caring for your new tattoo
SaniDerm/SecondSkin Method
My preferred method of healing for my clients is with a medical-grade, transparent adhesive barrier that protects new tattoos while they are healing.
(This method should not be used if you have sensitivity to medical adhesives. If your skin doesn’t tolerate a Band-Aid, it won’t like this.)
There are several brand names you may hear:
Saniderm, SecondSkin, Tegaderm, Fixomull, DermShield, TattooShield, etc.
Why use this type of bandage?
The adhesive film bandage is preferable over traditional healing methods because it protects your tattoo from dirt, germs, and other bacteria from collecting on it and causing infection. It offers protection from friction and other irritants.
The bandage is permeable enough for oxygen and water vapor to pass through, allowing the wounded area to maintain optimal levels of breathability. By locking in your body’s natural healing fluids, your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring.
Also, the healing process is generally faster using this method of bandaging.
Your bandage can be left on for 3-7 days after it has been applied to your new tattoo. It is waterproof so you can shower with it on. Just be sure to keep your showers quick enough that it’s not steaming the bandage off. Avoid scrubbing the bandage.
IS FLUID UNDERNEATH THE BANDAGE NORMAL?
It is completely normal for your tattoo to weep fluid beneath your bandage in the first 24-48 hours.
This does not necessarily mean that you need to remove the bandage.
However, if you notice excessive plasma build up (a soy sauce packet amount of fluid is fairly common) or if the bandage becomes compromised or detached from the skin and exposes the tattoo, or if the bandage is leaking at all, discontinue use as soon as you are able to safely remove the bandage and proceed with the traditional aftercare instructions.
HOW TO REMOVE THE BANDAGE
On the third to seventh day of having your bandage on, it will be time to remove it. The bandage may have started to peel off on its own, in which case you should remove it at that time.
Peel up an edge or corner of the bandage and slowly tug it off. Do not pull it straight up away from the skin and do not rip it off like a band-aid. Don’t pull it off like you’re waxing.
Instead, pull the film back and across the skin while holding your skin taut. You want to gently tug it horizontally and let it release. I like to compare it to removing a command strip from the wall.
If it is difficult to remove, try removing in a warm shower. The warm water will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
Wash the tattoo thoroughly but gently with warm water and antibacterial soap, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
If there is any plasma that does not want to come off, do not force it off.
If your skin feels sticky because some of the adhesive did not come off while washing your tattoo, a bit of skin-safe oil (i.e., coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.), should help it come off.
You may experience some redness around the tattoo where the bandage was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive.
Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo as needed.
Once your tattoo has dried completely from washing, you can apply a thin layer of lotion to your tattoo
A little bit goes a long way! Do not over-apply.
You can apply lotion 1 - 3 times a day. If the tattoo feels fine, and it doesn’t seem like it needs it, don’t use it. The lotion is really for your own comfort, the tattoo will heal on its own.
I highly recommend using Inkeeze Purple Glide for healing. I’ve seen nothing but great results with it. You can buy a tub here.
Other recommendations: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
Lubriderm
Curel
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing
Aveeno
If there’s something else you’d like to use, please check with me first!
While healing, it is VERY important your tattoo stays as dry as possible
Don’t get it wet! Only wash it when necessary.
When you take a shower, just get in and get out.
KEEP IT QUICK.
Keep the water off the tattoo!
Do not put a covering over your tattoo when you shower, that will only trap the heat and moisture.
Absolutely no swimming, hot tubs, etc.
Wear loose, breathable clothing
You must avoid friction against the tattoo while it is healing.
Stay out of the sun!
Your skin needs to heal and sunlight, natural or artificial, is very damaging. Stay in the shade, stay out of the tanning bed, do the best you can until it is healed. Once it is healed, always use a high SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo looking like new for much longer!
average healing time is 1 - 2 weeks
During the healing process, your tattoo will go through many stages.
Usually, it will begin to peel and flake after 3-5 days. You may notice light scabbing. It is completely normal for it to look like bits and pieces of your tattoo are flaking off. That is just part of the healing process.
It will itch! It may itch a lot!
Whatever you do…
do not pick at or scratch your tattoo!
Picking or scratching is very damaging, and prematurely removing flakes/scabs from a tattoo can cause ink loss and scarring.
After the peeling stage, you may notice a secondary healing stage
The skin will look tight and shiny, while colors may look somewhat milky. This will go away after another week or so. Continue to treat the tattoo very gently!
If you notice any signs or symptoms of infection, including (but not limited to)
redness (worsening after the first few days),
swelling
tenderness
red streaks going from the tattoo site toward the heart
purulent drainage from the tattoo site
or any other signs that indicate the need for medical care, please contact your artist and your physician immediately!
When in doubt, ask!
Call or text 515-988-2555 or email LauraTattoos@gmail.com
if you have any questions about your tattoo and the healing process.