Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Days 0-5
Leave Recovery Derm on for 3 to 5 days. Save a copy: AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS.
Recovery Derm: Recovery Derm (second-skin bandages) is a medical-grade latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage used to seal the tattooed area from outside elements. It is waterproof but permeable to allow skin perspiration. The adhesive bandage will generally stay applied for 3 to 5 days. Showers are fine, but avoid pools, spas, baths, etc. Please contact your artist if your Recovery Derm starts to peel off or gets water under it (not plasma/ink).
Directions for Removal: After 3 to 5 days, remove the Derm Shield by gently peeling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. It is best if removed in the shower.
Plasma Build-Up: A plasma build-up may be noticeable for larger tattoos, causing the tattoo to appear blurred. This is normal and generally a good sign, not an indication of the tattoo blurring.
Days 3, 4, 5 – 14 days After Recovery Derm Removal
Washing Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. This helps to prevent an infection.
Cleaning Your Tattoo: Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap (E.G. Dial Soap). Avoid chemicals and exfoliants. If using bar soap, lather separately and apply over the tattoo.
Drying: Pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel or let it air dry, as towels can harbor bacteria even if they are washed constantly.
Lotion: Choose a lightweight, unscented lotion that supports the natural skin barrier (E.G., CeraVe, Cetaphil). Avoid anything with perfume, dyes, and petrolatum-based ingredients (E.G., Aquaphor, Neosporin, and Vaseline). You will apply the lotion for the first two to three weeks after getting a new tattoo.
Application: Apply a small amount and gently massage in circular motions, ensuring full coverage of the tattooed area. Repeat this two to three times a day. It is better to use a smaller amount more often than a large amount less frequently.
Clothing: Avoid wearing skin-tight or abrasive clothing, and be cautious not to scratch or disturb the freshly tattooed area.
The Healing Process
Scabbing: After about a week, expect to see smooth, flexible scabbing. Avoid pulling at the scabs or soaking your tattoo in the shower to soften the peeling skin or scabs, and refrain from rolling the skin and scabs off.
Healing Time: Most of the healing process will be complete after the first 2 weeks, but your skin could take 4 to 6 weeks to return to normal and 100% healed.
During Healing
Avoid Sun Exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning booths for 2 weeks (14 days). Wear sun-protective clothing to cover your tattoo if you must be in the sun. Do not use sunblock while your tattoo is healing.
Avoid Swimming: Do not go swimming. Stay out of pools, lakes, ponds, and oceans, and avoid soaking in a hot tub, spa, hot spring, or geothermal bath until your tattoo is completely healed. Short showers are okay.
Avoid Direct Contact: Do not let your tattoo come into contact with pets, people, non-sanitary surfaces, dirt, standing water, chemicals, abrasive clothing, or unwashed hands.
Signs and Symptoms of Infection
What is perceived as an infection is often actually an irritation. While allergic reactions or infections are rare, they can occur. Please follow all aftercare instructions. If there is a concern, please talk with the artist. A physician or dermatologist should be consulted to ensure proper care and treatment if an infection occurs.
Be mindful of the following signs and symptoms of infection:
Severe redness
Swelling
Tenderness at the procedure site
Red streaks originating from the procedure site towards the heart
Elevated body temperature
Purulent (pus-like) drainage from the procedure site, which may be green/yellow in color and foul in odor
If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.
Long-Term Care
Sun Protection: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. Use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UVA and UVB. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Moisturizing: Continually using daily body moisturizers free of silicone- and fragrance will help hydrate, replenish, and promote healthy-looking skin.
Exfoliating: Gently exfoliating your tattoo while showering with a washcloth or loofa can work wonders for your skin. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, promotes a smoother and more radiant appearance, and enhances the clarity and brightness of your tattoo, making it look as good as new.
