Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Credit: @Dink_ink
If you have been tattooed by me, I most likely sent you home with some Recovery Derm Shield on your new tattoo. This is a clear , breathable, waterproof , hypoallergenic film that covers your fresh tattoo and protects it from anything that may interfere with the healing process. (You also may have heard of Tegaderm, or Second Skin, this is essentially the same thing, just different brand)
If your tattoo was larger than 4”-5” I also sent you home with a 1oz container of Lubriderm lotion. This is a basic lotion free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and fragrance.
So, in case my verbal instructions didn’t get committed to memory…
Please review the following instructions:
Keep the existing Derm Shield I sent you home with on for 3-5 days. (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 body’s immune system at work.
After 3-5 days gently peel the film off. (I always suggest doing so in the shower so you have an easier time cleaning the tattoo. The Dermshield will definitely stick, so a little shower steam may help loosen the adhesive, and all that liquid building up can wash away rather than getting everywhere). 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.
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 Gold Soap. After getting out of the shower, please gently blot dry your tattoo with a freshly clean towel or paper towel.
Proceed by lotioning the tattoo with white, 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).
Things NOT to do while healing a tattoo…
Please avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths, sun exposure, gym equipment or shaving for at least two weeks while your tattoo is healing. You have an open wound and are more susceptible to harmful chemicals and bacteria that may interfere with your healing and your overall health. Please also try to avoid your pet touching your fresh tattoo. I know its hard, we love them so, and sometimes they can be rambunctious and excited to see you. If by chance your dog or cat touches, or scratches you , wash your tattoo immediately.
With the Derm Shield you shouldn’t have any major scabbing with your tattoo, only light flakiness once you take the film off . Please, do not pick or peel off the flaky skin, allow for it to come off naturally to avoid removing pigment from your tattoo. Tattoo artists know when you’ve been picking, so don’t do it!
Note: If you are allergic to adhesives, or have found that the Derm Shield isn’t your cup of tea, or i’ve only done outlining on you please review my instructions on an ointment heal below….
Ointment Heal
I highly recommend an all organic ointment or a basic non-scented lotion over a petroleum based product. This avoids any unnecessary break outs that may appear from an ointment that is more vaseline like in consistency. You may use Aquaphor , it is perfectly adequate, however, my personal preference is Lubriderm.
Lubriderm Lotion
When you get home from our session, take off the bandage or wrap i’ve applied to your tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap (Dial or Dr Bronner’s) , avoid bar soap . Pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or fresh cleaned bath towel.
Apply your lotion to your fresh tattoo 2-3 times a day for 4 days until it isn’t peeling, itchy or dry feeling. Make sure your hands are nice and clean before applying.
You do not have to obsessively wash your tattoo, only if you feel like it touched something it shouldn’t have. For example: you woke up in the morning and you may have sheet or clothing lint on it, animal fur and what not. Wash your tattoo with gentle soap and water, pat dry and apply your lotion.
Aquaphor Ointment
If you cannot get Lubriderm at your local store, you may get Aquaphor ointment from most Pharmacies or stores. If you do use this, please apply it in very small amounts in a thin layer. This is a petroleum based product and you still want your tattoo to be able to breathe adequately for it to heal in a timely fashion.
Note: if you are healing your tattoo with Aquaphor ointment, do not keep applying the ointment past the 4 days. If you do, you may notice your tattoo scabbing up, and taking longer to heal. This is because the tattoo isn’t able to breathe adequately and the skin is not regenerating like it normally does when it can air out. This is why we suggest switching to a lotion after the 4 days.
If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare please feel free to email me at Dani@DraftandDispatch.com or DM me on instagram @danidoestats