TATTOO AFTERCARE

Recommended Products:

  • Unscented soap

  • Lubriderm

Other moisturizers are okay to use as long as they're new, clean, neutral (no active ingredients like retinol or anything other than just plain moisturizer) and unscented.

DO's:

  • Wear loose, clean clothes while your tattoo is healing

  • Avoid Sunlight

  • Ask me if you have any questions. Even if they seem silly, they aren’t!

DON'Ts

  • Use scented soaps

  • Use vaseline or petroleum based products

  • Take long showers, baths, saunas, swim in the ocean, pool or hot tub. (You should wait for your tattoo to fully heal, which can take at least 2 to 4 weeks, before swimming in any kind of water.)

  • Work out for the first 48 hours

Pro tip for after your tattoo is nice and healed: ALWAYS apply SPF if exposing your tattoo to the sun. It will keep your colors brighter for longer and your tattoo from fading with time.

 

If I've wrapped your tattoo in Saniderm, leave it on for 24 - 48 hours.

You can leave it on for up to 4 days if you won't be able to wash/ moisturize your new tattoo in the days following your appointment with the necessary frequency, or if you feel you need the protection because of clothing you'll be wearing, etc.

It’s normal for there to be some ink and fluid buildup under the bandage, I know it’s tempting but DON’T POP IT!

Saniderm is waterproof, so you can shower with it on without worrying about it. However, that doesn’t mean you should go swimming or submerge it in water.

If you get a rash around the bandage at any time, take it off and take care of it with the instructions below:

Remove the bandage in the shower with warm water and soap. Peel it off gently, do not rip it off.
Once the bandage is fully removed, wash it with mild unscented soap. 

If there is any adhesive stuck to your skin that you can’t get off, you can rub it off gently with a cotton ball soaked in either olive oil or coconut oil. Wash the oil off completely afterwards.

Your Saniderm is off, now what?

Let your tattoo air dry for 5 - 10 minutes (or pat dry with a paper towel. Do not rub. Do NOT use a regular towel. They can leave fibers stuck to your tattoo or carry harmful bacteria) before applying your lotion. Only apply a very thin layer!

After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly some scabbing. Your tattoo will also probably begin to itch.

DO NOT ITCH, SCRATCH, RUB OR PICK at the tattoo. I MEAN IT.

Doing so can seriously affect how your tattoo heals.

The first few days and weeks are the most important for your new tattoo. Make sure to take care of it properly.

Wash your tattoo twice a day for at least a week.

Apply lotion after each wash and once more during the day as needed. Remember to always use a very thin layer. If your tattoo is very itchy, it probably means it’s dry, so don’t forget to moisturize! (But don't overdo it! Just 3 times a day and you'll be fine.)

Make sure to never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands. 

Also, it can be helpful to use clean sheets at least the first night your tattoo doesn’t have a bandage on.

If you experience any symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or see streaks running towards the heart, please seek medical help and see a physician. Those are signs of an infection. If you’re not sure you have an infection, you can feel free to contact me with an image of your tattoo and so I can help you decide what to do next.