Aftercare - Dermshield/Secondskin

(Adhesive)

Recovery Dermshield is a breathable film adhesive bandage. Dermshield is not a necessity for a healing tattoo, but it can provide a bit more protection from the elements and foreign bacteria when used correctly on skin that is not allergic to it. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to any adhesives (band-aids, surgical tape, etc.) then I do not recommend using this product!

After your tattoo session is over you should have a layer of Dermshield already applies to your skin. This bandage will stay on for 24 hours or until the fluid that collects inside the bandage gets within a half inch of the edge of the bandage. If the fluid inside of the bandage leaks out it is important to remove and wasn’t he bandage according to steps 3-4 as soon as possible
Do not attempt this step in a public restroom or shower. Make sure you are in the private restroom of your residence or where you are staying for the night* When you’re ready to remove your Dermshield get into the shower and wash the rest of your body first, then your hands. Once everything else on your body is clean remain in the shower and run warm to hot water (whichever is most comfortable) over your bandage for 30 seconds to 1 minute to help loosen the adhesive. Slowly and gently peel up a corner or edge and pull the bandage parallel to your skin, like removing a poster strip. If the bandage is pulled directly off your skin it is okay, but may be more painful.
Using a mild, liquid, antibacterial soap (such as Dial in ‘Gold’ or Softsoap in ‘Crisp Clean’) and your clean hand, gently lather up the wet tattoo until the slimy residue is gone. Do not attempt to abrade your tattoo in any way. Do not use a loofah, washcloth, or bar soap on your tattoo*
Exit the shower and pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel to dry your tattoo, as this can increase your chances of infection. To avoid possible exposure to harmful bacteria, keep your tattoo from touching any other objects or surfaces while it dries*
Starting on a center crease, remove the white backing from the Dermshield sheet you were sent home with and position it on your tattoo with the adhesive side against your skin. Try to center your tattoo in the bandage as much as possible.
Starting in the center and working out toward the edges of your bandage, gently press the bandage against your skin to seal it in place. After it is sealed remove the clear plastic liner with eh black crosses on it, starting at the seams (where the gold arrows point at each other). Some air bubbles are normal, but avoid having any that run from the center of your bandage to the edge.
Keep your second bandage on for 3-5 days. If the fluid leaks, dries, or gets close to the edge of the bandage (within a half inch or so) remove it as soon as possible and wash then dry according to steps 2-4.
Gently apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (such as Lubriderm or Aquaphor) to the tattoo with clean, freshly washed hands. Do not over apply the lotion. Only use lotion in a pump bottle or in a tube - do not use ointment from a tub*
For the next two weeks gently wash and dry your tattoo (steps 2-4) at least twice a day, applying a thin layer of ointment or lotion after the tattoo is completely dry. Additionally wash your tattoo immediately after you get sweaty or if your tattoo comes into contact with any unclean surfaces/materials/objects.
Your tattoo will begin to tighten and then flake off on its own - do not pick, scratch or stretch the skin of the tattoo during this process, as this can lead to loss of pigment and/or scarring.

*DO NOT submerge your tattoo in any body of water (jacuzzi, pool, river, ocean, full bathtub etc.) or expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks immediately following your appointment.

You can however shower as normal when your bandage is applies and after it is removed. When showering with your bandage on be mindful of your bandage. Do not scrub at the edges of your bandage, if it begins to collect shower water immediately remove and wash according to steps 2- 4, followed by a thin layer of moisturizer when dry (step 8). Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 3-5 days of healing. If your tattoo is on a lower limb area (lower arm or lower leg) elevate that limb as often as you can to avoid unnecessary inflammation and swelling, even when you are sitting or laying down. Do not let pets lick or rub against your tattoo. Be mindful of changing your bedding and not wearing tight and/or unwashed clothing. Healing time is dependent on the person, surface area and placement of the tattoo. 2 weeks is the minimum healing time period – during this time please be extra vigilant about keeping your tattoo away from anything that can contaminate the area with harmful bacteria. It is best to avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo as much as you can, even after your tattoo is healed.

After your tattoo is healed completely healed, remember to apply SPF and avoid direct sunlight without protection whenever possible.

If you have any questions about the Aftercare instructions provided, please contact your tattooer via their preferred form of communication. If you exhibit signs of infection or disease in your tattoo contact a medical professional.

Please scroll down for regular plastic aftercare

Aftercare - Plastic Wrap

(Non-Adhesive)

Despite what you may have heard, plastic wrap can (and will if you follow instructions and are cautious about cleanliness) give you just as great of a heal as second skin or other newer methods. Tattoo artists have used a variation of this plastic wrap aftercare for decades with vibrant results.

After you have been tattooed your artist will apply a wrap of plastic around your fresh tattoo. Keep this wrap on you for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 5 hours. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it’s in the wrap and do not tamper with the edges or tape of the wrap. *while in the wrap it is important to monitor the tattoo for any fluid - if fluid begins to leak out from under the bandage proceed to steps 2-7 even if the minimum of 3 hours has not passed.
When you are ready to remove your wrap make sure you are in your own bathroom at home or where you are staying - do not attempt to remove the bandage in a public restroom or other area. Get into the shower and carefully remove your wrap. Turn on the shower and wash your body and then hands before touching your tattoo.
Using your clean, open hand and unscented/mild liquid antibacterial soap (such as Dial in ‘Gold’ or Softsoap in ‘Crisp Clean’) gently lather yo your tattoo until the initial slimy feeling is done. Do not attempt to scrub, scratch or otherwise abrade your tattoo. Do not touch your tattoo with a loofah, washcloth or anything else but your clean hand.
Once the slimy feeling is gone from your tattoo rinse off the lather completely with warm to hot water, whichever is comfortable.
After the lather is completely gone exit the shower and pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and/or allow to completely air dry. *Do not touch your tattoo with a bath towel.
Once your tattoo is completely air dry very gently apply a thin* layer of Aquaphor or Lubriderm (if you have a favorite lotion that has healed well on previous tattoos, you can also use that instead.) *Do not use any ointment in a tub - make sure to use ointment that can be squeezed or pumped out of its container, only apply ointment with freshly washed/clean hands.
For the next 2 weeks at least repeat steps 2-6 twice daily. Additionally, if you get very sweaty or your tattoo comes into contact with an unclean material/surface/object wash it according to steps 2-6.
Over the next 2-3 weeks you will begin to feel your tattoo tighten more and more until it forms a scab. Do not pick at your tattoo, allow the scab to crack naturally and fall off on its own. Move the tattooed area of your body as gently as you can during this time. If your tattoo is stretched too tight due to movement or forceful contact the scab can break before it’s ready which will cause a lot of unnecessary pain and increase your chances of infection.

Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 3-5 days of healing. If your tattoo is on a lower limb area (lower arm or lower leg) elevate that limb as often as you can to avoid unnecessary inflammation and swelling, even when you are sitting or laying down. Do not let pets lick or rub against your tattoo. Be mindful of changing your bedding and avoid wearing tight and/or unwashed clothing. Healing time is dependent on the person, surface area and placement of the tattoo. 2 weeks is the minimum healing time period – during this time please be extra vigilant about keeping your tattoo away from anything that can contaminate the area with harmful bacteria. It is best to avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo as much as you can, even after your tattoo is healed.