AFTERCARE

1. Second Skin (clear bandage)
- Leave the bandage on for 2-3 days.
-Your tattoo will accumulate fluid beneath the bandage that you will be able to see. This will be dark or vary in color. There is nothing wrong with your tattoo, so don't worry! The fluid is helping your fresh wound heal naturally. Do not release the fluid or tamper with the bandage. Keep an eye on it and remove the bandage if the seal is broken.
-If you suspect you are having a reaction to the second skin, remove the bandage. Look for redness around the edges of the bandage, or redness under the full area of the bandage (not just around the tattoo, but up to the edges and stopping abruptly)— these may be indications of an adhesive reaction, and you should remove the bandage immediately.
To Remove the Bandage:
-Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands.
-Run warm water over the bandage to loosen it. Start at an edge or corner, and pull bandage away from itself, stretching to help gently remove from the skin. Go slow and use soap and water to loosen the adhesive seal. I recommend doing this in the shower, as fluid may leak when the seal is broken.
-Once the bandage is removed, wash the tattoo gently with mild unscented liquid soap, removing any remaining fluid build-up.
-Allow tattoo to dry completely before applying lotion, this may take a few hours.
-Apply plain unscented lotion on your tattoo. Rub it in completely and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 2-3 times a day for at least two weeks, or as long as your tattoo feels dry.


(Black Bandage):
-Leave the bandage at least 5 hours, or overnight for large or color tattoos.
-Do not remove the bandage at all during this time, as this is an important step to start the healing process and helps prevent infection when your skin is at its most vulnerable.
To Remove the Bandage:
-Wash your hands thoroughly. ONLY ever touch your fresh tattoo with CLEAN hands.
-Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water.
-Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
-Allow tattoo to dry for 24 hours, washing the tattoo a couple times in addition to the initial wash, to remove any risidual fluid that may still be seeping from your fresh tattoo. Your tattoo is still susceptible to infection during this time, so keep it clean!
-Once the tattoo is dry, start applying plain unscented lotion 2-3 times a day. Rub it in completely and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 2-3 times a day for at least two weeks, or as long as your tattoo feels dry.



A dry flaky layer of skin will form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally.
-Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Removing the out layer of skin prematurely can negatively effect healing, and can lead to loss of pigment or scarring.
-Apply lotion as needed (when your tattoo feels itchy, dry, or tight).
-Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. Cover fresh tattoos in the sun with clothing.
-You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is healed.
-After your tattoo has healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoo's appearance, especially colored pigment. Once your tattoo is healed, a regular routine of sunscreen and limited sun exposure will prolong the vibrancy of your tattoo!

Do not soak your fresh tattoo in water for 2 weeks— no bathtub, hot tubs, saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water.

Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best.
-Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly (particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.

PLEASE email me if you have any questions regarding afercare!

SHOPPING LIST:

-Mild unscented liquid soap (Dial, Dr. Bronners)
-White unscented lotion (Suggestions: Gold Bond Pure Moisture, Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Cerevae Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Hustle Butter)