After Care

DERMSHIELD / SANIDERM / SECONDSKIN

Leave the second skin bandage on for 2-4 days. You can do most of your regular daily activities with it on- including showering! Please refrain from exercise while the bandage is on.  You may see some goop in there. That’s your plasma mixed with ink and it’s totally normal! If the bandage gets irritated, starts to peel or leak or rip, please remove it.

TRADITIONAL BANDAGE / SOAKER PAD

Leave the bandage on for at least two hours, not exceeding 24 hours.

OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS

Always be sure your hands are clean before cleaning your tattoo. Wash your tattoo with unscented liquid antibacterial soap. Do not use sponges or loofahs until your tattoo is fully healed (two weeks). Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel or a very clean washcloth. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of unscented lotion to your tattoo. Only apply moisturizer AFTER washing your tattoo and with clean hands.
You will need to repeat this washing process twice a day for two weeks until your tattoo is fully healed. 

 

 

WHAT NOT TO DO

FOR A MINIMUM OF 2-3 WEEKS

  • no exposure to direct sunlight
  • no soaking in water (no baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.) this not only leads to a worse healed tattoo but dramatically increases likelihood of infection.
  • no excessive sweating. Take a break from exercise for at least the first couple days of healing. Stick to a reduced gym routine the following 2 weeks of healing and be sure to wash your tattoo after the gym. No saunas.
  • As tempting as it may be DO NOT scratch/itch your tattoo

CLOTHING + SHEETS

  • Wear clean clothes and wash your sheets. ESPECIALLY if you have pets. Pet hair, dander, and dust can irritate your tattoo.
  • Avoid tight or abrasive clothing that could stick to or rub against your tattoo. If you find yourself stuck to fabric don’t panic and DO NOT rip it off dry. Instead, go to a sink or shower and soak the stuck fabric under running after until it detaches from the tattoo on its own.

LONG TERM CARE

After 3-4 weeks apply high SPF sunscreen to your tattoo whenever exposing it to the sun. Proper skin care and use of sunscreen is the best way to maintain your tattoo

After a month I’d LOVE to see healed pictures!

Have a friend help you or take a self timed photo in clear focus. Natural light is best! Please send any healed pictures to xaramartattoo@gmail.com If you need a touch up on your tattoo let me know- touch ups are free :)