Tattoo Aftercare

SECOND SKIN + TRADITIONAL HEAL + TOUCH UPS

Second Skin Bandage

  • Exercise: areas not prone to friction or sweating, such as the wrist, ankle, or back of the neck are safe after 48 hours. Places that are exposed to movement or rubbing or sweating: calves, trunk, thighs, back, and shoulders—need at least 72 hours.

  • Keep bandage on for 3-5 days (remove sooner if it irritates your skin with redness, swelling, hives, blisters, and remove even if mild irritation occurs along the bandage edge or away from the tattoo under the estimated time) If taken off early, follow natural healing instructions below.

  • You can place an ice compress (wrapped in a cloth) against your bandaged tattoo for 10 minute intervals to reduce swelling/soreness.

  • You can take one Advil or Tylenol to reduce redness/swelling/pain. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, avoid excessive substance use that can thin the blood or impede healing during this time. Cannabis products are also okay to use.

  • Do not take baths, swim in pools/the ocean, go into saunas or hot tubs, have tattoo exposed to sunlight/tan (there is no SPF protection with the bandage) during healing or take long, hot showers over the tattoo. The bandage is water resistant, not repellent, so it can get lightly wet, though should not be left under streaming water if possible.
    If water gets under the bandage remove it and heal normally below.

  • While you are wearing your bandage it is normal for the bandage to fill with blood, ink, and plasma as the tattoo heals. This is not cause for panic or immediate removal of the bandage if there is no irritation you are experiencing, the fluid is meant to occur and assists the tattoo in healing.

  • Remove under warm water with unscented soap in the shower/or with oil.

  • Clean with unscented soap (make a lather with your hands) and wipe, do not rub or pick.

  • Pat dry with clean towel (do not rub).

  • Moisturize for a week or more with unscented lotion, aquafor or oil (coconut, almond or avocado).

  • Most of the healing will be completed.

  • * If a residue of the bandage remains on the skin once the bandage has been removed, oil can be used to gently release the adhesive over the course of a few days as the tattoo heals. Do not panic, use oil and wash once a day to weaken the adhesive, and wait for the residue to come off, while moisturizing as needed.

  • Once healed (flat and matte), apply sunscreen on hot/sunny days, moisturize your skin consistently.

  • Contact artist for any touch ups if needed, send a photo if uncertain (free within 1 year, $50+ after).

  • Email buyanisle@gmail.com a well lit healed photo :>

Soaker-Pad Bandage

  • Exercise: areas not prone to friction or sweating, such as the wrist, ankle, or back of the neck are safe after 48 hours. Places that are exposed to movement or rubbing or sweating: calves, trunk, thighs, back, and shoulders—need at least 72 hours.

  • Keep bandage on for 3-24 hours (if tattooed early, clean before bed, if tattooed in the evening, you can clean in the morning).

  • Remove bandage.

  • Rinse in shower with diluted unscented soap (make a lather with your hands) gently wipe the tattoo, do not scrub.

  • Pat dry NOT rub with a clean towel.

  • Apply a thin layer (such as you do for your face) of unscented plain lotion like lubriderm or aquaphor (alternatively coconut, almond, avocado oil, tattoo butter products work as well) immediately.

  • Apply lotion 2-6+ daily depending on the size and darkness of the tattoo (DO NOT LET DRY OUT AND SCAB) you will feel when it is getting dry and needs moisturizing.

  • Clean 1-2 times (1 usually, 2 if you have a job involving dust/dirt/sweat/chemicals) or are active.

  • Wear clean clothes, sleep on clean sheets, keep animals away from the wound (sleeping in a garment can help with comfort for the first couple days).

  • Do not allow scabbing and do not pick.

  • After flaking, it will settle and be smooth within 3-4 weeks.

  • Do not take baths, swim in pools/the ocean, go into saunas or hot tubs, have tattoo exposed to sunlight/tan during healing or take long, hot showers over the tattoo.

  • Once healed (flat and matte), apply sunscreen on hot/sunny days, moisturize your skin consistently.

  • Contact artist for any touch ups if needed, send a photo if uncertain (free within 1 year, $50+ after).

  • Email buyanisle@gmail.com well lit healed photo :3

TOUCH UPS

  • Touch ups are free within one year. There will be a charge of $50+ after that time. Email a photo of your healed tattoo at one month or later for your touch up, if you are unsure if you need one, or to just provide a healed photo.

  • It is OKAY to get someone else to touchup your tattoo if it is simple and you are located out of province or country from where I am. I trust other artists to have the skill set and deduce what the touch ups needs. Ask other artists in your area if they are willing and comfortable to do so. It will likely cost you something for time and supplies.