Derm Shield (Second Skin)
- ICE ICE ICE!-
Icing your tattoo, especially immediately after, helps the redness, swelling, pain, and contracts the skin. This action helps to retain the ink, giving you a long lasting beautiful tattoo. I recommend icing your new tattoo for the first three days in the healing process, even just 20 minutes a day goes a long way!
- REDNESS -
If you experience redness around the second skin that lasts longer than a couple of days, you may be having a slight reaction to the adhesive on the bandage. You can always remove the second skin if you feel like you’re having a reaction - You know your body best. But, if something feels wrong, please reach out to directly with a photo of the area you’re concerned about!
- IF THE BANDAGE LEAKS -
If bacteria can get out of the bandage, it can also get in - leaving you susceptible to infection. If it has been OVER 48 HOURS since the tattoo, remove the second skin, and follow the NO DERM instructions below. However, if it leaks within the FIRST 48 HOURS, please reach out directly
NO DERM
Gently wash the new tattoo with UNSCENTED ANTIBACTERIAL hand soap and warm water. Repeat this process 3 times daily for the first week. Stay away from anything scented, as this will cause irritation.
Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a dabbing motion rather than scrubbing. Or you can let it air dry.
Massage a THIN layer of Lotion (I recommend Hustle Butter, or anything "butter" and tattoo specific!) on the tattoo. Regular, unscented lotion works as well! Massage in thoroughly, this helps keep the "itchy" part of the process under control. Make sure to dab any excess ointment off after application, you don't want your tattoo to be shiny. Repeat lotioning TWICE DAILY for 1-2 weeks.
Do's/Don'ts
Don't freak out if your tattoo is red and/or irritated for a few days after your appointment, this is totally normal.
Do keep up the washing regiment at least once a day for 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It helps speed up the healing process and relieve the itching. (If your not using second skin)
Don't overdo the ointment, it can clog your pores and ultimately mess up your tattoo – try to keep the applications thin and down to 3-5 times a day. This is the most common issue I see clients deal with.
Don't pick! Its normal for the tattoo to be itchy, but resist the scratching! If you pick or scratch a healing tattoo, you can pull out pigments and create scar tissue.
Don't get into any hot tubs, swimming pools, baths or anything else that might submerge your tattoo underwater for long periods of time for two weeks. Avoid saunas and tanning beds for two weeks as well.
Do call with questions! Although usually helpful, don't ask Google or friends for advice regarding tattoo stuff. If you have any questions or concerns about your new artwork, please don't hesitate to call!
- Keep the existing Derm Shield I sent you home with on for 24 hours. (you may notice some colored liquid building up in there , this is perfectly normal, so worry not! This is a little bit of blood, plasma and ink purging from the tattoo - it’s just your bodies immune system at work, trying to help ya’ out).
- After 24 hours gently peel the film off. (I always suggest doing so in the shower so you may have an easier time cleaning the tattoo. The Derm will definitely stick , some warm water will help loosen the adhesive, plus all that liquid building up can wash away rather than getting everywhere).
- Wash your tattoo with gentle, unscented soap and warm water. Please do not use bar soap (this can have bacteria build up from sitting in your shower) My suggestion would be to use Dial Antibacterial Soap. After getting out of the shower, please gently blot dry your tattoo with a freshly clean towel or paper towel. You want your skin super dry so your fresh Derm shield will stick to the skin surrounding the fresh tattoo.
- Apply the new sheet/s of Recovery Derm Shield onto your tattoo. In case you’re confused with the two step process , please remove the back white layer like a sticker. Apply it to your tattoo so there is about 1’ beyond the new tattoo, you don’t have to stretch it over your tattoo, just gently press it from the middle , and smooth out the sides so any air bubbles may be released. You should be looking at the black patterned side. Now, look for the small orange arrows and peel away the top layer. Your Derm Shield should be see through, thin, and comfortable on the skin. If one piece hasn’t covered the whole tattoo, repeat this step with another layer (one at a time) until the whole tattoo is sealed.
- Wear your Derm Shield for 4 -5 days. After this you may remove the Derm Shield.(Do not be alarmed if you see a ghost of your tattoo on the film as you remove it, this is just dead skin cells that have fallen off) Proceed by lotioning the tattoo with unscented lotion until the tattoo isn’t peeling, itchy or dry feeling. After three weeks your tattoo should be completely healed. Some areas of the body can take a little longer to heal. (Lubriderm,Aveeno,Curel, Eurcerin,and Cetaphil are all types of lotion that would be good)
- ICE ICE ICE!-
Icing your tattoo, especially immediately after, helps the redness, swelling, pain, and contracts the skin. This action helps to retain the ink, giving you a long lasting beautiful tattoo. I recommend icing your new tattoo for the first three days in the healing process, even just 20 minutes a day goes a long way!
- REDNESS -
If you experience redness around the second skin that lasts longer than a couple of days, you may be having a slight reaction to the adhesive on the bandage. You can always remove the second skin if you feel like you’re having a reaction - You know your body best. But, if something feels wrong, please reach out to directly with a photo of the area you’re concerned about!
- IF THE BANDAGE LEAKS -
If bacteria can get out of the bandage, it can also get in - leaving you susceptible to infection. If it has been OVER 48 HOURS since the tattoo, remove the second skin, and follow the NO DERM instructions below. However, if it leaks within the FIRST 48 HOURS, please reach out directly
NO DERM
Gently wash the new tattoo with UNSCENTED ANTIBACTERIAL hand soap and warm water. Repeat this process 3 times daily for the first week. Stay away from anything scented, as this will cause irritation.
Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a dabbing motion rather than scrubbing. Or you can let it air dry.
Massage a THIN layer of Lotion (I recommend Hustle Butter, or anything "butter" and tattoo specific!) on the tattoo. Regular, unscented lotion works as well! Massage in thoroughly, this helps keep the "itchy" part of the process under control. Make sure to dab any excess ointment off after application, you don't want your tattoo to be shiny. Repeat lotioning TWICE DAILY for 1-2 weeks.
Do's/Don'ts
Don't freak out if your tattoo is red and/or irritated for a few days after your appointment, this is totally normal.
Do keep up the washing regiment at least once a day for 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It helps speed up the healing process and relieve the itching. (If your not using second skin)
Don't overdo the ointment, it can clog your pores and ultimately mess up your tattoo – try to keep the applications thin and down to 3-5 times a day. This is the most common issue I see clients deal with.
Don't pick! Its normal for the tattoo to be itchy, but resist the scratching! If you pick or scratch a healing tattoo, you can pull out pigments and create scar tissue.
Don't get into any hot tubs, swimming pools, baths or anything else that might submerge your tattoo underwater for long periods of time for two weeks. Avoid saunas and tanning beds for two weeks as well.
Do call with questions! Although usually helpful, don't ask Google or friends for advice regarding tattoo stuff. If you have any questions or concerns about your new artwork, please don't hesitate to call!