Tattoo Healing Guide
To download a digital pdf/printable version of my healing guide click here.
1) Instructions while your second skin bandage is on:
Your second skin bandage can be kept on for 5-7 days. Ensure it stays in good shape and is fully sealed over your tattoo. Do not exceed 7 days of wearing.
If you experience any allergic reaction or irritation, promptly remove the bandage. If it no longer maintains a sealed, airtight barrier around your tattoo, take it off to prevent water and dirt from entering the bandage. It’s okay to remove the second skin earlier than recommended if necessary.
Avoid working out, sports, or anything causing excessive heat and sweating while your bandage is on to reduce the risk of heat rash and bacteria buildup.
If the edges of the bandage peel or curl, use clean scissors to trim any loose or worn-out corners.
Avoid tight or rough clothing that could chafe or irritate your tattoo and the bandage.
It is fine to shower with the bandage on, but try to avoid soaking it. The more it gets drenched in water, the faster it will wear out. Once out of the shower, gently dab moisture off the bandage.
When it's time to remove the bandage, do so in the shower under running water to help loosen the adhesive. Gently stretch one corner away and down from the skin, avoiding any rough tugging on the tattoo. If needed, apply unscented, fragrance-free soap on top of the bandage to further weaken the adhesive.
Once the bandage comes off, wash the tattoo with unscented, fragrance-free soap. Then, gently dab or blot it dry with a clean paper towel.
From this point forward, the tattoo no longer needs to be bandaged or wrapped.
2) Instructions after the second skin bandage comes off (OR if you were not given second skin, directly start at section 2):
Wash the tattoo once or twice a day with unscented, fragrance-free soap. Keep your tattoo clean and dry at all other times.
Continue washing until the tattoo begins to dry out (usually within 2-4 days). Then, start applying a THIN layer of fragrance-free, unscented moisturizer after each wash. Use a lightweight lotion that does not contain heavy oils or petroleum (no Vaseline, Polysporin, coconut oil, etc.). If the skin still feels excessively tight and dry, apply additional thin layers of lotion as needed. Do not over-moisturize.
As your tattoo heals, you may notice light scabbing or flaking in the following days. Avoid picking or itching at the scabs, as this can cause ink to be pulled out before it settles in the skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to feel itchy while healing. Avoid clothing that causes rubbing, chafing, or disrupts the healing process.
Continue washing and moisturizing until the tattoo has fully healed (once all scabs/flaking has finished). On average, tattoos usually heal within 2-4 weeks from the appointment.
Avoid soaking or submerging your tattoo underwater (no baths, pools, saunas, swimming, etc.), and minimize sun exposure, sunscreen, or tanning until the tattoo has fully healed.
3) Long-term maintenance of your tattoo:
Once your tattoo has fully healed, always apply proper SPF when spending extended periods in the sun. Long-term sun exposure can harm your skin and accelerate the aging and fading of your tattoo.
Keep your skin healthy and moisturized to ensure your tattoo looks its best.
Be mindful of persistent long-term friction and over-exfoliation, as these can gradually wear down your tattoo over time.
You can research more about second skin bandages by visiting www.saniderm.com.