I’ll tell you how long to keep your dressing on at the end of our session. Every tattoo heals a little differently, so treat the timings below as a guide.
If I apply Second Skin, I’ll tell you when to remove it - usually after 1-2 days.
No extra covering is needed while it stays properly sealed. Some fluid mixed with ink underneath can be normal.
If the dressing starts leaking or peels back enough to expose the tattoo, let me know rather than trying to reseal it.
Wash your hands first. Loosen the Second Skin with warm (not hot) water, then slowly stretch it back along the skin to remove it. Don’t pull it sharply away from your skin or try to remove it dry.
If the adhesive is holding on tightly, take your time. A longer warm shower or soaking the dressing in the bath can help loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove without pulling on your skin.
Once the dressing is removed, gently clean your tattoo. Don’t soak the uncovered tattoo in the bath.
For about a week after removing Second Skin, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser a few times a day.
If blood or plasma builds up on the surface, gently wash it away rather than letting it dry into a thick layer.
Rinse well and pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin.
Once your tattoo is dry, apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream (usually Bepanthen). You only need a small amount - the skin shouldn’t stay wet or covered in a thick layer.
Apply it a few times a day as needed, usually for around 2-3 weeks while the skin heals.
If the cream causes irritation, stop using it and let me know.
Don’t scratch your tattoo, pick at peeling skin or pull off scabs.
If thicker scabs form, avoid applying cream directly to them, as too much moisture can soften them. Continue caring for the rest of your tattoo as usual and let the scabs fall off naturally.
Picking or scratching can cause scarring and affect how your tattoo heals.
If you’re unsure about how your tattoo is healing, feel free to send me a message.
If you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever or other signs of infection, seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting for my reply.
Short showers are fine. Avoid baths, swimming pools, the sea and saunas until the surface is fully healed - often 3-4 weeks, sometimes longer. Second Skin does not make swimming safe.
Plan to take around 1-2 weeks off intense exercise, depending on the tattoo and the activity. Avoid friction, heavy sweating and stretching the healing area.
Return to exercise gradually as the skin settles.
Wear clean, loose, breathable clothing and use fresh bedsheets. Keep pets away from your healing tattoo and don’t let them lick it.
Only touch your tattoo with clean hands.
Avoid scrubs, fragranced products and unnecessary rubbing until it has healed, and avoid heavy drinking during the first few days.
Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds while it heals. Use shade and loose, protective clothing. Don’t apply sunscreen to an open or unhealed tattoo.
Once it’s fully healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 50 on exposed skin. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
Keep protecting your tattoo from the sun long-term. UV exposure can contribute to fading over time, so regular sun protection will help keep your tattoo looking its best.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, send me a photo in natural light. If you think you might need a touch-up, let me know and we’ll find a date for you.
You’re always welcome to schedule a touch-up if needed.
One touch-up is free within 3 months of your initial tattoo appointment. After 3 months, touch-ups are charged based on the amount of work and time needed.
Tattoos on fingers, hands and other areas prone to faster fading are not covered by the free touch-up policy.