Aftercare Instructions
Second Skin
You will be sent home with second skin applied by me. Please inform me at the beginning of the session if you are allergic to adhesives or if you have previously had a reaction to second skin. Reactions are rare but do happen, particularly to those with allergies or very sensitive skin. Usually a reaction is mild and characterized by redness around the edges of the second skin or a mild rash that will go away within a day or so of the bandage removal and will not negatively affect healing. This type of reaction is normal and happens often with medical adhesive. Very rarely you may have a more stubborn rash with hives or swelling, or irritation throughout the area. In this case remove the bandage right away, clean the area, and follow standard aftercare instructions instead.
• Second skin works best if worn for 5-7 days. For smaller tattoos, the one piece will be sufficient for the entire 5-7 days and all you need to do is remove it at the end of this period.
• Depending on the tattoo, you may be sent home with a second piece (or pieces) of the second skin wrap. You will need to remove the first piece and replace it with the second piece(s) a day or two after getting tattooed. The tattoo will have a fluid-filled bubble over the tattooed area that is filled with plasma, ink, and blood. You can remove the second skin in the shower or with some coconut oil, peeling slowly with the natural direction of your hair. Wash the area with clean hands, soap, and water.
• An outline of the tattoo will be visible on the removed bandage - this is normal and fine.
• Dry the tattoo with a clean towel or paper towel by patting dry. If you have pets, it’s better to let it air dry or use paper towel to avoid small hairs from getting stuck under the new bandage.
• It may be easiest to apply the second bandage with the help of a friend or family member.
• Peel the back of the second skin to reveal the sticky side, and press the sticky side down middle first to your skin over the tattoo, and smooth outwards. Try to avoid air bubbles, but the bubbles will not harm anything if you do end up with some. Do not stretch the plastic against your skin, just lay it as flat as possible. Peel the shiny top layer away.
• Try to keep 1-2 inches of the second skin around the edges of where the tattoo ends.
• Some spots on the body are difficult for second skin to stick to, like feet, hands, or other sweaty areas with lots of movement. If the second skin doesn’t last the full 5-7 days that’s totally fine. Even a couple of days with the second skin will improve healing time. If the bandage starts falling off, peeling back to reveal the tattoo, or leaking plasma, remove it and follow the standard aftercare instructions instead. Use your own discretion here.
• When the second skin is removed at the end of the healing period, it will be mostly healed. Some areas will still flake like a sunburn but the primary healing will have been completed. Continue washing the area and keeping it clean for the next week, but you don’t need to worry as much about not disturbing scabs or accidentally ruining it.
• If you are having trouble removing some of the adhesive afterwards, you can use coconut oil and a cotton swab in small circles after a shower.
• Moisturize once or twice a day
• Get into the habit of wearing sunscreen, and apply before sun exposure for forever.
If you have questions about second skin, please send me an email and I will try to help you. https://secondskin.ink/instruction
Standard Aftercare
You will be sent home with a bandage covering your tattoo.
• Remove bandage after three to four hours or when you get home, whichever is later. If you are tattooed in the evening, you can leave the bandage on overnight to keep yourself from sticking to your bedsheets.
• When you remove the bandage, wash it gently with clean hands and soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel or with paper towel.
• Apply a very thin layer of gentle, unscented moisturizer. The moisturizer should soak in completely, without a film left behind. Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc from the drug store are fine options, and usually have a travel sized container that should only cost a few dollars.
• Clean your tattoo with soap and water twice a day until the tattoo is healed, and clean it extra if you do something messy or sweaty.
• Don’t use Vaseline or Polysporin.
• Your tattoo will heal best if it is dry and left alone most of the time. If possible, leave it uncovered where you can (when you are at home if the tattoo is in a vulnerable area).
• Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo.
• No soaking or swimming for at least two weeks. Showering is good!
• Don’t plan to go camping in the two weeks following getting tattooed. It will negatively affect healing.
• Start avoiding the sun right away. The sun will be the number one factor that leads to fading and poor aging. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen as soon as it’s healed, and continue applying sunscreen or keeping your tattoo out of the sun for the rest of your life.
• If you must work out after you get your tattoo, try to avoid getting too sweaty. This may mean you only work out part of your body or avoid going too hard for a few days. If you use the gym, make sure you clean the equipment first and avoid touching the tattoo. Try to avoid too much bouncing, chafing, or pressure on the tattoo area. Wear clean, fresh workout clothes. Wash the tattoo afterwards with soap and water.
• Ignore the tattoo. The less you mess with it, the better it will heal.
• It’s better to have the whole tattoo covered equally rather than partially covered by tight clothing. For example, if you have a thigh tattoo, try to avoid wearing shorts with a tight hem that cuts it off in the middle. It’s better to wear pants that cover the whole tattoo if you can’t have the whole thing uncovered.