Tattoo Aftercare

If your tattoo is covered with Second Skin / Derm Shield, keep it on for the amount of time recommended by your artist.

Some blood, plasma, and ink may collect underneath the bandage during the first day. This is normal.

Remove the bandage earlier if it starts leaking, becomes damaged, or the seal is broken.

To remove it, slowly peel the bandage under warm running water, gently stretching it along the skin rather than pulling it directly away from the tattoo.

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub or use a washcloth, sponge, or exfoliating product.

Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry for a few minutes.

Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare lotion or moisturizer. Your skin should feel lightly moisturized — never wet or greasy.

Wash your tattoo approximately twice a day and keep it clean.

Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer whenever the skin feels dry.

Dryness, itching, peeling, and light flaking are normal during healing.

Do not scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo. Let any flakes or small scabs come off naturally.

Until your tattoo is fully healed:

• Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean.
• Avoid saunas and steam rooms.
• Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds.
• Avoid excessive sweating, friction, and activities that significantly irritate the tattoo.
• Avoid tight clothing that constantly rubs against the area.
• Do not shave directly over the healing tattoo.
• Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, exfoliating products, or heavily fragranced skincare.
• Keep the tattoo away from unnecessary contact with other people, pets, and potentially dirty surfaces.

Short showers are completely fine.

Once your tattoo is completely healed, use SPF 30–50 whenever it will be exposed to the sun.

Regular sun protection helps preserve the contrast and fine details of your tattoo over time.

Do not apply sunscreen to a fresh or unhealed tattoo.

During the first few days, mild redness, tenderness, warmth, swelling, and a small amount of clear plasma can be normal.

As your tattoo heals, you may also experience dryness, itching, peeling, and light flaking.

Everyone heals differently depending on their skin, tattoo size, placement, and other individual factors.

Increasing redness, severe swelling, worsening pain, excessive heat, pus-like discharge, red streaking, fever, or symptoms that become progressively worse may require medical attention.

If you are concerned about a possible infection or allergic reaction, contact a qualified healthcare professional.

If you’re unsure whether something you’re experiencing is part of the normal healing process, feel free to contact me and send a clear photo of the tattoo.