Caring for your new tattoo
Saniderm method
You'll leave the shop with your first plastic film. The purpose of this medical film is to prevent your tattoo from coming into contact with any filth or pathogens. It also will prevent your tattoo from healing the traditional old school method of "air drying" and peeling for the first two weeks. The less you peel/flake/scab, the more vibrant your lines and tattoos will remain. It is incredibly important that you care for your tattoo. Otherwise, you may heal poorly or require a touch-up.
Build up of blood, ink, and plasma is NORMAL and expected for your new tattoo while it's covered in the protective film. Do not pop or puncture the bubbles of film. You may experience some leaking from the film, this is fine. You can trim the edges of the bandage if they don't stick/adhere as well any more before the removal period.
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You'll keep this film on for 5-6 days. At the end of the 5th or start of the 6th day, you'll remove the film by carefully stretching each corner. Do NOT peel it off like a bandage, it will pull the ink out with it. Stretching allows the adhesive to separate from the skin without damage.
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With the film removed, wash with a gentle non-scented soap and pat dry with a paper towel more. Allow your tattoo to breathe for at least 10 minutes to remove any remaining moisture in the skin. With your tattoo fully dry, apply a tattoo aftercare lotion.
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The lotion/cream should be used a few times a day to ensure your tattoo does not dry, peel, or flake. You can continue to use a tattoo aftercare product (or an approved product) as often as needed past the healing point.
Traditional healing
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Upon leaving the studio (within 2-4 hours after), wash your tattoo with an unscented baby soap
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I personally avoid Dial-- from my experience, I've noticed that it seems to target the pigment in your new tattoo, at least for colour! When washing, be sure to use lukewarm or light warm water. Anything hot will draw out pigment and make you very sore!
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Pat dry with a single use disposable paper towel.
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Once dry, use a tattoo aftercare product (or an ok aftercare lotion, listed below) a few times a day. You will use the product as often as needed in order to keep your tattoo from scabbing or peeling, as much as you can. DO NOT over moisturize it.-- you will smother your new tattoo and prevent it from breathing.
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The lotion/cream should be used a few times a day to ensure your tattoo does not dry, peel, or flake. You can continue to use this tattoo aftercare product as often as needed past the healing point.
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It takes 2 weeks for the (epidermis) external layer of your skin to heal. However, it takes a full 6 weeks for your dermis to heal. Your tattoo may look dull as it heals-- but be patient!
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Avoid sun exposure while your tattoo is healing. After 2 weeks, you can start applying sunscreen again. Otherwise, keep it covered!
OK aftercare lotions:
After inked, Tattoo Goo, Hustle Butter (recommended), green goo, Hemp Tattoo Cream, organic coconut oil, organic coconut or shea butter, cocoa butter, hemp butter/cream (organic). Any edible creams (like coconut oil) should be organic and contain no additional qualities or sugars/salts etc.
Aquaphor can be used but in small amounts. A little goes a long way. Too much and you will smother your tattoo.
AVOID:
A&D, Lubriderm, Vaseline, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soaps with beads/scrubs, scented soaps or creams.
Tips for caring for your tattoo:
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Protect your tattoo from the sun! While it's healing, keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. When healed, be sure to apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on your skin and tattoos.
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Do not submerge or soak your new tattoo for at least the first 2 weeks. This includes: Pools, ponds, lakes, the beach, baths.
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Do not re-wrap your tattoo outside of the two films instructed.
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Do not pick or peel at any flakes or scabs.
Do not ignore your artist's instructions.
Do not listen to friends/family about your new tattoo.
Your artist is the trained professional with experience unique to their work and healing.
If you have absolutely any concerns or issues,
you can email me directly with the subject "Aftercare concern" so I will be able to respond ASAP.