Aftercare Instructions with Second skin
Second Skin Application & Wear
- Showering: You can shower, but avoid swimming, hot tubs, or submerging the tattoo.
- Leaks: If the bandage breaks, leaks, or peels off, remove it and switch to traditional healing (wash and lotion).
- Duration: Keep the initial bandage on for 24 hours to up to 7 days, though 3–5 days is common.
- Fluid Buildup: It is normal for plasma, ink, and blood to pool under the bandage.
- Warm Water: Take a warm shower to loosen the adhesive.
- Peel Slowly: Find an edge and peel it back slowly, rolling it off rather than pulling it up.
- Direction: Pull in the direction of hair growth, not away from the skin.
- Assistance: If it is very stubborn, use a mild, skin-safe body oil to help lift the adhesive.
- Once the Second Skin is removed, the tattoo will be in the early stages of healing:
- Wash: Immediately wash the area with warm water and fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
- Dry: Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel; do not rub.
- Moisturize: Apply a very thin layer of unscented, alcohol-free lotion 2-3 times daily.
- Avoid: Do not pick, scratch, or peel the healing skin. Avoid direct sun and soaking for at least 2 weeks.
- Do not reapply a second piece of Second Skin once the first one is removed.
Aftercare Instructions
Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)
- Remove Bandage: Keep the bandage on for 2–5 hours, or as instructed by your artist.
- Clean Thoroughly: Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap to remove plasma, blood, and excess ink.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel; avoid bath towels to prevent lint buildup and bacterial contamination.
- Do Not Rebandage: Allow the tattoo to air dry, generally for 10-15 minutes.
Healing Process (Days 3-14)
- Moisturize: Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion or a recommended ointment (e.g., Aquaphor) 2–3 times daily. Over-moisturizing can suffocate the skin.
- Washing: Wash the tattoo 1-2 times daily until it has fully healed, which usually takes about 2 weeks.
- Itching and Peeling: Peeling and scabbing are normal. Never pick or scratch the tattoo, as this can pull out ink.
- Clothing: Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing over the area.
What to Avoid
- Submerging: No swimming, bathtubs, or saunas for at least 2 weeks.
- Sun Exposure: Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Heavy Activity: Avoid excessive sweating or intense, high-impact workouts that can overstretch the healing skin.
- Dirty Environments: Protect the tattoo from dirt and contaminants.
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Please contact your artist with any concerns about the healing process