tattoo aftercare

Proper care for a new tattoo directly affects how well it heals and is essential for its longevity. Neglecting your tattoo can lead to infections, longer healing time, and loss of vibrancy or even parts of the tattoo itself, all requiring the need for touch-ups or reworks. Additional work to your tattoo that may be needed because of improper aftercare is NOT free. The cost of a touch-up is at least the shop minimum (covering the cost of supplies and minimal time) but can end up being much more depending on how much damage has been done to the artwork.

Ensure that your new tattoo will be a life-long treasure by following the advice and guidelines outlined below.

Please note: if you have any questions or concerns about the aftercare and healing process, or if you are having any type of issue or reaction, PLEASE reach out to me IMMEDIATELY. If your tattoo is at risk of becoming infected, you must have your situation assessed and follow the proper protocol given. I recommend consulting me BEFORE seeing a doctor to avoid unnecessary administration of antibiotics*.
*The overuse of antibiotics — especially taking antibiotics when they're not the correct treatment — promotes antibiotic resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of antibiotic use in people is not needed or appropriate.

traditional wrapping (saran wrap)

following the tattoo procedure

  1. After 2 hours (unless instructed otherwise), wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial hand soap (the gold bottle of Dial is a general recommendation), and remove the wrap.

  2. Hand wash the tattoo and surrounding area with the same unscented antibacterial soap, using warm to hot water. Be sure to work off any excess ink/blood/plasma that has leaked out of the tattoo- leaving any of this residue can lead to irritation and extra scabbing.

  3. Let your tattoo air dry, or use a fresh, clean paper towel to gently pat the area dry. Do not use any cloth rags or towels on the tattoo for any part of the healing process- even if they are clean, they are breeding grounds for bacteria. Do not wipe or rub the tattoo with anything other than your clean hands (or gloves if you have them accessible) because this can cause tissue damage and further irritation.

  4. After cleaning and drying the tattooed area, apply a SMALL amount of aftercare ointment or cream. A general product recommendation is A&D ointment or Aquaphor unless you have a preference for a certain brand of aftercare products. Use only enough of the product to cover the area- DO NOT GLOB IT ON. More ointment does NOT equal better moisturization. Keeping your fresh tattoo coated with an excess of any product can not only clog the pores and prevent the flow of oxygen, which will slow the healing process, but can also attract dust and dirt particles, trapping bacteria into the area and potentially causing infection.

  5. Repeat steps 2-4 as needed throughout the day for 2-4 days.

  6. Once your tattoo has reached the next stage of healing, it may peel, flake, scab, and itch, or you may not have any further symptoms. This is all normal in the healing process. Continue to moisturize your tattoo, using less ointment or switching to an unscented lotion. Once again, too much product will clog the pores, and in this stage of healing can cause breakouts in the tattooed area.

Your tattoo may take anywhere from a week and a half to three weeks to fully heal, depending on its size, location, and saturation. The general timeline for considering the tattoo to be in the healing process is two weeks. During this time do NOT:

  • Soak or have the tattooed area submerged for extended periods

  • Leave the tattooed area exposed to sunlight (real or artificial)

  • Rewrap or bandage the tattoo (unless instructed otherwise)

  • Touch the tattoo with dirty hands or other foreign objects

  • Pick, scratch, or peel any part of the tattoo

Your main goal in taking care of your tattoo is to keep it CLEAN and free of bacteria. Additionally, keeping your tattoo moisturized promotes smoother and faster healing and less chance of scabbing or scarring.

recovery derm shield

Recovery Derm Shield is a light, waterproof composite film bandage comprised of three layers: EVA film, matte PU film, and glassine. The matte PU film, which is the part of the bandage that remains on and protects the skin after tattooing, allows for optimal breathability and ductility when compared to glossy film bandages. Here is a link to the safety data sheet for Derm Shield.

product details

Effortlessly protect your new tattoos with Recovery Derm Shield, a latex-free, transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for flawless, gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities with a peace of mind and body. Preserving tattoo vibrancy, our Derm Shield allows your skin to breathe and heal the right way.

  • Light, latex-free, transparent matte film bandage

  • Eliminates scabbing and reduces risk of scarring

  • Maximum breathability and flexibility for flawless healing

  • Waterproof and permeable to allow perspiration

Directions for Use:

Gently clean and pat dry the tattoo and surrounding area, ensuring there is no soap or any residue on the skin. With clean hands or gloves, remove Derm Shield from the sterile pouch. Cut the Derm Shield to cover tattooed area plus a 1 to 2 inch margin from the edge of the tattoo. Peel off backing to expose adhesive side and position the Derm Shield over the tattoo with the adhesive side facing the skin. Gently apply using light pressure, starting from the center to the edges to eliminate air bubbles. Do not stretch the Derm Shield during application.

The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for 24 hours, depending on level of exudation. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

A second application can be used for several days, and a third application may be used if necessary. Gently clean and dry the area between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.

To remove, gently peel the Derm Shield by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards.

Source: Recovery Aftercare
Recovery MSDS

infections

Signs of infection include extreme pain (more than the general soreness associated with skin trauma), redness around the tattoo and/or swelling lasting longer than a few days, the tattoo and surrounding area being hot to the touch, or leaking of solid-colored fluids from the area. If you think your tattoo may be infected please reach out to me immediately- I will ask to see photos of the area or may ask you to come into the shop so I can assess it in person. Depending on the possible infection and its seriousness I may advise you to seek out medical attention.

Infections are caused by bacteria getting into the tattoo (open wound) and can be avoided by proper aftercare techniques. Some allergies may appear as an infection. Allergies can develop in the body at any time or life stage, even if there have never been signs of one before, In other less common instances, an underlying condition (known or unknown) can cause delayed healing or other symptoms which may affect the healing of your tattoo.