Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare with A Second Skin Bandage

Leave Derm Shield bandage (second skin) on for 2-5 days. Remove immediately if allergic reaction or leaking occurs. Healing with Derm Shield is a luxury, not a necessity.
Tattoos weep blood, plasma, and ink for the first 24-48 hours. Fluid build up under Derm Shield bandage is normal, remove early only if fluid is leaking or an allergic reaction occurs.
To remove Derm Shield, peel back (not up) on a corner or edge in a warm shower. For optimum comfort, imagine that you want to remove the bandage like you would painters tape from a delicate surface; peel back against the bandage slow and steady, readjusting your hold occasionally for more control.
Once you’ve removed the bandage, gently wash your tattoo using only your finger tips and fragrance free liquid soap. Do not use a washcloth or loofa, as they are too abrasive. Do not use bar soap, as this will greatly increase your risk of developing an infection in the healing tattoo.
After washing your tattoo, pat dry with a clean and fresh paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of any fragrance free lotion after washing and drying. Less is more with lotion; it’s better to apply too little than to oversaturate the tattoo during the scabbing and peeling process.
Wash and lotion your new tattoo 1-2 times a day for 1 week after removing the bandage.

Showers are awesome while healing a tattoo, with or without Derm Shield. Do not submerge your new tattoo in water for at least 2-4 weeks (i.e. no baths, hot tubs, swimming, etc.).
It is recommended to wear loose, breathable clothing the first week or two of healing. Natural fibers are best (i.e. cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc.). Avoid anything that is tight and made of lycra, nylon, or spandex. Avoid anything that will rub against the tattoo too aggressively (i.e. if you get a tattoo on your foot, wear sandals while it heals rather than sneakers).
Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24-72 hours. The tattoo is still seeping, the skin is still broken, and excessive sweating may contribute to excess ink fallout.
Light scabbing and peeling is normal after removing Derm Shield bandage. More scabbing and peeling is common if no Derm Shield bandage is used.
Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo; either lightly lotion the tattoo or lightly pat it to relieve the itch.
Do not expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight or UV exposure for at least 2-4 weeks.
Tattoos age as well as your skin does, so take good care of your skin (regular exfoliation, regular moisturizing, and utilizing proper sun protection when necessary) and your tattoos will age gracefully with you!

If bandaged with a traditional bandage (a non-second skin bandage), remove after 4-6 hours or in the morning if you were bandaged up later in the evening. Never leave a traditional bandage on longer than overnight. If you decide to sleep in a traditional bandage, it is recommended to place a towel down or to use bedding that you won’t mind getting stained.
When you’re ready to remove your traditional bandage it is recommended that you do so in the shower, over a bathtub, or over a large sink, depending on the placement of your tattoo.
Once you’ve removed the bandage, gently wash your tattoo using only your finger tips and fragrance free liquid soap. Do not use a washcloth or loofa, as they are too abrasive. Do not use bar soap, as this will greatly increase your risk of developing an infection in the healing tattoo.
After washing your tattoo, pat dry with a clean and fresh paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of any fragrance free lotion after washing and drying. Less is more with lotion; it’s better to apply too little than to oversaturate the tattoo during the scabbing and peeling process.
Wash and lotion your new tattoo 1-2 times a day for 1 week after removing the bandage.
Tattoos weep blood, plasma, and ink for the first 24-48 hours. Noticing some weeping even after washing your tattoo for the first couple of times over the first 1-4 days is normal and can vary from person to person, tattoo to tattoo.

Showers are awesome while healing a tattoo. Do not submerge your new tattoo in water for at least 2-4 weeks (i.e. no baths, hot tubs, swimming, etc.).
It is recommended to wear loose, breathable clothing the first week or two of healing. Natural fibers are best (i.e. cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc.). Avoid anything that is tight and made of lycra, nylon, or spandex. Avoid anything that will rub against the tattoo too aggressively (i.e. if you get a tattoo on your foot, wear sandals while it heals rather than sneakers).
Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24-48 hours. The tattoo is still seeping, the skin is still broken, and excessive sweating may contribute to excess ink fallout.
Mild to heavy scabbing and peeling is common if no Derm Shield bandage is used.
Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo; either lightly lotion the tattoo or lightly pat it to relieve the itch.
Do not expose a new tattoo to direct sunlight or UV exposure for at least 2-4 weeks.
Tattoos age as well as your skin does, so take good care of your skin (regular exfoliation, regular moisturizing, and utilizing proper sun protection when necessary) and your tattoos will age gracefully with you!