• Your second-skin bandage is a sterile, breathable, waterproof and germ-proof barrier that protects your new tattoo. It will protect against infection as well as outside irritation. It will also prevent blood and fluids from getting on your clothing and other items, as well as other people.

• Leave bandage for 2-5 days. If possible, shower only while bandage is on, as soaking in a hot bath may cause the bandage to loosen sooner. If skin seems more irritated after bandage is placed, or if the bandage is peeling away, take the bandage off. Fluid build-up beneath the bandage is normal. Exercise and activities are fine, but not recommended if the bandage is over a joint or other area of high-movement, as this can pull at the bandage and cause irritation.

• Removal of the bandage is recommended during a shower or hot bath, as the warm water helps loosen the adhesive. Lift and stretch the bandage slowly away from the skin. Leave any remaining, stubborn adhesive bits as these will break down with washing and lotion use.

• After removal, wash the tattoo gently but thoroughly with a gentle, scent-free soap. Antibacterial soap can be used, but may dry your skin and tattoo more than a soap made for sensitive skin. Pat your tattoo dry while it is still healing, and immediately apply a basic, scent-free lotion (no ointments!) to help retain moisture. Reapply lotion throughout the day as needed to keep tattoo moisturized. Healing tattoos can itch and will most likely flake- lotion can help with this to an extent. Tattoos may appear shiny as they heal. Your tattoo is a surface wound, and will close within a few days to a week, but may not fully heal for 3-4 weeks.

Recommended healing products include scent-free soaps and lotions made for sensitive skin. Brands like Lubriderm, Eucerin, and Cetaphil are some great options. Aquaphor is the only recommended ointment- just be sure to use a thin amount.

Beware of products that make bold, false claims (e.g. “makes tattoo brighter”) or tattoo products that are not made by tattooers. You don’t need anything expensive or fancy to ensure a beautifully healed tattoo!