Aftercare Instructions
Aftercare starts when you get home or when you're somewhere you can care for your tattoo. Key factors in the healing of your new piece of art are keeping it clean, moisturized and out of the sunlight.
You'll need
■ Unscented, antibacterial soap (e.g. Dial Gold)
■ Unscented Ointment (e.g. Aquaphor or A&D Ointment)
■ Paper Towels
■ Unscented, Moisturizing Lotion (e.g. Unscented Lubriderm lotion)
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with unscented soap.
The next step depends on whether you are using a second skin style bandage such as Saniderm or Recovery. Or if you are using the traditional method with a wrap bandage for aftercare of your tattoo.
For Second Skin Removal and Aftercare:
If your tattoo has been covered with a second skin style bandage, this bandage should be worn for 3-7 days. At the end of the 3rd to 7th day, run warm water over the second skin and peel it off as you would a bandage. I recommend removing the bandage while in a warm shower.
For Traditional Wrap Bandage Aftercare:
Keep tattoo bandaged for approximately 2 hours. Then carefully remove and discard the bandage on your new tattoo. Once removed, gently wash your tattoo with mild unscented soap and warm water. Before washing your tattoo, make sure your hands have been cleaned using the same unscented soap.
Aftercare Instructions:
After washing, air dry or gently pat dry with a fresh paper towel and apply a very small amount of unscented ointment. Gently rub it in until the ointment is no longer shiny. After the ointment is applied, make sure to gently blot the area with a clean paper towel in order to ensure even coverage. Be sure to wear loose clothing around the tattoo. To ensure the tattoos longevity, make sure the tattoo isn’t exposed to the sun.
Continue these steps three times a day for the next three days. Once in the morning, once at noon and once at night.
After three days, you can stop the three times a day wash and only use a small amount of Unscented lotion to keep your tattoo moisturized. You may wash your tattoo in the shower along with your normal routine at this point, however do not use your regular soap, you want to continue using your unscented soap. Continue with this process until the tattoo is fully healed and stops peeling.
Itching and peeling is perfectly normal and part of the natural healing process of your tattoo. Once your tattoo begins to peel use only an unscented lotion for the next two weeks.
To ensure your tattoos longevity, avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen to help maintain the tattoo. Using moisturizer is also a great way to keep your investment protected. A tattoo is a life long commitment. Taking care of your body and skin is essential in keeping your art beautiful for the longest amount of time.
Hot Tubs, Pools, Baths, Beaches, Rivers, Lakes and Salt Water should all be avoided for two months in their entirety after receiving your new piece of art. This will allow your new tattoo to settle, undisturbed from sunlight. Early and/or prolonged exposure to sunlight or water can result in premature fading and color loss or an improper heal.