Second Skin Bandage

Your tattoo has been covered with a Second Skin protective bandage immediately after your appointment.

• Keep the Second Skin on for 3 days whenever possible.

• During this time, you may notice a mixture of lymph fluid, ink, and plasma collecting underneath the bandage. This may look like dark or black-colored liquid and is completely normal. There is no need to remove the bandage because of this.

• If the bandage begins to peel significantly, leaks, or loses its seal before the 3 days are over, you may remove it and begin your normal aftercare routine.

• If you accidentally remove the Second Skin earlier than recommended, don't worry. Simply continue with the cleaning and moisturizing instructions below.

Removing the Second Skin

On Day 4, gently remove the Second Skin under lukewarm running water. Pull it back slowly rather than straight up to minimize discomfort.

Once removed:

1. Wash your tattoo gently using antibacterial soap, a gentle cleanser, or mild baby soap with lukewarm water.

2. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

3. Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline.

Continue washing and moisturizing your tattoo twice a day for 7–10 days.

Avoid applying too much ointment. Your tattoo should feel lightly moisturized, not overly covered.

Clothing

For the first 2 weeks, wear loose, breathable clothing whenever possible, especially if the tattoo is in an area where clothing may rub against it.

Avoid tight-fitting garments that create friction or pressure on the healing tattoo.

Sun Protection

Protecting your tattoo from the sun is essential for maintaining crisp lines and preventing premature fading.

• Avoid direct sun exposure while your tattoo is healing.

• After 2 weeks, begin applying a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.

Daily sun protection will help preserve your tattoo's appearance for years to come.

What to Avoid During Healing

To promote proper healing, please avoid:

• Swimming pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, and hot tubs for 7–10 days.

• Saunas, steam rooms, and excessive heat for 7–10 days.

• Heavy workouts and excessive sweating for 7 days.

• Scratching, rubbing, or picking at any peeling skin or scabs.

• Soaking the tattoo in water until it has healed completely.

• Applying harsh skincare products, exfoliants, or chemical treatments directly over the tattoo until fully healed.

Healing Process

Immediately after your tattoo appointment, your tattoo will appear darker and more vibrant than the final healed result.

Over the next several days, light peeling or small scabs may develop. This is a completely normal part of healing.

Never pick or remove the scabs. Allow them to fall off naturally, as picking can cause pigment loss, uneven healing, and affect the final appearance of your tattoo.

As the skin heals, the tattoo will soften into its healed soft black appearance.

Complete healing usually takes 6–8 weeks, although the surface of the skin generally heals much sooner.

Touch-Ups

Fine line tattoos heal softer than traditional tattoos because they are created with very fine lines and less pigment is implanted into the skin. It is completely normal for your healed tattoo to appear lighter and less bold than a traditional tattoo.

Some fine line tattoos may require a touch-up after healing, depending on your skin and how your tattoo heals. If you have any questions or feel your tattoo could benefit from a touch-up, please feel free to contact me. I'm always happy to help.