AFTERCARE
Verbal aftercare instructions are given after the session is over. These can vary based on if a Dermshield bandage is applied to your tattoo or a temporary plastic wrap. Please let the artist know if you have sensitive skin or any allergy to any band-aid adhesives, so recommendations can be made.
Tattoo Aftercare: For 2-3 weeks
1. Soap up your hand with fragrance free, antibacterial soap such as Dial Gold. Rub soap gently on the tattoo area. Do not use washcloths, loofahs as these can damage the area before it is healed.
*Waiting to wash your tattoo with soap at the end of your shower is recommended, so no shampoos or other washes will be left on the tattoo area.
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2. Rinse the soap off using warm or cool water. Do not use hot water on your fresh/healing tattoo.
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3. Out of the shower let the tattoo air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
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4. With clean hands, put a thin layer of tattoo aftercare lotion (i.e. Redemption) over the tattoo.
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*Wait 24 hours after the bandage is removed to start applying any tattoo aftercare lotion. This will allow more time for the tattoo to dry out and breathe.
Healing your Tattoo
For 2-3 weeks
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-DO NOT pick, scratch or itch your tattoo while it is in the healing process. This could possibly remove parts of the tattoo, scar or make it dull.
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-DO NOT use swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or anything that will soak the tattoo.
-Avoid sun exposure. DO NOT use sunscreen/sunblock on the tattoo until it is fully healed. DO NOT use tanning beds
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-Exercise should be stalled at least for a few days. Your body is trying to heal an open wound, give it some extra time to heal. Heavy sweating exercise and sports should be avoided during the healing process.
-Keep the tattoo clean, away from pets, dirt, perfumes, raw meat, anything that can cause an infection. Clean right away if exposed. Use clean towels, clothes, sheets etc.
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-If any thicker scabbing on the tattoo occurs, DO NOT apply any sort of tattoo aftercare lotion on that spot. Let it dry out and fall off naturally.
-Swelling of or around the tattooed area is very common. You may benefit in elevating the area to reduce swelling. If swelling does not go down after a week consult with a doctor.
-Contact your tattoo artist if you have any questions, concerns during the healing process. Please consult with a doctor in an emergency.
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-The healing process is typically complete around 2-3 weeks in, when the skin is smooth and there are no flakes, scabs or shiny areas. For large or color tattoos they may take longer to heal.
REMOVING DERMSHIELD
BANDAGE
Dermshield is a breathable, latex-free tattoo bandage. It is waterproof so you may shower with it on. It can be worn for 24 hours or up to 5 days.
Recommend time of wear before removal
-For linework tattoos: 24 hours
-For black and grey/color tattoos: 24 hours or up to 4-5 days.
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*Usually around 4-5 days the area under the bandage could start to feel dry and itchy. This is a good indication it's time to remove the bandage. You may remove the bandage sooner if it is really bothering you.
Removing Dermshield Bandage
When it is time to remove the bandage, make sure you have clean washed hands. Take the bandage off in the shower or sink. The tattoo may be seeping a lot of blood, ink and plasma so be careful when removing the bandage as it may drip. Hence why doing it in shower or sink will prevent contaminating another area with your blood
Start to peel from the top corners of the bandage slowly stretching and pulling on the bandage, lifting it just off the skin and working it downward. Let the water run down the bandage as you remove it.
(If the bandage rips or breaks, try to go slower and take your time, removing the bandage too quickly could damage your tattoo.)
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REMOVING PLASTIC WRAP
A temporary plastic wrap is used for people with sensitive skin that may have an allergy to the adhesives in Dermshield. It is also used on areas Dermshield may not stay well on or be difficult to remove.
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Recommend time of wear before removal
This needs to be removed at home no more than 2-3 hours after getting the tattoo. Longer wear doesn't allow the tattoo to breathe.
Removing the Plastic Wrap
When it is time to remove the wrap, make sure you have clean washed hands. Take the wrap off in the shower or sink. The tattoo may be seeping a lot of blood, ink and plasma so be careful when removing the wrap as it may drip. Hence why doing it in the shower or sink will prevent contaminating another area with your blood.
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