AFTERCARE instructions
Second Skin vs Saran Wrap
SECOND SKIN:
For the next 24 hours, avoid any physical activities that might induce sweating.
The bandage will fill up with plasma and blood, this is normal. Leave the Second Skin on for 3 days but if the ink sack gets dry/crusty, you can take it off earlier. Remove slowly in the shower. Gently wash with unscented soap and pat dry with a paper towel. If there is a sticky residue you can lightly rub it off with coconut oil then clean with soap.
The tattoo will start to dry out and scab, do not scratch or pick them. Let them fall off naturally. Wear loose clothing so they don’t get rubbed or pulled off to avoid scars.
Wash up to 3 times daily until healed. You may apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, coconut oil or aquaphor etc. when it feels dry or tight or right after cleansing. Do not over-saturate! It can cause infection/scarring. Never use Neosporin (unless you get an infection) -otherwise it can speed the healing process too fast and pull out ink.
Once your tattoo is completely healed and settled into your skin, you may apply more generous amounts of lotion. It is normal for the ink to turn gray or look “hazy” at first. It should clear up and darken after a few weeks.
For the next 2-3 weeks do not swim in any natural bodies of water/soak in a hot tub or bathtub to avoid damaging/infecting the tattoo. You may shower, but do not soak.
For the next 3 weeks avoid direct sunlight on the area. Never put sunscreen on a tattoo that isn’t fully healed. But once it is, try to use sunscreen often to preserve ink quality.
You can shower with the Second Skin on, but avoid putting under direct water. If you notice edges coming up and water getting under, remove the bandage to avoid bacteria getting trapped inside.
If the Second Skin comes off on the first day (via bandage leaks, allergic reactions, etc.) switch to Saran Wrap for a day if necessary and follow instructions below.
SARAN WRAP:
Keep the wrap on overnight.
In the morning, remove wrap and gently wash with unscented soap. Pat dry with a paper towel. (Plasma discharge is normal!)
Let the tattoo air out for an hour or so then re-wrap with saran. Keep it on throughout the day. Wash after removal, air out again for a while, then re-apply wrap one last time before you go to bed.
On the third day your tattoo will begin to heal. Remove the wrap, gently wash, then follow steps 2-6 from the Second Skin aftercare instructions above.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions - logan.law.art@gmail.com or text 385-442-4404
PERENNIAL TATTOO STUDIO