F.A.Q & Aftercare
How to take care of your tattoo.
So you just got a brand new tattoo, super stoked, and you want to give it the best chance of looking bold and fresh for as long as possible….
So does your artist…. the next two weeks are going to be critical in ensuring the tattoo stays crisp and dark going forwards.
The bandage used is called Second Skin (or Tagderm in some cases) and I advise you leave this on for four (4) days. Now, depending much pigment was used to construct the tattoo, you may notice an excess of ink, blood and some plasma (the fluid your red blood cells float in) trickling away from the area.
This is %110 normal. However, a thin film of this fluid is fine, a pressured bulb or “ink sack” despite what the internet says, is NOT good for the tattoo, and should be evacuated by popping with a clean pin, and drained ASAP. If there is still a lot of fluid and the bandage has not been on very long, contact your artist for a fresh change out.
During this time, take a shower and live life normal while the bandage is on.
At the end of day four (4), gently pull the Second Skin bandage parallel with the skin (like undoing the zipper of a hoodie) and the bandage will self release. If it’s being stubborn, pop into a shower and let the steam help you out.
Now, we are going to wash the tattoo twice a day, once when you wake up, and once before you go to bed, with mild soap and warm water.
Any soap or cleaning product you WOULDN’T use on a newborn baby, do NOT use on the tattoo. So no alcohol on a baby, no hydrogen peroxide, no Old Spiceh, no Georgio.
After the cleaning, I advice a small amount of Polysporin Regular Strength Ointment. Please do not use triple Poly or anything specific as it is a little bit too aggressive, and will pull the tattoo back out of you.
Now, ABSOLUTELY NO soaking the tattoo (imagine doing dishes and your fingers get all wrinkly from prolonged water submersion) So this means no pools, jacuzzis, lakes, oceans, ANYTHING for two weeks (one month if you’re really ambitious)
ABSOLUTELY NO sun tanning, as U.V radiation is horrible for tattoo longevity for about two weeks (one month if you’re serious about your body art) Your best defence will be light fabrics to block the tattoo from the sun, cover all’s, long sleeves, all good stuff.
I recommend these practices for as long as possible moving forwards.
Is the ink sack really that bad.?
It may look funny but it’s the same as soaking your tattoo. If you’re not sure, pop the ink sack and gently move any remaining fluid through the hole and into a sink or paper towel. DO NOT breach the perimeter of the bandage as it will snag and be really annoying and probably come off. Life happens though if the bandage starts to come off, just contact your artist for a fresh one.
Can I workout with Second Skin on?
Absolutely. HOWEVER, be honest with yourself. Maybe skip cardio for the next four (4) days, as a build up of sweat under the second skin can create a fluid sack, and again, same as soaking. Hit the weights only for a little bit, and if you know you sweat a lot even with just weights, maybe take a rest until the bandage comes off. Workout if you want just watch out for fluid build up.
I work a dirty job, should I wash the tattoo more.?
Your best line of defence against work grime and also sunlight will be light fabrics over the tattoo. Cover all’s, long sleeves, all good.
If the tattoo is becoming dirty, gently rinse with warm water, use some mild soap, and pat dry. Apply a VERY small amount of ointment. Not too much however, as over moisturizing isn’t the greatest thing for your tattoo. Save the good cleaning for mornings and nights.