Aftercare
Its always important to pay close attention to the aftercare your specific tattoo artist provides you with as the instructions vary slightly from artist to artist based on the size and style of the tattoo you received. If you're unsure about the instructions your were provided and are unable to reach your artist the instructions below should be helpful!
Aftercare with and without Second Skin
Second skin goes by many brand names that vary from artist to artist and from shop to shop. Second skin is a clear, flexible, water resistant bandage that covers your tattoo for the fist few days of healing. If your artist does not use Second Skin they will use a variety of other wraps such as absorbent bandages, saran wrap, and tape. Second Skin is still relatively new to the centuries old art of tattooing and is certainly not necessary for healing. If your artist prefers to not use Second Skin that is perfectly normal!
Using Second Skin
Second skin will be left on for anywhere from 3-5 days. During the time your second skin is on please avoid exercise as sweat can get trapped underneath the bandage and irritate your tattoo. You may shower as normal with the bandage on, but please avoid soaking the tattoo in baths or hot tubs as well as swimming. You will notice a build up of fluid under the bandage. This fluid will contain some blood, plasma, and excess ink. It doesn't look pretty but is completely normal! So long as the liquid does not leak out of the bandage you can leave the second skin on.
Removing Second Skin
After the bandage has protected your new tattoo for 3-5 days, or once the fluid leaks, you are ready to remove it! It is best to remove the bandage in a warm shower as the heat of the water will help loosen the adhesive. Pull the second skin off slowly and carefully- this is not the time to treat it like a wax strip! You will take the bottom of the bandage and pull it against the skin, much like a command strip being removed from the wall. Once its removed you will wash the tattoo with a gentle unscented soap using your hands and rinse it really well. The first time you wash your tattoo we recommend patting it dry with a paper towel to avoid the rough towel fibers getting stuck in your tattoo!
Remainder of healing
Your tattoo will take two weeks to full heal, including the time you had the second skin. For the entire two weeks please avoid soaking your tattoo, swimming, and sun exposure. If your tattoo feels tight or itchy you may apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer. Avoid over moisturizing your tattoo- a maximum of three times per day should be sufficient! DO NOT scratch your tattoo or pick your scabs! Avoid any occlusive or antibiotic ointments such as Vaseline and Polysporin as well as oils such as coconut oil as they can cause irritation and slow the process of healing.
Freedom!
After two weeks you are healed, yay! Your tattoo will continue to form scar tissue and settle into the skin for the next 6 months. Be sure to use sunscreen to protect your new investment!
What if you dont use Second Skin?
Not all tattoos are appropriate to heal using second skin and not all artists use them. Be sure to carefully follow your artists aftercare instructions when not using Second Skin! Most artists will recommend leaving the protective covering on your tattoo for a few hours to overnight. Once it is safe to remove the protective bandage you can follow steps 3-5 listed above.