AFTERCARE
There isn't one perfect way to heal tattoos, as it varies from person to person. You may find something works for you but not for someone else. However, here's the basics to get you started and to best help you look after your new tattoo!
Overview/Understanding your healing tattoo:
A tattoo is a wound. We cover it with “second skin”/clingfilm in the first few days, also known as the “wet stage.” This keeps it safe from bacteria and also encourages any excess plasma/ink to come out. Getting this stuff out helps minimise scabbing and contributes to a faster/easier heal!
Once this stage is complete, the “dry stage” can begin. After the dressing is removed and the tattoo is cleaned, we want to allow it to dry out fully, so it’s able to close up and form a protective seal of dry skin. A couple pats with kitchen roll will dry the water from the shower, then we let the tattoo air dry completely. (Towels, even if clean, could get bacteria or lint in your tattoo) While healing, skin will be tight and dry, so we use a light moisturiser to ease the tension/dryness in the skin, to avoid cracking, itchiness or irritation from overly dry skin.
Please remember: your body will heal your tattoo, not the moisturiser. Over applying it, or applying when the tattoo is still open/wet from the shower are common mistakes that will cause irritation.
INSTRUCTIONS
“Wet Stage”/covering your tattoo
Always wash your hands before and after touching a healing tattoo.
Unless you have an allergy* I normally apply Saniderm “second skin” after your tattoo. I recommend to leave this on between 2-4 days. It is water proof, you can shower with it on.
Some excess ink build up/blood/plasma under the bandage is normal, you can gently pat dry any small leaks with kitchen roll
Depending on tattoo size and placement, I might give you another piece of Saniderm as a back up in case you have to replace it.**
Examples of needing to replace:
-if the original piece falls off, or peels so area is exposed
-if water from the shower gets in
-if the original piece stays, but there is excessive plasma/ink build up (change after 24hrs)
*If you suspect an allergic reaction to the Saniderm (redness or itching around skin or example) remove it as instructed, and once clean and dry, re wrap with clean clingfilm. Micropore/medical tape will help the bandage stay. If using clingfilm, unlike Saniderm, it must to be changed at least 3 times a day. (ideally morning, midday and before bed) Clean and dry the tattoo before applying fresh clingfilm with clean hands. DO NOT MOISTURISE TATTOO BEFORE COVERING. Follow above instructions for 24-36hrs after getting your tattoo. Once you’re ready to stop covering it and tattoo is clean, give it plenty of time to air out and then apply moisturiser. Shoot me an email in the rare care of allergy to the dressing
**You can do this by taking the dressing off as instructed below, and once clean and air dry, apply the new Saniderm with clean hands. Relax area (eg leg,arm), peel smaller paper half off and stick dressing down, take off other paper half, gently patting and sticking down as you go (don’t pull/stretch), once stuck on, pat gently on the top to ensure it’s stuck and then peel each side of the top plastic layer off from the split at the yellow arrows. NOT MOISTURISE TATTOO BEFORE APPLYING DRESSING. This can stay for a further 2-3 days. If the original dressing stays for at least 2 days, you shouldn’t don’t have to cover it again, unless there’s still plasma to expel
Cleaning/removing dressing
To remove the dressing, wash your hands and then slowly unpeel it under the warm running water in the shower! This will help it to unstick!
Wash GENTLY with warm water and non-fragranced simple/gentle soap, don’t scrub it.
Pat with clean kitchen roll to remove water from shower and let it air dry fully
“Dry stage”/you’re finished covering your tattoo
Moisturise with a small amount of your preferred moisturiser. Palmer's Cocoa butter is recommended. Make sure the tattoo is COMPLETELY air dry before moisturising.
Applying too much/too often or applying when the tattoo is still wet can lead to the tattoo not being able to dry out and becoming irritated.
Wash, air dry and moisturise your tattoo twice a day (morning + evening) until healed
Feel free to apply a little more during the day with clean hands if the tattoo feels dry + previous moisturiser has evaporated.
Your tattoo can take on average 1-3 weeks to heal depending on size, design, placement and how quickly your own body heals.
THINGS TO AVOID
Do not soak your tattoo until it's fully healed (around 2-4 weeks), no baths, sauna, swimming. This is to avoid exposing the wound to bacteria which would risk infection!
Do not pick or scratch your healing tattoo, this could pull out ink pigment and cause scarring.
Avoid direct sunlight/UV until healed and afterwards is best to use high factor sunscreen on your tattoos to keep them looking their best, especially colour!
you have any worries or questions regarding healing your tattoo, you can email loverat.tattoo@gmail.com