Aftercare

Each artist has their own instructions for after-care that may differ based on their preferences or style of work. Aftercare instructions detailed in this website are my personal recommendations and are not the only right way to take care of a tattoo.

I offer second-skin (or Saniderm) to those who prefer it; there are specific instructions listed at the bottom of the page that you can refer to for that.

Scroll down to read or click the buttons to go to a printable version.

SECOND-SKIN BANDAGE
GENERAL AFTERCARE

GENERAL TATTOO AFTERCARE

 

IMMEDIATE CARE (for saran wrap)

  • Remove the initial bandage/wrap 1-3 hours after it was applied. Make sure your hands are clean before removing. Do not leave on longer than 3 hours. 
  • After removing, immediately wash the tattoo with warm water and a small amount of unscented antibacterial soap. Be gentle and use only fingertips to wash until the tattoo is no longer slimy. Do not use a washcloth or any other material to wash or dry your tattoo; cloths are known to harbor bacteria that may infect your new tattoo.
  • After cleaning, air dry or gently dab your tattoo with a paper towel or other sanitary napkin until it is completely dry. Allow the tattoo to air dry for at least 10 mins before applying any moisturizer. 

 

DAILY CARE 

    • Always wash your hands before washing your tattoo or applying moisturizer.
  • Gently* clean the tattoo 1-2 times per day for the first 7 days, following the same instructions as in the immediate care section. 
  • Apply moisturizer 1-3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. Heavier ointments such as aquaphor or neosporin can be used for the first 3 days, but after that you should switch to a lighter everyday moisturizer. When applying moisturizer, be careful not to overdo it. Only a thin layer is required, just enough to cover the tattoo. Apply whenever the tattoo feels dry or uncomfortably tight. And remember, it’s okay for it to be a bit dry. There’s no need to put moisturizer on every hour. 
  • Keep the tattoo free from grease, chemicals, general dirt, or biohazards (such as uncooked meat). If it becomes exposed to any of these things, immediately wash (gently) with antibacterial soap and warm water and air dry it. 
    • Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. Do not use tanning beds for at least 4 weeks. 
    • Do not soak the tattoo in water for at least 2 weeks. Avoid baths, hot tubs, public swimming pools, and recreational water activities for 4 weeks. 
    • Do not allow shampoo and conditioner to come in contact with your tattoo for 2 weeks. 
    • Profuse sweating has the same effect on new tattoos as soaking water. Avoid going to the gym or participating in heavy cardiovascular or aerobic exercise for 2 weeks. 
    • Wear loose clothing that can allow your healing tattoo to breathe. Avoid tight or abrasive clothing and do not wear jewelry or other accessories that would rub on the tattoo for at least 2 weeks. 
    • Do not pick or scratch at new tattoos. Allow scabs to form and fall off naturally with as little disruption as possible. 
  • Avoid direct contact with animals for 2 weeks. When interacting with animals, wear clothing that covers your tattoo. 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • For the first 1-2 days, it is normal for the tattoo to leak plasma, blood & ink. Be aware that it may get onto your sheets or clothing. Avoid laying on your tattoo while you sleep for the first couple days. 
  • As the tattoo heals, it will peel like a sunburn. If you notice the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of moisturizer and avoid scrubbing or picking at it. 
  • Soreness & tenderness around the procedure site is normal. Over the first two weeks, it is expected for the tattoo to be sore. 
  • Your tattoo will most likely get itchy during the first 1-2 weeks of healing. It’s a sign that your body is healing, do not itch; applying moisturizer regularly and protecting your tattoo from the sun can help. 
  • Tattoos with heavy ink saturation (such as black work, full color, darkly shaded sections or thick lines) create thicker scabs that may take slightly longer to heal than other portions of the tattoo. Do not pick at the scabs or peel them off. 
  • After the first 4 weeks of avoiding direct sunlight, it is best to always apply sunscreen to your tattoo anytime it will be in the sun. This, along with taking extra care not to sunburn it protects the quality of the tattoo throughout its life. 

 

SIGNS OF INFECTION 

If you observe any of these things on your skin, contact a doctor immediately. 

  • Swelling and redness that increases in size around the tattoo
  • Severe burning or throbbing sensation around the tattoo
  • Increased tenderness and becoming more painful to the touch 
  • An unusual discharge (yellow or green) with a foul smell
  • Red streak coming from the procedure site towards the heart 
  • Elevated body temperature 
  • Purulent drainage from the procedure site 

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SANIDERM/ SECOND SKIN BANDAGE

    • I recommend leaving the bandage on for 3 days. It is not required to leave on this long, and will not harm your tattoo if taken off early. It also can be left on for an extra day or two if feels necessary in your situation. Do not leave on longer than 5 days. 
    • Fluid build up under the bandage is normal. It should reabsorb itself over time.
  • If fluid leaks out from under the bandage, or the bandage is torn, immediately remove following removal directions. 

 

Removal 

  • When removing, make sure your hands are clean and remove under warm running water to help loosen the adhesive. I recommend removing it in the shower at the very end.
  • Go slow and be gentle, it may hurt to remove as your tattoo will still be fresh and sore. If you’re struggling to remove the bandage, use fingertips and a small amount of unscented antibacterial soap and rub along the edge; avoid tugging the bandage at a 90° angle. 
  • Once removed, follow washing & drying instructions listed under “immediate care” 

 

General information

  • Some people are sensitive to the adhesive in saniderm. If you have not used it before, be extra vigilant in looking for signs of a reaction. The clearest sign of a reaction is the formation of a rash around the boarder of the bandage. Itchiness, redness, or general irritation particularly around the edge of the bandage can also indicate a reaction. If you see any signs of reaction or in general notice your skin being irritated by the bandage, immediately remove it. 
  • The bandage is water resistant, so it is okay to shower with it on and get it wet, just do not ever soak it in water. 
  • Avoid getting profusely sweaty or going to the gym while bandage is on. No saunas. 
  • It is okay if the edges of the bandage come up, as long as the seal around the tattoo is still intact. 
  • If sticky residue is left on your skin after removal, leave it alone and it will naturally come off over the next few days. Do not scrub your tattoo or use anything abrasive to try and get it off.