AFTER CARE

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Everyone has their own take on tattoo aftercare, but the general idea is to keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected. Don’t panic- infection is pretty rare and i bet you didn’t wash your last cat scratch twice a day for two weeks even tho that cat licks it’s own junk. Below you will find a quick care guide followed by in depth instructions for the freeks. I’ve outlined some of my personal preferences for products and care, but keep in mind that these are my suggestions and there isn’t one right way to care for your tattoo. Above all I like to tell people to use whatever they know their body already likes. That said, if I tattoo you and you don’t follow these rules and your tattoo gets messed up, that’s your own freakin fault okay

QUICK CARE GUIDE
-new tattoo is covered in Derm shield. Fluid build up beneath Derm shield is normal.
-no care is needed until the Derm Shield comes off. remove Derm Shield after two nights
-for about two weeks, cleanse tattoo once or twice a day with an unscented antibacterial soap. after cleansing, apply a thin layer of moisturizer.
-DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH. Avoid wearing abrasive clothing. It is normal for black scabs to form and flake off. let scabbing run a natural course even if it looks messy- removing scabs before the skin beneath heals will result in permanently spotty lines!
-NO SOAKING OR SWIMMING FOR TWO WEEKS. keep showers quick and try to avoid contact with shampoo and other products.
-NO SUN EXPOSURE FOR TWO WEEKS. cover tattoo EVEN IF YOU DON’T USUALLY BURN. Our star does not discriminate when it comes to tattoo damage.
-Antibiotics and vaccines have sometimes been known to negatively effect tattoo healing. Don’t plan a tattoo if you know you will need antibiotics or within 2 weeks of a vaccination.
-Avoid physical activity that could damage or cause pain in your tattoo (intense workouts, martial arts, kickboxing etc.) i know you’re gonna cry if you can’t go to yoga its prob fine just use your big beautiful brain’s best judgement.

Your tattoo will be covered immediately after completion. I use Recovery Derm Shield (you may have heard of similar products called Saniderm, Tegaderm, Second Skin, etc.) Derm shield is an adhesive dressing designed specifically for tattoos that provides a transparent moisture tight barrier and is essentially the band aid of the future. I’ve had great reviews and success with this product but if you have a history of adverse reactions to adhesives you may want to check the manufacturers ingredient details. The alternative to Derm Shield is plastic wrap adhered with medical tape.

You should not soak, steam, or expose a new tattoo to the sun for at least 2 weeks. Derm shield is waterproof enough to stay on during a quick shower, but will not sustain swimming, a bath, or prolonged steaming. Derm Shield is clear and will NOT provide UV protection.

Your tattoo will ooze a bit as it heals. So long as the edges stay sealed, brownish fluid buildup beneath the Derm Shield is completely normal and okay. If the edges of the Derm Shield peel up and fluid begins to leak out, or your tattoo becomes exposed, I recommended removing the Derm Shield completely. A tattoo partially covered in peeling Derm Shield will be difficult to clean properly and may create a pocket for bacteria to form in. gross. If a small corner peels up without exposing the tattoo, it is okay to trim it off.

Given that it sticks, I recommend leaving Derm Shield on for two overnights, removing at any time on day 3. If the peeling sensation bothers you during removal, you are a baby, but try removing while in the shower for an easier peel. If you need to remove the Derm shield on the first day, clean and moisturize immediately. If the Derm Shield is removed on day one, I recommend rewrapping your tattoo in plastic wrap that night. Oozing may last a day or two, so in addition to being sticky and susceptible to dust and bacteria, a fresh tattoo may stain your clothes and bedsheets. It is not necessary to adhere more derm shield if yours peels off before the 3 day window. Nothing bad happens if the term shield is removed before day 3, i just find that the healing process is easier if it stays on.

When the Derm Shield is removed you can wash and moisturize your tattoo. Start by THOROUGHLY washing your hands. Form a lather with water and your soap of choice. I use antibacterial dial body soap or a weak dilution of Bronners- it’s strong, you only need a couple drops. A single bar of soap or 2oz travel size bottle of bronners will be more than enough for your whole care period. Apply the foam to your tattoo using a gentle circular motion. DON’T SCRUB OR SCRATCH. Don’t rub a hard bar of soap directly on the tattoo. Rinse foam away with water and pat dry with a paper towel or CLEAN towel.

After cleansing, apply moisturizer. For the first few days, or while your tattoo still feels like a healing cut, use a very thin layer of Aquaphor to moisturize. Too much will smother your tattoo- think of applying it like chapstick. Your skin will look shiny but you don’t want to be able to see blobs of product. You should only need to purchase a small amount. After 3-7 days or when the tattoo feels scab free, you can swap to Lubriderm or another moisturizer of your choice. If aquaphor makes you break out, its okay to use lotion the whole time instead. Its okay to apply moisturizer throughout the day if your tattoo feels dry or itchy, just make sure your hands are clean when applying. Whatever product you decide to use, make sure it contains NONE OF THE FOLLOWING: additional colors, scents, chemicals, vitamins, exfoliants, etc. Whole natural products like coconut oil, shea butter etc are all fine. If you buy a processed product labeled as “includes coconut oil,” or “contains cocoa butter,” just make sure that none of the previously mentioned things are added.