Tattoo Aftercare
Caring for a tattoo is similar to caring for a cut or a sunburn - and you must take proper care of it in order to heal correctly. Because we are creating an open wound in your skin, you have to take care of your artwork in order to prevent possible infections and keep the tattoo looking its best. Everyone heals differently, so your healing process may look slightly different than others. All aftercare instructions will be reviewed during your appointment, but I recommend reading the info below prior to your appointment so you can come prepared with any questions.
Products you'll need:
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Castille soap [Dr.Bronner's unscented]
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Water-based hand lotion [CeraVe, Lubriderm, Nivea, Eucerin or Cetaphil]
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Clean paper towels
Healing Process
After your design has been completed, I will wrap you in one of two ways- with the Saniderm/Dermshield, or in paper towels and sensitive-wrap. Both are completely normal and safe to heal your tattoo, but there are some differences between the two.
WITH DERMSHIELD/SANIDERM- The Saniderm is an adhesive wrap that prevents anything from getting in or out of the bandage, keeping your tattoo safe and clean from your day to day activities. I personally recommend leaving the wrap on for up to 3 days. You may notice that the bandage creates an "ink sack" with liquid inside of it, that is completely normal. If it "pops" or is leaking from the Saniderm, take the bandage off IMMEDIATELY. If stuff can get out of the Saniderm, then stuff can get in (like bacteria). When its time to remove the Saniderm, hop in the shower with warm water (not cold or hot). Grab some soap (NEVER BAR SOAP) and slowly peel until the bandage comes off. Wash the tattoo with your hands until all of the slick/slimey stuff is washed off. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, and let it be! Repeat washing if the tattoo becomes slimey or dirty.
WITH ALTERNATIVE BANDAGE [PAPER TOWELS AND SENSI WRAP]- As soon as you get home, take the wrapping off and wash the tattoo immediately. Wash with warm water, not hot and not cold!! I always rub an ointment on the tattoo[s] before I wrap them with this method, which should be washed off along with any slimy weeping from the tattoo. Once the tattoo is thoroughly washed [you may have to wash two or three times before all ointment/seepage has been washed away], then pat dry with a paper towel. If you need to moisturize, I recommend using Mad Rabbit’s Soothing Gel for the first five days before switching to a normal water-based lotion.
You don't need to start moisturizing until the tattoo feels tight or looks visibly dry. Moisturize as needed (about 1-3 times daily) and carry a small bottle of lotion with you, just in case. Lotion may also help if the tattoo gets itchy, which it will! Do not itch, pick or scratch the tattoo. This could damage your skin, causing scarring and ultimately damaging the tattoo, as well. You may also notice some peeling of the tattoo, which is completely normal. Do not peel or pick the flaking skin off. Continue washing the tattoo at least twice a day for 2 weeks with your antibacterial soap and moisturize when needed. Wash additionally as needed.
Product Do's & Don'ts
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Absolutely NO sun exposure or swimming/soaking your tattoo of any kind. You must wait the 2 weeks before exposing your tattoo to the sun or water (except for washing/showering).
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DO wear sunscreen after your tattoo is fully healed. This will protect your tattoo (color work specifically) and slow down the "fading" look that does naturally happen over time.
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I DO NOT recommend using any type of A&D or Aquaphor products, as they are very oily, thick, and can potentially "suffocate" your skin. You can also end up with clogged pores making the healing process even longer.
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DO use a water-based lotion (see the Q&A section for specifics).
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DO use a Castile soap (or an antibacterial soap) but DO NOT use antibacterial dish soap. Yes, it is antibacterial but it is not meant for skin.
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DO NOT use any type of bar soap. Bar soap sits on shelves and collects bacteria and debris very easily, which we do not want in your fresh/healing tattoo.
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DO NOT rip the Dermshield/Saniderm without peeling under running water. Ripping the Saniderm off dry skin CAN damage the first layer of your skin, and it doesn't feel very good.