, as your sweat will be trapped under the bandage. Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and sun bathing still applies! Please do not hesitate to contact me if with any questions about your healing.

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TRADTIONAL AFTERCARE -

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If you have sensitive skin, or any type of allergy to adhesives/bandages then I will advise you to follow traditional after care instructions:

• I will apply a temporary wrap to the area that you will keep on for 2 hours to protect your new tattoo while your pores close.

• After two hours, remove your wrap in a clean environment with clean hands.

• Wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Do not use foaming soaps or bar soaps. Pat dry with a paper towel or air dry.

• You may now apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your tattoo such as Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or Joshua Tree. Whatever works best for your skin! Use a very thin layer so your tattoo can breathe. It should not feel wet or gooey.

• Repeat the last two steps 2-3 times a day for the first week or until your tattoo begins to peel/flake.

• After the first week, or when your tattoo begins to peel or flake, minimize your washing to 1-2 times a day and switch to an unscented lotion such as Lubriderm for the remainder of your 2 week healing time.

• After your 2 week healing time, you may stop washing but keep using fragrance free moisturizer or lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).
   

No pools, hot tubs, or sunbathing for 2 weeks. You may take showers but please limit water exposure outside of washing. Please wait to exercise until your tattoo has healed to prevent rubbing and overworking of the skin. If you notice small red bumps that are sometimes itchy, you may be over-caring for your tattoo or sensitive to your moisturizer/lotion. If this happens, slow down on the washing and use a gentle unscented lotion. Simple is best! Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about your healing.