How to take care of your tattoo~
Dermshield:
keep the second skin on for at least 24 hours and no longer than 5 days. if the edges peel up and expose the tattoo, there’s a massive ink sac (normal but annoying), or you’ve sweat a lot with the second skin on: remove it!
you’re welcome to replace the second skin at home, do so by cleaning the tattoo, drying completely, then applying (adding ~1 inch around the tattoo). just be sure to not replace if your tattoo is in its peeling stage!
the best way to remove Dermshield: in hot shower/under warm water to loosen adhesive, pull at the edges and stretch away to reduce irritation.
CAUTION: if you have sensitive and allergy prone skin, watch out for possible allergic reactions: usually excessive redness, itchiness, bumps, burning, etc. listen to your body and remove it if it becomes uncomfortable. this is rare but can happen- it shouldn’t damage the tattoo if it occurs.
after second skin removal: gently wash with warm water and Gold Dial soap, pump or bar. once clean, pat dry with a paper towel (not a bath towel, etc.). follow up with a thin layer of moisturizer, don’t suffocate it.
good moisturizers: Lubriderm Daily Moisture, Aveeno Non-Scented, Cerave, Aquaphor (not recommended but can be used in thin layers). do NOT use scented lotions, exfoliants, Vaseline, or A&D ointment.
for 2 and a half weeks, you should continue with cleansing your tattoo 2-3x a day following up with your moisturizer. somewhere between this healing time, it will peel and become itchy. this is normal, do NOT pick, scratch, shave, or scrub the area until fully healed. doing so may result in patches of ink lost.
do not sunbathe, do not swim in any bodies of water, do not submerge your tattoo in the bath, and be sure to wear loose clothing around your tattoo during the 2 and a half week healing period. it is also recommended to keep any sweaty activities (working out, hot yoga, etc.) to a bare minimum until fully healed. if you do get sweaty, cleanse the tattoo directly after.
weeks to months after your tattoo is healed, it is normal to see up to a 40%-60% lightening of the tattoo, and a “cloudy sheen” within the dark areas. this is the skin healing over, to improve the look of your tattoo and its health, keep it moisturized and out of the sun. you should regularly be using SPF on your tattoo after the 2 and a half week mark to help it not fade or spread.
Plastic wrap:
remove plastic wrap as soon as you get home, wash gently (Gold Dial soap) with clean hands, pat dry with a paper towel, and apply moisturizer.
be sure no pets lick the area, no bacteria ridden surfaces touch the area, or anything gross really. since you do not have the antibacterial layer of the second skin, the first 2-3 days are pinnacle that it stays extra clean to prevent infection. it is also recommended to have clean sheets the first night, and to stay away from public work out equipment until healed.
otherwise, everything else is the same as stated above under Dermshield.
If you feel you still have questions or concerns about healing your tattoo, don’t hesitate to contact erinjeantattoo@gmail.com