Tattoo Aftercare
-Leave the bandage overnight or 12 hours / *or 24-48 hours for SANIDERM -Immediately after the bandage is taken off, gently wash your tattoo with CLEAN HANDS, warm water and gentle unscented liquid soap. Make a lather in your hand, and use a circular motion with your fingertips to cleanse the tattoo, removing all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid “goo” - Rinse thoroughly! Allow the tattoo to dry completely. Apply a SMALL amount of alcohol-free unscented salve or moisturizer. (like H2Ocean, Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Hustle Butter, or just plain Coconut Oil - do not use Vaseline, petroleum products, Cerave, or facial moisturizers - they will not let the tattoo dry out or breathe.) - For the first 48 hours wash your new tattoo at least 3 times a day. Allow the area to air dry before applying a SMALL amount of alcohol-free unscented salve or moisturizer. You do not want to over moisturize your new tattoo. -For the next few days, wash your tattoo and use moisturizer sparingly twice a day. -DO NOT scrub off flaky skin or scabs in the shower, DO NOT pick or scratch at your tattoo, leave it be and allow scabs or flakeyness to shed on their own. - Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing over the fresh tattoo. -Avoid direct sun for 2 weeks, avoid hot tubs and baths for at least 1 week, showers are fine. - Do not shave over your new tattoo for at least two weeks, until there is no scabbing, peeling or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo Good tattoo aftercare helps to prevent scabs, infection, and keeping the tattooed skin moisturized - but not overly so! There is no going back in time with tattoo aftercare! Your new tattoo may be sore for the rest of the day, or for the next few days. It may look red and swollen, and the area will also likely feel warm to the touch due to the increased blood flow to the area. This is your body’s way of healing itself by flooding the area with oxygenated blood and nutrients. |