Aftercare
Hey, awesome you got a new tat! I know it can be tough to remember what feels like a million steps of aftercare when you’re simultaneously thinking “Oh my god I have a new tattoo!” and trying to rid your brain of the post tattoo grogginess. But don’t worry, I got you! Down below are all the steps on how to care for your new tattoo! If you still have any questions after reading this section feel free check out the FAQ page, or reach out through my email dustwilber@gmail.com
Secondskin bandage:
Leave the bandage on for 3-5 days. Keep on for at least a minimum of 3 days. No longer than 5 days to avoid risking infection.
After that 3-5 day period remove the bandage under running water.
When removing the bandage it’s easier and much less painful if you stretch it parallel to the skin.
Once the bandage is removed make sure to wash your tattoo at least 2-3 times a day with unscented antibacterial hand soap. (Dial Gold is my go to!)
After every wash apply a thin layer of (any) unscented lotion. Your tattoo will be dry throughout the day over the next couple of weeks. Apply a thin layer throughout your day as needed.
It takes about two weeks from the day of your appointment for your tattoo to fully heal!
Over the next couple of weeks it is in important to stay out of direct sunlight. Your tattoo can pre maturely age if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. You also risk your tattoo getting sunburnt, that could cause parts of your tattoo to fall out, and majorly increase the risk of your tattoo getting infected.
Showering is fine with the bandage, as well as when the bandage comes off. You should not submerge your tattoo once the bandage comes off. Meaning, no baths, or swimming, I would also suggest avoiding saunas and hot rooms. This can cause the scabs to fall off prematurely which could make your tattoo lose ink, and greatly increase your chance of getting an infection.
While the bandage is on please be careful about sweating underneath the bandage. You don’t want to risk the sweat collecting and causing an infection. I would suggest taking a couple days off from working out (or doing other extraneous activities) until the bandage is removed.
Your tattoo may be itchy over the next few days. That’s totally normal as long as there are no raised bumps/rash looking skin. Do not scratch your tattoo. Keeping your tattoo moisturized will help with the itchiness. If it becomes unbearable it is safe to pat your tattoo to relieve the itching.
Once those two weeks are up and your tattoo is healed you are good to go! To help keep your tattoo looking fresh maintain moisturizing your skin, and SPF is recommended when going outside.
Enjoy your new ink!
If the Secondskin bandage comes off before the 3 day mark:
If your bandage comes off before 3 days either due to irritation, or the bandage pealing off and exposing part of your tattoo. Don’t panic your tattoo will be fine!
Fully remove your bandage under running water.
Once the bandage is removed make sure to wash your tattoo at least 2-3 times a day with unscented antibacterial hand soap. (Dial Gold is my go to!)
After every wash apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, or A&D ointment. Repeat this for 2-3 days. After those first couple of days move onto an unscented lotion after every wash for the remainder of the healing process.
Follow the remainder of healing instructions from above over the next 2 weeks.
Traditional healing:
Keep bandage on your tattoo for the next 2-4 hours.
Once those couple of hours are up remove bandage and wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial hand soap. (Dial Gold is my go to!) Make sure to wash your tattoo at least 2-3 times a day for the rest of the healing process.
After every wash apply a thin layer of Aquaphor, or A&D ointment. Repeat this for the next 2-3 days.
After those first couple of days are over, move onto applying a thin layer of unscented lotion after every wash for the remainder of the healing process. Your tattoo will be dry throughout the day over the next couple of weeks. Apply a thin layer throughout your day as needed.
It takes about two weeks from the day of your appointment for your tattoo to fully heal!
Over the next couple of weeks it is in important to stay out of direct sunlight. Your tattoo can pre maturely age if exposed to the sun for long periods of time. You also risk your tattoo getting sunburnt, that could cause parts of your tattoo to fall out, and majorly increase the risk of your tattoo getting infected.
Showering is fine! But you should not submerge your tattoo. Meaning, no baths, or swimming, I would also suggest avoiding saunas and hot rooms. This can cause the scabs to fall off prematurely which could make your tattoo lose ink, and greatly increase your chance of getting an infection.
Your tattoo may be itchy over the next few days. That’s totally normal as long as there are no raised bumps/rash looking skin. Do not scratch your tattoo. Keeping your tattoo moisturized will help with the itchiness. If it becomes unbearable it is safe to pat your tattoo to relieve the itching.
Once those two weeks are up and your tattoo is healed you are good to go! To help keep your tattoo looking fresh maintain moisturizing your skin, and SPF is recommended when going outside.
Enjoy your new ink!
