The Initial Bandage
Right after the tattoo, Second Skin will be applied; a transparent, breathe-able, water resistant film that sticks on to the skin for several days. If you’ve used Second Skin before and have experienced adverse side effects from it in the past (Rashes, Allergies, Infections), Vaseline will be applied to the area and bandaged with cling film (taken off a few hours later)
Second Skin: Leave on for 3 to 5 days, when removed, immediately start your ‘cleaning routine’. If you are given a second piece and want to apply it, make sure to clean your tattoo and only use paper towels to dry – make sure it’s fully dry before reapplying.
Cling Film: Remove after 3-5 hours, and immediately start your ‘cleaning routine’.
In either case, once the bandage is removed, do not re-wrap it with anything else, allow it to breathe with as least obstruction (tight clothing/sleeping on it) as possible.
Cleaning Routine
After either bandage is removed, your cleaning routine should be adopted for 1.5-2 weeks (till the tattoo stops scabbing).
Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with ONLY non-scented liquid/bar soap (there are a variety of different options, consult a pharmacist if in doubt about the product affecting your tattoo). The additives in scented soaps are known to cause skin irritations which is why they are not recommended for use on open skin ~ these additives may interfere with the distribution/pigmentation of the ink and may cause adverse reactions to the look of the tattoo.
Wash your tattoo for around 20 seconds each wash, with a light, circular motion. Allow the water to cascade further away from the tattoo so as to not disturb the scabs from coming out prematurely. Dab (never rub!) your tattoo dry with ONLY paper towels; regular towels can harbour bacteria and should not be used on an open wound.
Do not immerse your tattoo in water until it stops scabbing (2-3 weeks). Do not wash your tattoo with force (be gentle). Do not pick at the scabs (let them fall off on their own).
Moisturizing
Do not apply moisturizer to the tattoo until it starts to dry and scab (usually within a few days after removing either bandage).
Apply a thin film of non-scented moisturizer 2 times a day (at most) on the tattoo. Over-moisturizing can block pores, delaying the healing – it can also create a perfect environment for bacteria to reside, resulting in a possible infection. I highly recommend Aquaphor, which is widely available at most drug stores.
It is not necessary to apply anything else, it is safer to just stick to non-scented soap and moisturizer. Other ointments may have harmful additives for the tattoo. Aquaphor and unscented Dove bar soaps are my recommended choices for caring for the tattoo.
Do not use petroleum jelly (vaseline) - this can make the scabs come out prematurely. Do not use Coconut Oil - it is a comedogenic substance and can cause complications.
Sun
Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least a month after it’s been done. The sun can damage a fresh tattoo and can affect the vibrance of the ink. Use loose clothing to shade your tattoo from the sun, as suffocating the tattoo can affect its healing.
It is important to continue applying sunscreen to your tattoo long after it’s healed, as the sun can make your tattoos look more faded with time if not protected. Do not apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo.
Stages of Healing
Stage One (Days 1-6) – Oozing, swelling, bleeding and redness that gets better gradually over each day. Scabbing begins to form over the area. Bleeding (blood & plasma) can last up to 36-48 hrs.
Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until all layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off.
Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still being repaired, so continue to care for your tattoo.