TATTOO AFTERCARE
Please use the instructions below in the weeks following your session to heal your tattoo properly!
RECOVERY DERM SHIELD
You likely have a Recovery Derm Shield on your tattoo. This film is a breathable, water-proof, hygienic film that helps prevent scabbing, infection, and abrasion.
You're going to leave this on UP TO 24HRS.
I suggest leaving it on at least overnight, then taking it off in the morning or during your next shower. It tends to peel off easier when warm water loosens up the adhesive!
Directions for Removal:
Gently and SLOWLY peel the Derm Shield by pulling it from an edge back over itself.
Do not pull the bandage upwards or away from the skin.
Redness is normal, but remove the wrap immediately if your skin begins breaking out or becomes highly irritated. This may be caused by an allergy to adhesive. If this occurs, wash immediately after removal.
Blood/plasma/ink build up inside the wrap is also normal!
WASH IMMEDIATELY AFTER UNWRAPPING!
see washing instructions below
HOW TO WASH
You're going to first wash your tattoo immediately after unwrapping. Washing is the most important aspect of healing your tattoo. Keeping both the tattoo and the area surrounding your tattoo clean helps prevent infection, breakouts, and irritation/itchiness. It also clears the area to be moisturized properly.
When washing:
First, clean your hands
Use only scent/fragrance-free, antimicrobial soap
Using the tips of your fingers, gently scrub the tattoo area, being sure to remove any left over ointment/blood/ink
Pat dry using a CLEAN paper towel
Moisturize after washing
For the first week, you'll wash your tattoo at least 3 times a day, moisturizing after every wash with a thin layer of Vitamin A&D ointment.
The second and third week you can wash 2 times a day and switch to a scent-free lotion such as Lubriderm to moisturize.
HOW TO MOISTURIZE
DO NOT dry heal your tattoo. Dry healing causes ink fallout, patchiness, irritation and may cause infection. You're going to moisturize the tattoo area after each wash. Do not over-do the moisturizer. Use only enough ointment/lotion to cover the area lightly.
WEEK ONE
Following each wash (3x/day), use a THIN layer of Vitamin A&D on the area.
WEEK TWO
You can switch to a thinner lotion such as Lubriderm to moisturize. Apply after each wash (2x/day). The tattoo may begin peeling. Allow this to happen naturally and DO NOT PICK.
WEEK THREE
Continue washing and applying lotion as necessary. Allow the tattoo to breath more by leaving more time between applications, eventually slowing to 1x/day.
DO's & DONT's
DO's
Clean hands before washing
Use recommended products/ointments
Dry with clean paper towels
Wear loose clothes over the tattoo
Apply a small amount of ointment or lotion; putting too much on can suffocate the skin and cause healing issues
DONT's
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
Avoid working out or doing strenuous work for at least 2 weeks
When exposed to the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 35 or higher)
Stay away from water and swimming pools (but you can take showers)
Avoid covering the tattoo with sunblock until it’s healed (3+ weeks)
Call your doctor if you notice any major irritation, infection symptoms, or any other health and skin issues!