TATTOO AFTERCARE GUIDE

Proper aftercare in the first few days of getting your tattoo is essential for its healing process. Your tattoo is a wound and must be treated accordingly. The better you take care of it, the better it will heal and look in the long run. 

Which aftercare products should I prepare for my new tattoo?

  • A gentle, mild, fragrance-free cleanser – I recommend brands like Cerave, Cetaphil, Dermaveen, etc.

  • A moisturising agent - the following are my recommendations:

    • After Inked Tattoo Moisturiser and Aftercare Lotion

    • Inky Tattoo Salve

    • Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Care balm

    • 100% pure unrefined coconut oil

After getting your tattoo

After your tattoo, I will bandage the area with a film called ‘Second Skin’ (otherwise known as Saniderm). How long you need to keep the Second Skin on will depend on the size, design and placement of your tattoo. For those with sensitive skin or allergies Second Skin may not be an option at all – in this case I will be bandaging the tattoo using cling wrap instead.

What is Second Skin? 

Second Skin is a medical-grade, transparent, waterproof and self-adhesive barrier film that acts as a second layer of the skin to promote skin healing and protect the skin from germs or irritation. It will also protect your clothes from getting in contact with any ink and plasma that may come out of the tattoo during its first few days. You may also shower with the Second Skin on as it is waterproof.

During the first couple of days of getting your tattoo, it is normally to see some excess ink, blood and plasma pool under the Second Skin. This is especially common for tattoos that contain a lot of black pigment. However, if the liquid starts to leak from the film, or if the film does not adhere to the skin properly, this may indicate film breakage. If this is the case, remove it as soon as you can as keeping it on can promote bacterial growth.

After keeping the Second Skin on for as long as advised by me, you may gently remove it. Second Skin must be removed in the shower, carefully pulling it down by stretching from a corner along the surface of your skin, rather than ripping it off like a Band-Aid. Ensure that water is running down onto the bandage as you are stretching as this will ease the removal process.

Wash your tattoo gently. I recommend a quick, gentle wash with warm water using a mild fragrance-free cleanser – do not over wash. Do not use any sponges, scrubs, washcloths or anything abrasive to clean the tattoo. 

After washing/showering, air dry the tattoo or gently pat it dry using a clean towel or a paper towel. Do NOT use a tissue or a face/bath towel.

Apply a thin layer of your choice of moisturiser (refer to above list) to hydrate the skin and create a barrier to prevent infection. The key is to apply a very thin layer, just enough to cover the tattoo and surrounding skin. Re-apply as often as required to maintain hydration, I generally recommend to re-apply twice daily for at least one week. 

Always wash or sanitise your hands prior to touching your tattoo or applying moisturiser while it is still in its healing stage. 

Ensure that any clothing that comes in contact with the tattoo is clean. Cotton-based clothing is best as it is a breathable material and has no loose fibres like wool. 

During the initial stage of the tattoo healing process, your tattoo may become flaky, dry and tight and appear dull, which are perfectly normal. If any scabs form, let them be and fall off naturally. Your tattoo may also feel itchy, but please refrain from scratching the area to prevent any damage to the healing process. 

Make sure to drink plenty of water (at least 1.5 L daily) to create a hydrated environment for your tattoo to heal as best as possible. 

Do NOT:

  • Do NOT use Vaseline or other petroleum jelly-based products as it is non-permeable and does not let the skin breathe, which can trap bacteria underneath and cause pimples or infections. In addition, it leaves a sticky residue on the area which may cause discomfort and attract further germs and dirt to the area. 

  • Do NOT over wash the tattoo. Regular showering is fine as long as you follow my guide on gentle washing. 

  • No swimming, baths, or sauna for at least 2 weeks after getting the tattoo. 

  • Do NOT let anyone else touch your tattoo. 

  • Do NOT pick or scratch at the area. 

  • Do NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight during the first few weeks of the healing process. Only once the tattoo has completely healed, you may expose it to the sun after applying a high SPF sunscreen to the area. This will help to ensure longevity of your tattoo. 

  • Do NOT exercise for 1 week after getting your tattoo.