After your tattoo
Once your tattoo is finished, it is wrapped to keep it protected.
Depending on the size of the tattoo and the artist, it will be wrapped either in foil or in what is known as second skin.
Second skin is applied like a bandage and can stay on the body for up to 5 days. The second skin may come off before the 5 days are up, but if that happens, you simply begin the aftercare routine. Some excess ink and blood will collect under the second skin, but this is completely normal and part of the process.
Once the second skin has come off, gently wash the tattoo under lukewarm water, let it air-dry, and apply a thin layer of cream to the tattoo. If the second skin is still firmly in place on day 5, loosen it slightly and let lukewarm water run underneath while you carefully remove it and clean the tattoo. Let the tattoo air-dry and then apply a thin layer of cream. After that, begin the aftercare routine, which consists of applying a thin layer of tattoo cream (or panthenol ointment) 5–6 times a day for 3–6 weeks—until the tattoo is healed.
It’s important to apply only a thin layer of cream, as applying too much can draw ink out of the tattoo and disrupt the natural scab formation.
If your tattoo is wrapped in foil, it is only to protect it on the way home and during the first 2 hours, while your tattoo is completely open, vulnerable, and exposed to airborne bacteria. The tattoo artist cleans the tattoo with antibacterial ointment before covering it.
Once you’re home and the 2 hours have passed, remove the foil and gently wash the tattoo under lukewarm water with fragrance-free soap. When the tattoo is completely cleaned of blood and excess ink, let it air-dry and then apply tattoo cream or panthenol ointment. This gives your body the best conditions to form a natural scab. Continue applying cream to the tattoo 5–6 times a day for 3–6 weeks, until the tattoo is fully healed.
It’s important to apply only a thin layer of cream, as applying too much can draw ink out of the tattoo and disrupt the natural scab formation.
Remember
Good hand hygiene before touching the tattoo. At a minimum, wash your hands - preferably disinfect them and ideally use gloves. Use no perfume or other additives in the products you apply when caring for your new tattoo.
Good advice
Make sure to apply only a thin layer of cream.
Avoid using oil-based products such as petroleum jelly, as they can clog your pores.
Avoid swimming pools, ocean bathing, bathtubs, steam baths, and saunas until your tattoo is fully healed. Too much water can draw ink out of the skin and damage the tattoo. In addition, the water may contain bacteria, chemicals, and other impurities that are not healthy for your tattoo.
Avoid sunbathing and direct sunlight! Sun rays can cause the skin to blister and fade the color of your new tattoo—especially during the healing process.
Avoid scratching or picking at your new tattoo! It is completely normal for scabs to form during the healing process, but do not try to speed it up by picking at them—even if it itches, as the scabs need to fall off on their own.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may irritate your new tattoo. During the healing process, plasma and excess ink may seep out, causing clothing to stick to the skin and your new tattoo. Tight clothing can also restrict airflow to the tattoo, which is essential for proper healing.
Avoid shaving around your new tattoo until it is fully healed.
