Aftercare
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR NEW TATTOO:
Once the second skin is in place, it can last for 2-4 days. Some excess fluid may build inside the covering- looking like a dark inky sac- this is totally normal!
If your second skin pulls up or exposes your tattoo, it’s best to remove it as otherwise bacteria can get trapped under the surface.
If any irritation, itchiness or redness occurs, remove the second skin and follow the cleaning steps under ‘Using Clingfilm’.
How to remove second skin: place it under warm running water to help loosen the adhesive. Grab a bottom corner and stretch down and away from you (like removing a command strip), continuing to work your way up the patch of second skin. Once it’s removed, clean the area with warm soapy water and leave to air dry for 10-20 mins. Then apply apply a thin layer of moisturiser.
Continue the washing and moisturising routine 3 times a day for the first few days.
If Using Second Skin:
If Using Clingfilm:
Remove clingfilm after 2-3 hours & gently rinse off the area with warm water & a mild soap (nothing too chemical or perfume heavy).
Allow to air dry (a couple of minutes is normally enough).
Apply a THIN layer of aftercare ointment to the area.
Apply new CLEAN cling film.
Repeat this process every 3-4 hours for the first 2 days.
Sleeping with the cling film on for the first night is recommended as it prevents irritation & drying out during sleep (it also protects your bed sheets from staining).
On the 3rd day, continue to regularly clean & moisturise your tattoo, but do not use the cling film, as it is no longer necessary.
Continue to regularly moisturise until the tattoo has fully healed.
Typical healing time is 2-4 weeks, depending on skin type & the placement of your tattoo. During this time it is perfectly normal for your new tattoo to be more sensitive & itchy, don't worry this goes away as it heals. Be gentle with your tattoo and your body during the healing process.
Other Healing Tips:
Absolutely NO picking! It’s very normal for your tattoo to go through an itchy flaking stage of healing, but resist scratching or picking as this can pull ink out of the skin or cause general damage to your new tattoo.
No swimming, baths or saunas for the first 2 weeks (showering is fine- you just don’t want to submerge your tattoo in water as this can lead to ink fall out and increase the risk of infection)
Limit exercise- especially activities which cause excessive strain or where you will heavily sweat, as this can slow your body’s healing as well as increase the risk of infection from sweating under after-care coverings.
Protect your tattoo from strong sun: keep covered and use a strong sun block once your tattoo has healed to prevent sun damage
Need any further help? Please don't hesitate to call or email us at the shop for advice, we’re always happy to answer any questions or concerns!
