TATTOO AFTERCARE

Healing with a Traditional Bandage

Leave the initial bandage on for 2–4 hours.
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and Dial antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo using clean, bare hands in a circular motion. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, sponge, or any abrasive materials.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining ink, plasma, or surface fluids.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub or use a shared bath towel.
Allow the tattoo to air dry for 5–10 minutes before applying any ointment.
Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor. Your tattoo should appear lightly moisturized—never wet, greasy, or glossy.
Wash and apply Aquaphor 2–3 times daily for the first 3–5 days, or as needed.
Once the tattoo begins to peel (similar to a mild sunburn), switch from Aquaphor to a lightweight, fragrance-free lotion such as Curel or Lubriderm. Continue washing the tattoo 2–3 times daily and apply lotion as needed to keep the skin moisturized.
Do not pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin. Allow your tattoo to heal naturally.
Avoid soaking your tattoo in pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, or any standing water for at least 4 weeks. Showers are perfectly safe.

Leave the initial Second Skin bandage on for 24 hours.
It is completely normal to see plasma, ink, and other fluids collect beneath the film during the healing process.
Remove the bandage carefully under warm running water, slowly peeling it back over itself. Do not pull it straight away from the skin.
Immediately wash the tattoo using clean hands and Dial antibacterial soap until the area is completely clean.
Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry for 10 minutes. The skin must be completely dry before applying another patch or any aftercare product.
If a second Second Skin patch was provided, apply it to clean, dry skin and leave it on for an additional 3 days.
If you are not applying a second patch, begin the standard wash-and-lotion aftercare routine immediately.
Once the final bandage has been removed, continue washing the tattoo daily and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Moisturize with a thin layer of the provided lotion or a fragrance-free lotion as needed to prevent dryness, especially in dry climates.
While wearing the Second Skin bandage, avoid excessive sweating, prolonged friction, and direct sunlight.
Do not soak or submerge the bandage in water. Showers are fine, but pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, and other standing water should be avoided, as excess moisture can weaken the medical adhesive.

Thank you for taking proper care of your tattoo.

Following these aftercare instructions will help ensure the best possible healing and long-lasting results.