DO ✓ OPT FOR A SHOWER OVER A BATH
Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after getting your tattoo before taking a shower, but regardless of which aftercare option you choose to go with, soaking your new tattoo (bandaged or un-bandaged) is always a big no-no. If your tattoo is still in the healing process without a bandage on, it could cause serious damage.
If you are using SecondSkin, it will stay on even when immersed in water so you’re able toshower as normal. It is water resistant, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion and require you to reapply a new piece.
DO ✓USE LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP
Bar soap is not sterile, it can hold bad bacteria and can pass it on to your tattoo. Invest in a bottle of unscented antibacterial liquid soap.
DO ✓LEAVE YOUR BANDAGE ON
For at least 2 hours. However your bandage can be left on longer or overnight, it will not harm your tattoo or the healing process.
DO ✓CLEAN YOUR TATTOO DAILY
After removing your bandage and 2 times daily for the first week. Rinse gently with mildv antibacterial soap and warm water, then apply a thin layer of ointment after patting dry with a clean paper towel.
...ESPECIALLY AFTER SWEATING!
When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo, increasing the chances of infection. After heavy sweating, you must wash your hands and your tattoo before re-applying a thin layer of ointment.
DO ✓WASH YOUR LINENS
Preferably before getting your new tattoo since you'll likely be too tired to do so when you get home. While you sleep you shed skin, sweat and hair. Anything in your bed or on dirty towels and clothing can come in contact with your tattoo and increase the chances of infection especially within the first 72 hours.
DON'T✗ TOUCH! BUT IF YOU MUST, WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST
Anything you touch potentially has bacteria on it. Once your bandage has been removed, always wash your hands prior to touching your tattoo while it’s still in the healing process.
DON'T✗SOAK YOUR TATTOO
In any bodies of water (lakes, oceans, bathtubs, pools, etc.) for at least one month after getting your tattoo.
DON'T✗SUNBATHE OR USE A TANNING BED
We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to UV rays, ever with or without SecondSkin.SecondSkindoes not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid prolonged sun or UV ray exposure for at least a month after getting your tattoo. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.
DON'T✗EXERCISE
It is not suggested to exercise with or without SecondSkin. If using SecondSkin, sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off prematurely.
When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo. So if your bandage comes off prematurely or if you've chosen a traditional aftercare method and don't have a bandage on it at all, you increase the chances of infection.
It's best to take it easy and avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo.
DON'T✗WEAR RESTRICTIVE CLOTHING
To your appointment or directly after. Some areas of the body swell more than others and could either cut off circulation to the area or you could run the risk of your clothes sticking to your new tattoo.
If your tattoo forms a scab do not let it stick to anything. When you pull away, the scab will pull off with it. This pulls ink out and can cause scarring and loss of color. If your tattoo does end up sticking to clothing, rinse the area (and clothing) with warm water to loosen the cloth from the scab without ripping it off.
DON'T✗LET PETS NEAR YOUR FRESH TATTOO
They track harmful bacteria everywhere they go. Wash and reapply ointment after contact with animals or anything the animal comes in contact with such as sheets, furniture, etc.
Opting for a SecondSkin bandage {as long as you don't have any adhesive allergies} is a great way to not have to worry about this!
