Taking good care of your tattoo ensures it will look as good as day one for years to come and prevents near-term problems during the healing process. Since a tattoo is an open wound, it is susceptible to bacteria and infection. Everyone is different, and healing will vary from person to person. The following are guidelines and will be further discussed during every tattoo appointment to cater to everyone's individual needs. Once the tattoo session is complete, I will wrap the area in DermShield. For my adhesive sensitive clients, I skip the DermShield and use a temporary bandage.
DermShield Healing
DermShield is waterproof and can be worn in the shower, although I recommend avoiding pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. DermShield does not protect against the sun's UV rays, so additional protection will be required. Pooling under the bandage is common and expected. If the liquid leaks from under the DermShield, remove the bandage as soon as possible and continue regular aftercare. If any irritation occurs, discontinue use and follow regular aftercare instructions.
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The bandage can be worn for up to 7 days, but generally I recommend 2-3 days. When you are ready to remove the bandage, carefully peel it over itself off the skin while keeping the skin taught. Depending on location, you may need an extra hand. Wash the tattoo with an unscented soap, such as Dove or Dr. Bronner's, with your hand and warm water. Wash until the sliminess of the plasma is gone. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and moisturize with an unscented lotion for sensitive skin. (Eucerin, Nivea, Lubriderm, etc.) Continue with regular aftercare regimen. We have Dr. Bronner's castille soap and hustle butter aftercare lotion available for purchase.
Healing without DermShield
When you get home, you'll remove the bandages and wash with your hands using warm water and unscented soap. Lotion most likely won't be necessary for the first day or two, although you will want to wash the tattoo 2 or 3 times a day until the plasma isn't seeping anymore. When you notice the skin starting to dry out or feel "tight", you can start applying small amounts of sensitive skin lotion (Nivea, Eucerin, Lubriderm, etc.). Typically, once or twice a day should be enough to wash and moisturize after the "tight" stage. Feel free to wash or moisturize more as needed. Everyone's healing and aftercare will look a little different, so find what works for you and listen to your body.
Do's and Dont's
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No swimming or direct sunlight until fully healed (2-3 weeks).
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Use sunscreen after healing to prevent "bleeding", blurring, or fading of the ink.
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Do not rewrap the tattoo unless specifically discussed with your artist.
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Exercise/sweating is ok, but avoid shared gym equipment and wash directly afterwards!
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No exfoliating- no washcloths, scrubs, or loofahs.
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No picking or scratching at the tattoo; this can cause ink to fall out and/or scar and prolong the heal time.
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Always reach out asap with any questions you may have. Proper aftercare is essential to preserving your new tattoo.