Aftercare
For Second Skin Application
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Keep second skin on for 3-4 days.
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Only take off second skin if allergic reaction occurs, plasma leaking out edges, or shower water enters bandage.
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Take off under running warm water, pulling down and away from skin slowly.
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Wash tattoo with unscented soap every 8 hours until flaking occurs.
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Lotion only with breathable unscented lotion to combat dryness/flakiness. If excessive itchiness occurs, you may use a hustle butter or heavier coconut oil based unscented lotion to help.
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Stay out of hot tubs, pools, baths, saunas while any scabs or flaking is present (general rule 2 weeks)
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Stay out of tanning beds or sun tanning for 6 weeks. Sunscreen for life!
For Bandage/Saran wrap Application
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Keep bandage/saran wrap on until following morning
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Take off bandage & wash with unscented soap. Airdry tattoo, then spray with bactine, airdry again.
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Rewrap with provided bandage or saran wrap if desired. This is a must for anyone working a job with animals, trades, dust ect.
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Clean, bactine spray & rewrap every 8 hours.
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You may dry heal after tattoo has stopped bleeding/ oozing plasma. This is generally when the tattoo becomes dry. You may moisturize lightly at this stage
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Stay out of hottubs, baths, pools, saunas for 2 weeks.
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Stay out of tanning beds or sun tanning for 6 weeks. Sunscreen for life !
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The first few days
The first few days the tattoo your tattoo will be raw & sore- it will almost feel like a sunburn! This is when your tattoo is still an open wound. This is the most important period to keep your tattoo as clean as possible! Second skin provides a safety barrier between bacteria & your fresh tattoo, but if you cannot use second skin then you must take extra care to keep your tattoo sterile as possible in this period. And be gentile with yourself! A healthy immune system allows you to heal faster. Drink lots of water, take your vitamins and get good sleep.
PSA dont over do it at the gym either unlesss you know your immune system can handle it
Healing Process
Your tattoo will take a total of 6 weeks to heal (give or take- depending on your skin type & immune system)
Week 1 is generally your itchiness and most annoying! Your skin will be shedding off layers as it heals, with light scabs in fully saturated places. It it important to keep your tattoo dry but lightly moisturized.
Week 2-3 infection isn't much of a concern anymore but you will be very dry still. Keep cleaning &moisturizing! Only lightly exfoliating.
Week 4-6, you may start exfoliating gently, dryness may subsid a bit however continure to lotion for the tattoo to look fresh. Keep your tattoo out of the sun for the entire first 6 weeks and continue using sunscreen especially for color or fineline pieces.
Commonly Asked Questions
"Can I work out after I get my tattoo?"
A: You may workout lightly for the first 4 days of healing however no intense sweating especially while wearing the second skin. If you sweat heavily for a workout, make sure you are washing & drying your tattoo immediately. Do not let your tattoo touch any nasty equipment in da gym!!! After 5 days you may go crazy but continue cleaning/ moisturizing.
"I am going on a vacation 2 weeks after my tattoo appointment- can I go swimming by then?"
A: You may go swimming only when there aren't any scabs or intense flaking present. You do not want any healing pieces to soak in pool water- this includes hottubs, lakes, oceans. It is very important to keep your tattoo out of the sun for 6 weeks following as well- so investing in a good non-greasy sunscreen may help you with this