Aftercare Instructions

Initial Care (First 24 Hours):

• Leave the SecondSkin on for the first 24 hours: It protects the tattoo from dirt and bacteria while allowing it to breathe. You can shower/wash as normal with the SecondSkin applied. 
• Reapply if the SecondSkin falls off early: It's not uncommon for the SecondSkin to peel off before 24 hours, just follow instructions below to reapply.

After 24 hours, change the SecondSkin:

1. Remove the initial SecondSkin gently: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
2. Wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water: Use your fingertips, not a washcloth or sponge.
3. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel: Do not rub.
4. With clean hands, apply the additional sheets of SecondSkin and follow the directions here.
5. Monitor the SecondSkin for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions: If redness, itching, or discomfort occurs, remove the SecondSkin and clean the tattoo with mild soap and water. Do not reapply SecondSkin. 
6. After 48-72 hours, remove the SecondSkin and don't reapply. You may let your skin breathe.

Subsequent Care (Days 2-14):

• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer such as Lubriderm, Eucerine, or Aveeno​. Be sure to use a moisturizer you have already used in the past; this lowers the chance of an allergic reaction. Make absolutely sure it's a thin layer; you don't want to lather it on because your skin needs to breathe. Do this 3-4 times a day to keep the tattoo moisturized and promote healing.
• Be a vampire. Avoid direct sunlight exposure: Protect your tattoo with loose clothing or sunblock with at least SPF 30 if sun exposure is unavoidable.
• Avoid swimming and soaking the tattoo: Submerging the tattoo in water can increase the risk of infection.
• Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo: Let it peel and flake naturally.

Long-Term Care:

• After 2-3 weeks, your tattoo should be fully healed.
• Continue moisturizing regularly: Even after the tattoo is fully healed, keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain the vibrancy of the tattoo.
• Use sunscreen: Protect your tattoo from fading by applying sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
• Love your skin. As the skin undergoes the natural processes of healing and aging, it's crucial to acknowledge that the tattoo will also evolve in tandem with the skin. Over time, the lines will gently soften, and the blacks will transition to a dark grey hue. This transformation is universal across all skin types and is inevitable, unaffected by any specific aftercare measures. The final appearance of the tattoo post-healing is a culmination of factors, including the tattoo itself, the type of skin, and the aftercare provided.

Day-by-Day Appearance Guidelines:

• Day 1-2: Some redness and swelling are normal. The tattoo may ooze a clear fluid—this is part of the healing process.
• Day 3-4: The tattoo might start to feel itchy or tight. Peeling or flaking may begin.
• Day 5-7: More significant peeling or flaking may occur. The tattoo could appear cloudy or dull temporarily.
• Day 8-14: The peeling should subside, and the tattoo will gradually regain its vibrancy. Redness and swelling should diminish.

General Aftercare Tips:

• Tattoos take about 2-3 weeks to heal. After 2-3 weeks, please be sure to follow the advice regarding Long-Term Care.
• Keep the tattoo clean: Gently wash the tattoo daily with mild soap and water.
• Avoid tight clothing over the tattoo: Loose, breathable fabric helps in the healing process.
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms: Excessive heat can irritate the tattoo.
• Don't scratch. Don't pick. Don't touch. Picking at scabs will make the tattoo heal poorly. Avoid any situation where your tattoo is likely to be touched (for example; bumping into people in public places). 
  
• Drink lots of water. Moisturized body = healthy skin. 
  
• Avoid alcohol for a few days. It'll give your body time to heal. 
  
• Sleep! Sleeping is key to healing. 
  
• No heavy sweating or strenuous activities for the first few days: Sweating can introduce bacteria to the tattoo.
  
• Watch for any signs of allergic reactions to pigments: Redness, itching, or swelling that extends beyond normal healing may indicate an allergic response to tattoo pigments. Consult a healthcare professional and then notify me if you suspect an allergy.

Signs of Healing and Warning Signs:

• Expect some redness and mild swelling: These are normal reactions.
• Watch for signs of infection: Increased redness, swelling, pus, or prolonged heat may indicate infection. Consult a healthcare professional and then notify me if you observe these symptoms.

Touch-Ups:

• Free Touch-Up Offer: I offer one free touch-up for all my clients who want it. Please schedule this within a reasonable time frame.
• Paid Touch-Ups: Additional touch-ups beyond the first one may require a fee.
• Conditions for Touch-Ups: I won't perform touch-ups if the client was responsible for damage to the tattoo (for example, failing to moisturize adequately, or exposing the tattoo to the sun).

Additional Notes:

• Everyone's skin is different, and individual healing may vary.
• Contact me with any concerns: If you have questions or notice anything unusual during the healing process, please notify me promptly.