AFTER CARE
❋
AFTER CARE ❋
keep your tattoo covered
DAY 1 - 4
I use Ultraderm in my practice, a film bandage designed to move with your body and protect your new tattoo from infection. It allows the movement of fluid out, while restricting any movement of cells or pigments through the barrier.
Ideally, you keep it on for 4 days!
It is normal for your body to bleed and for ink left in between your skin cells to move to the surface of your skin during the healing process. This may result in blood and ink becoming stuck in the bandage as the fluid they are suspended in transpires through the barrier. It is totally normal, and any residue left on your skin will wash off once you remove the bandage.
Yes, you can shower with ultraderm on.
Some people experience mild to moderate skin irritations due to an allergy to the adhesive in Ultraderm. If you are someone who hives/rashes easily, please ask for a square to spot test the adhesive before your tattoo!
For those who are healing tattoos without ultraderm, please use Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Your artist will clean and wrap your tattoo in saran wrap after the appointment, then instruct you to shower and clean your tattoo with soap and water a few hours later. Pat dry, and apply a layer of Aquaphor to the new tattoo. Before reapplying, always wash and sanitize your hands. If your tattoo is under clothing, feel free to wash hands, apply Aquaphor, and cover with saran wrap before putting on your clothes.
wash your tattoo
with soap and water
After 4 days, remove the Ultraderm and wash your tattoo with soap and water. I find that it is easiest to remove in the shower.
If there is any adhesive left on your skin, you can gently rub it off with a neutral oil. Wash the oil off immediately.
hydration
DAY 4 - 10
Use a lotion or cream based moisturizer to keep your tattoo supple, moisturizing at least twice a day. Wash your hands before moisturizing. Please don’t use any salves or coconut oils, as the oils will pull the ink from the skin and may result in fades in your tattoo.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Glaxal Base are good enough options that are available at most pharmacies. However, they both contain petroleum derived and occlusive ingredients.
SINK/SKIN herbal aftercare lotion is available for sale at the studio for clients,and for pick up for the community. It is specially formulated to relieve itching and support a tattoo through the healing process. Designed and crafted by Carmin, each small batch contains medicinal weeds harvested ethically from garden sites on Lkwungen Territories.
swimming
AFTER DAY 10~14
After 10 - 14 days, it is safe enough to begin swimming or soaking your tattoo in a bath.
sun protection
for longevity
Sunscreen can help your tattoo maintain its integrity and definition throughout your life, so slather up before sun or UV exposure!
please don’t
use salve on your healing tattoo
pick at or rub off any scabbing
scratch your tattoo even if its itchy - hydrate and slap it.
soak or go in a hot tub while your tattoo is healing
expose your tattoo to intense sun (tanning beds, UV treatments etc)
For more information on the health and healing of your new tattoo, please visit Health Link’s Health Topic on Home Treatment for new tattoos.