Aftercare

Second Skin Aftercare

Removal and Reapplication of Second Skin:

Keep the first applied dressing on for 24 hours. 

It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid build up under the dressing during this period, but don’t leave it on longer than 24 hours.

To remove, find an edge of the dressing and pull it back over itself in the direction of your natural hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove. 

Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Coconut oil can be helpful during removal (new jar)

Dry removal will cause discomfort and create trauma to the skin.

Wash the tattoo with a mild fragrance-free soap.

Pat dry with a clean towel, allow to air dry for a few minutes or until completely dry

Apply the second dressing (if no irritation from the first one) by following the application steps listed below.

Second Skin Application:

Cut and trim the dressing to fit around the tattoo – include an extra 2-3cm around all sides.

Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.

Once the adhesive side of the dressing is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth the dressing over the tattoo.

Additional removal and reapplication information:

Keep the second dressing on for another 5 nights  – the full six days being ideal. 

Repeat removal of dressing procedure.

After removal of the second dressing, apply a light layer of cream for tattoos, such as Bepanthen, Shea Butter or a Petroleum free nourishing cream for a further 2 weeks.

NOTE: if the first dressing applied for 24 hours irritates your skin, do not apply the second dressing. Complete the removal process above then apply the cream 2-3 times a day and take the care steps listed in the CLING WRAP METHOD

DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight during the healing process.
This applies to the periods in between appointments if you are having multiple sessions.

Wearing Second Skin While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising:

Showering while wearing a second skin dressing is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum.

Water may weaken the adhesive of the dressing, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the dressing, putting you at higher risk for infection. 

It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the dressing from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.

For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed with a second skin is strongly discouraged.

Light exercise while wearing the dressing is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. 

Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the dressing as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.

Can you over-moisturise a tattoo?

It can be tempting to apply a thick layer of cream to your healing tattoo.

Unfortunately, it is possible to over moisturise your tattoo, which can lead to issues. For example, excess moisture can:

- compromise healing
- be more inviting to bacteria and germ growth
- increase the risk of inflammation and infection
- clog pores, so the skin can’t breathe
- lead to skin breakouts.

This especially applies if you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate.

That said, it’s also possible to under-moisturise a tattoo, which can allow the skin to dry out, leading to cracking, flaking, and compromised healing

To get the “just right” level of moisture, use a thin laver of cream applied 2-3 times daily.

Tips

If swollen, elevate the tattooed area and apply a wrapped cold pack to the area for 20 mins every hour or so during this time 

It helps to take an anti inflammatory i.e. aspirin/ibuprofen to help reduce swelling

Sleep on freshly washed sheets, but not your best linen as it might get stained.

If you sleep with your pets you must change your sheets and keep your pet out of the bed until the tattoo heals. Otherwise your tattoo is at risk of infection.

Don’t stress if your healing tattoo does not itch, flake or peel. You just had a really good tattoo!

Pimples appearing on or around your fresh tattoo are generally caused by too much aftercare cream  blocking the pores. Adjust your usage or try swapping to another type of aftercare.

Notes:

Bepanthen cream is available from the chemist or supermarket (usually with the baby products)

Bepanthen antiseptic cream is the recommended aftercare as it both an emollient with occlusive properties, and an antiseptic, it also contains provitamin B5 for faster healing. 

Please note Bepanthen is not vegan as it contains lanolin.

Vegan alternatives to Bepanthen are marketed for tattoos- check the ingredients for these products to ensure you do not have allergies to any of the essential oils etc. 

I recommend a pure Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, or Palmers Cocoa Butter (tub only) as vegan alternatives to Bepanthen 

Please note that unlike Bepanthen, vegan tattoo products are not antiseptic.

Before touching your new tattoo for any purpose, it’s important to make sure your hands are clean.

Two factors prominent in fading tattoos over time are direct sun and dry skin. 

A nourishing daily moisturiser and sunscreen and cover when in direct sunlight is recommended for the longevity of your tattoo.

Should you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact Clare on 0497 852 909 or clareketon@me.com

Cling Wrap Method 

It’s very important to care for your tattoo not only in the healing period, but long term to ensure the lines stay crisp and the colour doesn’t fade. This is what we recommend to all our clients who have a new tattoo:

Directly After The Tattoo Session

Thin layer of Bepanthen cream or vegan alternative is applied to the tattoo upon completion of the tattoo and covered in cling wrap.

3 Hours After Tattoo Session

Remove the cling wrap and have a hot shower.

Gently wash the tattoo with fragrance-free soap using your hands only.

Gently pat dry the tattoo with clean towel, allow to air dry for a few minutes or until completely dry.

Reapply a thin layer of Bepanthen or vegan alternative and recover with cling wrap for 24 hours.

24 Hours After Tattoo Session

Repeat the washing process and reapply cream.

DO NOT reapply the cling wrap

During The Healing Process

• Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo or applying cream.
• Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen cream or vegan alternative 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks.
• Apply cream twice a day for the 3rd and 4th weeks. Bepanthen or vegan alternative.
• DO NOT swim in chlorinated or salt water
• DO NOT soak in the bath, have showers only
• DO NOT expose your tattoo to dirt, dust, grease etc
• DO NOT scratch or pick your tattoo
• DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight during the healing process. This applies to the periods in between appointments if you are having multiple sessions.

Once your tattoo is completely healed a good daily moisturiser and sunscreen and cover when in direct sun is recommended for longevity of your tattoo.

Should you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact Clare on 0497 852 909 or clareketon@me.com