Aftercare to protect your new body art!
Every tattoo heals similarly and also a little different. Fine line tattoos typically heal quicker as there is less trauma to the skin versus big tattoos will scab more and have a seemingly longer healing time. Some people are allergic to the second skin bandage, which if that is the case for you - follow the instructions to ‘Bandage Healing’.
Bandage Healing:
Initial Care (First Week): Remove the bandage after 2 hours. Wash the tattoo gently with a mild fragrance free soap and warm water twice a day for the first 2 days. You do not have to use antibacterial soap, ensure your hands and towels you use are clean. Pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and let air dry for up to an hour. It is not recommend to use a hand towel as the fibres could get stuck in your tattoo, instead use a new piece of paper towel every time you cleanse your tattoo. Apply a very thin layer of moisturizer 2 times a day. Less is more when moisturizing your tattoo.
Use fragrance-free, gentle products like Aquaphor, Lubriderm, A&D ointment or tattoo-specific creams.
Key Moisturizer Tips: Choose unscented, gentle formulas. Use products with ingredients like: Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Aloe vera, Vitamin B5
Healing Progression: After 5 days, only moisturize once a day. Continue moisturizing for 3-4 weeks until skin fully heals which is typically 4-6 weeks. Protect tattoo from sun exposure during healing.
Second Skin:
Second skin bandages are micro perforated bandages that allows oxygen in to pass through but keeps water out. You can shower with the bandage on, just don’t wash too closely to the area as it could compromise the adhesive. If you notice redness around the edges of the bandage - you can remove it prematurely and follow the bandage healing instructions.
Leave the second skin tattoo bandage on for 24 hours. Note: It is normal for body fluids to collect under the bandage. Remove the adhesive cover by rinsing under lukewarm water and by pulling the corner down and along your skin. Avoid pulling straight out from your skin as that can be quite uncomfortable.
Once that is off and in a clean environment, wash the tattoo gently with a mild or fragrance free soap and rinse well and pat dry with a fresh clean sheet of paper towel. Once you tattoo is completely dry after 15 minutes, apply the second bandage that was given to you by Christina.
Watch the 5 minute video below about how to replace the bandage after 24 hours. The second ultraderm bandage will stay on for the next 6 days. Watch the bandage removal video on how to remove your bandage after the 5 days.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Keeping your fresh tattoo out of the sun is a really great thing to do to minimize the amount of touch ups that may be needed.
Ultraderm is a breathable waterproof medical grade bandage specifically designed for tattoos.
The key for fast healing with tattoos is ensuring it is moisturized.
Avoid picking or peeling scabs as this can lead to areas requiring more touch ups.
For more information on tattoo touch ups please view the Frequently Asked Questions page.