Aftercare

Thank you for being my Kanvas! When it comes to tattoos, methods in aftercare vary from artist to artist. While every artist has the best intentions in mind, tattooing as well as aftercare has changed over the years, and some methods simply work better than others. I’ve given and received many tattoos over the years, however, remember I am an artist, not a dermatologist! It is natural for your skin to sometimes swell and feel sore after receiving a new tattoo. If in your aftercare process, something seems wrong, painful or uncomfortable that is not addressed here, please let me know immediately as well as contact your doctor and/or dermatologist.

Please remember whilst tattooing your skin is being traumatized and the first stage is essentially considered the open wound stage. This is the period of time in which your body is still trying to seal its open skin and when you are at the greatest risk of infection and complication, so you should treat it as an open wound, keeping it clean and rested.

For this reason, it is recommended to use a medical-grade, breathable tattoo bandage. My preferred brands are Saniderm, SecondSkin, Recovery Derm Shield. I haven’t tried all that exist, and I’m sure there are others that work as well, but I like the ease of application for these and they seem to adhere for as long as they’re needed unlike some of the cheaper Amazon alternatives. These dermal wraps protect your skin from friction and provide a waterproof, protective barrier that prevents contamination. Because it is breathable, it can be worn for a longer time period than clingwrap; but do not bathe or swim with it on.

Since I've started using these types of bandages, the healing results in my have improved significantly on a general scale. The wraps allow the client to have an easier first healing stage as they help the skin to moisturize itself by reabsorption of plasma, therefore eliminates the need for an aftercare product during this time. That means the tattoo won’t be getting over-moisturized nor dried out by using too much or too little product. Because of this, thickly healed or keloided linework, as well as color loss are little to nonexistent. Most of my clients have experienced less need for touchups (hands and feet are still trickier due to hands always needing washing and feet being covered more often than not.). This method makes the healing stage so much easier with a shorter healing time and far less peeling.

How To Use:

Your artist (wink, wink) will apply your initial layer. Once your bandage is applied, that’s it for a few days! IF you need to change the bandage for any reason, repeat the application steps as demonstrated to you during your appointment. The white backing paper comes off first, apply sticky side down, then remove the clear grid paper to leave only the adhesive layer. Use clean hands!! A second layer is only really necessary if there is so much plasma buildup that the first bandage starts to slip out of place, if any foreign material has managed to seep underneath, or if you have sweated it off. I will provide this to take home if it is deemed necessary, such as for heavily shaded pieces or extremely hot temperatures where sweating is more likely. The second skin is breathable and can be showered in, but do not bathe or swim with it on.

After the first 12 hours, you’ll likely notice some pooling of ink, blood and plasma below the bandage. This is normal! But if the bandage begins to leak, take off immediately and proceed to bandage removal. After 36 hours, some of the pooling ink, blood and plasma may begin to dry under the bandage and look kinda crusty. This is normal! But you're approaching the time to take off the bandage. The bandage should stay on no more than 4 days after getting your tattoo. When removing, use soapy water to work off the adhesive, starting slowly from a top corner, working your way down. Do not just rip it off; take your time.

Once the bandage is off, apply a thin layer of aftercare lotion on your tattoo. I will be providing After Inked Vegan Re-closable Lotion at your session, which is made specifically for new tattoos. If you decide for whatever reason not to use this, I recommend unscented lotion- preferably vegan or made for sensitive skin, essential oil/blend such as coconut or olive oil, or shea/coconut butter. A lot of old school tattooers recommend Aquaphor/A&D for this stage… PLEASE do not use petroleum based anything!! They are too thick for this stage of aftercare; this will clog the pores of your skin and actually increases the risk of irritation and will slow healing! AND I will hate you, lol.

IF you are someone who prefers NOT to use a dermal wrap for aftercare, an application of cling film will be applied. Remove this after 2-3 hours and proceed with the same aftercare/moisturizer process.

TO SUMMARIZE:

Aftercare Do’s

Always make sure your hands are clean if you are not wearing disposable gloves when handling a new tattoo.

Use your hands rather than an abrasive material to wash your new tattoo.

Always be sure to wear protective clothing in excessive sunlight.

If and when dealing with a dermal aftercare dressing, soapy water helps to remove the bandage when replacing or discarding a dressing.

When replacing a dressing, leave it on for however many days it has remaining. No need to restart that 3-4 day period.

Discard wrap after 3/4 days.

Remove dermal dressing sooner than needed if any product gets trapped underneath. Replace if you have the extra bandage, see below and follow immediately if you don't.

Use ONLY mild, unscented products on your fresh tattoo! (See recommendations below)

Moisturize new tattoo at least 2x/day with a very thin layer and rub in. Keep this process up for at least 8 weeks.

Aftercare DON’TS

DO NOT give your new tattoo excessive exposure to sunlight. This can cause sunspots, scarring and severe irritation to your new tattoo.

If wearing a dermal dressing, do not try to simply rip off. You will irritate your skin.

Do not allow any foreign material to sit or accumulate under the dermal wrap.

Do not pick, scrub or scratch your new tattoo.

Do not use abrasive materials like washcloths or loofas on your new tattoo.

Avoid petroleum-based products; a thinner product that absorbs into the skin is preferable.

DO NOT USE VASELINE!!!

No fancy scented soaps or lotions. Do not use products that contain:

alcohol

petroleum/petrolatum

lanolin

parabens

phthalates

fragrances

No swimming or submerging new tattoo; No excessive sweating.