Heal it properly.
Please use the instructions below in the weeks following your session to heal your tattoo properly. The next few weeks decide how this piece looks for the next few decades.
Recovery Derm Shield.
You likely have a Recovery Derm Shield on your tattoo. This film is a breathable, water-proof, hygienic film that helps prevent scabbing, infection, and abrasion.
Leave it on up to 24 hours.
I suggest leaving it on at least overnight, then taking it off in the morning or during your next shower. It tends to peel off easier when warm water loosens up the adhesive.
- Blood, plasma, or ink building up inside the wrap is normal.
- Redness is normal, but remove the wrap immediately if your skin begins breaking out or becomes highly irritated. This may be caused by an allergy to the adhesive. If this occurs, wash immediately after removal.
Directions for removal.
- Gently and SLOWLY peel the Derm Shield by pulling it from an edge back over itself.
- Do not pull the bandage upwards or away from the skin.
How to wash.
Washing is the most important aspect of healing your tattoo. Keeping the tattoo and the area around it clean helps prevent infection, breakouts, and irritation, and it clears the area to be moisturized properly. Your first wash comes immediately after unwrapping.
When washing:
- First, clean your hands.
- Use only scent and fragrance-free, antimicrobial soap.
- Using the tips of your fingers, gently scrub the tattoo area, being sure to remove any leftover ointment, blood, or ink.
- Pat dry using a CLEAN paper towel.
- Moisturize after washing.
How often:
- For the first week, wash your tattoo at least 3 times a day, moisturizing after every wash with a thin layer of Vitamin A&D ointment.
- The second and third week you can wash 2 times a day and switch to a scent-free lotion such as Lubriderm to moisturize.
How to moisturize.
DO NOT dry heal your tattoo. Dry healing causes ink fallout, patchiness, irritation and may cause infection. Moisturize the tattoo area after each wash, and don’t overdo it: use only enough ointment or lotion to cover the area lightly.
Following each wash (3x/day), use a THIN layer of Vitamin A&D ointment on the area.
Switch to a thinner lotion such as Lubriderm. Apply after each wash (2x/day). The tattoo may begin peeling. Allow this to happen naturally and DO NOT PICK.
Continue washing and applying lotion as necessary. Let the tattoo breathe more by leaving extra time between applications, eventually slowing to 1x/day.
Do’s & don’ts.
Do:
- Clean your hands before washing.
- Use the recommended products and ointments.
- Dry with clean paper towels.
- Wear loose clothes over the tattoo.
- Apply a small amount of ointment or lotion; putting too much on can suffocate the skin and cause healing issues.
Don’t:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid working out or doing strenuous work for at least 2 weeks.
- Stay away from water and swimming pools (showers are fine).
- Avoid covering the tattoo with sunblock until it’s healed (3+ weeks).
- Once healed, wear sunscreen (SPF 35 or higher) whenever it’s exposed to the sun.
Call your doctor if you notice any major irritation, infection symptoms, or any other health or skin issues. And if anything looks off while it heals, text me a photo and I’ll take a look.