Second Skin After Care

Your fresh tattoo is now covered in a sterile, waterproof, breathable adhesive; leave this on for up to 5 days.

Over the next 48 hours your skin will push out fluids including ink, plasma and blood. This is usually a brown-ish colour and makes your tattoo look ‘smudged’ however it can come in many colours. This is a good sign and completely normal.

If the fluid begins to leak outside of the second skin or begins to ‘balloon out’ and persists over the first two days, consult your artist for advice on whether to remove it.

If your tattoo becomes progressively red over the next few days or you experience excessive burning a few days after its likely you are allergic to the adhesive and must remove it immediately.

Once you have removed it please refer to the streps below. Happy healing!

Natural Healing After Care

Your tattoo is probably covered in cling wrap or dental napkin; this is important because it allows the ink to settle in to the dermis layer of your skin. However cling wrap is not breathable so if you are wrapped in cling wrap please remove it after 2 hours.

If you are not using second skin, wash your tattoo immediately with antibacterial liquid soap after 1-2 hours.

Dry the area after washing by patting the tattoo with clean paper towel or let it dry naturally - do not rub it and do not use a re-usable towel.

Apply a thin layer of the tattoo aftercare product recommended by your artist with clean hands after washing. (Some artists will recommend starting aftercare 3 days after the tattoo procedure if the tattoo is highly saturated. If you are unsure about when to start, or which products to use, consult your artist).

Repeat the above steps 2-3 times per day.

Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight as this can cause fading.

Do not swim or bathe; showers are fine.

Wear loose fitting clothes with minimal fibres for the next two weeks as tight and fluffy clothing can stick to the wound. While in the healing process avoid animal hair, sleeping with animals and dirty or fluffy sheets and blankets.

1. Similar to sunburn, it is very sore and swollen for the first 3 days.

2. It begins to scab, flake off and is very itchy. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo.

3. It is settling in to the skin; even if it looks as if it has healed continue washing and applying your aftercare cream for a minimum of 2 weeks after your appointment.

A tattoo infection is characterised by excessive swelling, pus and/or burning of the tattooed area several days after it was done. It is normal for a tattoo to swell and scab in moderation; however if you are concerned about your healing process, please contact your artist and/or GP for advice immediately. Tattoo infections are usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and if left untreated can result in cellulitis or sepsis which will require hospitalisation. Be diligent with healing and avoid getting tattooed if you are sick.

If it worsens you will need to schedule an appointment with a GP.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.