Tattoo Aftercare: Second Skin
You just got a beautiful new tattoo! Now what?
Aftercare is one of the most important steps to making sure a tattoo continues to look as good as the day it was created.
For second skin, there are two options for aftercare. I personally recommend method one for my clients, however method two is quite common.
DO NOT USE SECOND SKIN IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN OR ARE PRONE TO ALLERGIES! THE ADHESIVE COMMONLY CAUSES RASH AND IRRITATION
How to Heal a Tattoo: Second Skin
Method 1 : Dry heal
Step 1: Leave it
Leave the bandage on for twenty four hours.
Step 2: Remove it
A bit of blood/plasma/ink underneath the bandage is normal.
In the shower, carefully begin to remove the bandage under flowing water. DO NOT PEEL OFF instead, gently grip one of top corners, and pull upwards. The bandage should begin to stretch and come off your skin. Be gentle, this step shouldn’t hurt.
Step 3: Clean it
Begin to wash using INDIRECT room temperature water. If you are using the shower, make sure the water is flowing down from above on to your tattoo like a waterfall. i. e. for forearm tattoos, spray the water on your shoulder.
DO NOT SPRAY WATER DIRECTLY ON YOUR TATTOO. DO NOT USE HOT WATER.
Using an unscented/gentle soap, place a dollop on two fingers and gently apply the soap in a circular motion, washing off any excess blood, ink, and adhesive.
need soap? order some here
pat to dry using a paper towel. DO NOT USE A TOWEL. DO NOT RUB.
continue to follow this routine each time you take a shower for the next week
Example of second skin
also known as Lubriderm.
Step 4: Care for it
Keep an eye on your fresh tattoo. Treat it like an open wound.
In the next two to three days, it is normal for your tattoo to dry, flake, scab and itch. DO NOT ITCH OR PICK AT YOUR TATTOO!! doing so can cause the ink to fall out of your skin. If the itchiness is unbearable, smack it gently like a mosquito bite.
Moisturize as needed using Aquaphor. keeping your tattoo moisturized will also prevent itchiness and is essential in dry climates. Without rubbing, gently apply a thin layer over your tattoo, careful not to nick any scabs in the process. Too much moisturizer or using something thicker like Vaseline will not allow your tattoo to breathe properly.
Aquaphor is a must have for new tattoos!
Things to Avoid while Healing any Tattoo
Avoid swimming and soaking (baths, hottubs, etc) for three weeks.
Avoid sun exposure including sunbathing and tanning for three weeks. NEVER expose your tattoo to the sun without sunscreen even after its healed.
Avoid sweaty/dirty activities including going to the gym for three weeks. If this is unavoidable due to work or routine, wait three days at the very least and make sure to thoroughly clean your tattoo frequently to avoid harboring bacteria
keep an eye out for signs of infection before they escalate. if your tattoo starts to smell, pus, rash, burn, or becomes unbearably painful, remove the bandage and seek medical attention immediately
How to Heal a Tattoo: Second Skin
Method 2 : Wet heal
Step 1: Leave it
Leave the bandage on for twenty four hours.
Step 2: Remove it
A bit of blood/plasma/ink underneath the bandage is normal.
In the shower, carefully begin to remove the bandage under flowing water. DO NOT PEEL OFF instead, gently grip one of top corners, and pull upwards. The bandage should begin to stretch and come off your skin. Be gentle, this step shouldn’t hurt.
Step 3: Clean it
Begin to wash using INDIRECT room temperature water. If you are using the shower, make sure the water is flowing down from above on to your tattoo like a waterfall. i. e. for forearm tattoos, spray the water on your shoulder.
DO NOT SPRAY WATER DIRECTLY ON YOUR TATTOO. DO NOT USE HOT WATER.
Using an unscented/gentle soap, place a dollop on two fingers and gently apply the soap in a circular motion, washing off any excess blood, ink, and adhesive.
need soap? order some here
pat to dry using a paper towel. DO NOT USE A TOWEL. DO NOT RUB.
Step 4: Replace it
after your tattoo is clean and dry, it is time to replace the bandage.
your artist should supply you with a replacement, but if not, you can purchase second skin here
using clean scissors, cut a sheet large enough to cover the entire tattoo as well as an extra inch bordering the area.
peel off the paper backing, keeping the hard plastic on and revealing the adhesive. place over top of your tattoo, making sure it is entirely covered. Go from the middle outwards to avoid creating air bubbles
once adhered to your skin, remove the hard plastic covering from the blue strip/ arrowed section. this step can be quite tricky, so be careful to not damage or scrape your tattoo in the process.
Step 5: Heal it
leave this second bandage on for five days. Stay aware of any peeling and punctures, and make sure to keep the area clean. Repeat step two after the five days is up and refer to Things to Avoid While Healing Any Tattoo above for additional instructions.
