TATTOO AFTERCARE

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

Your tattoo’s healing process begins the moment it is applied. Please keep the first bandage on for 24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it for longer than 24 hours.
Start by carefully removing the bandage. Find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself toward your natural hair growth. If the bandage sticks, you can use some lukewarm water to help remove the adhesive. Very gently remove and discard the used bandage.
Rewash your hands, and then use a circular motion to gently wash off any remaining ink, blood, and plasma with your hand, some warm water, and a small amount of fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. (You want to avoid building up too much lather, which can be challenging to remove.) Avoid scrubbing the new tattoo, which could damage your skin and slow healing.

IMPORTANT: Please don’t wipe the tattoo or use a washcloth, bath towel, bath sponge, loofah, etc. Only use clear hands to wash the tattoo. The soap should not contain microbeads or other exfoliants.
Finally, allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
(Using a bath or hand towel to dry the area could introduce bacteria and cause infection.)
Apply the second bandage.
Keep this second bandage on for 4 to 6 days—the full six days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, removing it sooner rather than later is okay.

TATTOO AFTERCARE ROUTINE

Once the final bandage is removed from your tattoo, care for it by gently washing it with unscented antibacterial soap and patting or air drying it. Then, apply a layer of aftercare moisturizer 2 – 3 times a day for two weeks or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked.

Remember that the tattoo may appear fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper skin layers will still be repairing for 2 – 4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period.

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Applying a thick layer of lotion or balm to your healing tattoo can be tempting, especially if it feels sore or looks dry. Unfortunately, it is possible to over-moisturize your tattoo, which can lead to issues. For example, excess moisture…

Can slow healing
Can be more inviting to bacteria and germ growth
Can increase the risk of inflammation and infection
Can clog pores, so the skin can’t breathe
Can lead to skin breakouts.

That said, it’s also possible to under-moisturize a tattoo, allowing the skin to dry out, leading to more scabbing, flaking, and other signs of dryness.

To get the “just right” level of moisture, apply a nice, thin layer of balm or lotion twice daily after first cleaning the skin. In our dry climate, it may be necessary to apply another layer in the middle of the day.

RESTRICTIONS

Never pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo. You could get an infection or remove the color.
- If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, don’t worry, it’s normal.

Avoid swimming and the sun for about two weeks.
- You want to keep your tattoo dry and out of direct sun to give it the best chance to heal properly.
Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Clothes sticking to your tattoo can be uncomfortable and delay healing.

RISKS

What’s the risk of skipping parts of recommended tattoo aftercare?

More discomfort. If the tattoo isn’t moisturized, it’s more likely to itch, and scratching to relieve the itch can damage the tattoo.

Your tattoo’s appearance may change. Deeper scabs may form on dry skin, causing some discoloration in the tattoo.

You may get an infection. If it feels very sore or tender, or you see redness, drainage, swelling, or a rash at the tattoo site, visit a doctor and notify the tattoo facility.

Always talk to your tattoo artist if you have concerns about tattoo aftercare steps.

IMPORTANT: If you think your tattoo is infected or not healing correctly, see your doctor and notify the tattoo facility.