Provided the wearer does not have an allergy to adhesives, second skin is arguably the greatest game-changer in the tattoo industry, making the healing process faster, safer and more efficient!
With second skin, your tattoo will heal faster. But without it, it will still heal fine (with proper care). The only time I or my artist have purposely opted out were due to hinged areas that wouldn't hold second skin well (such as elbow, wrist, etc) - it's most important the tattoo heals evenly than anything.
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
The benefits are that it keep your natural moisture/lymph in which drastically speed healing and reduces scabbing. Plus if protects the area from friction and dirt/germs etc. you tattoo will never be as clean as it is when it's first finished, cleaned by the artist and Saniderm applied.
While you're wearing the second-skin, you might notice the surface underneath accumulating slight moisture, which can make the tattoo look blurry. This is plasma building up from your skin and pulling up micro fragments of ink – it's a completely normal part of the healing process.
While laser is definitely the best method of removing tattoo ink, certain pigments used in cosmetic tattoos don't respond well to laser treatment. The ingredients in these pigments can be very different from those used in conventional ink, and laser treatment could change the color of some rather than lightening them.
SANIDERM. Follow these instructions if a clear film bandage was applied at the end of your appointment. If given one piece of Saniderm: Leave this piece on for 3-4 days, depending on amount of fluid collected under the bandage.
Not only is the second skin tattoo covering amazing and helps to prevent scabbing, the tattoo cream is great!
Is It Better To Use Wet Healing Techniques for a Tattoo? Research suggests that wet healing is superior to dry healing for almost every kind of wound, including a tattoo. Dry skin has a hard time regenerating itself because it gets scabby and crusty and pulls away from itself (ouch).
After getting your tattoo make sure to wait 1 week minimum before swimming and bathing. You cannot soak with the Second Skin either. In order to avoid infection and degradation we suggest to avoid pools and the sea.
Here's how second skin helps: Acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria from entering. Maintains a moist environment, which speeds up healing by 3-5 times compared to dry healing.
If your artist has applied a second skin, leave it on for 5 to 10 days. There will be blood, leftover ink and plasma that will build up under the second skin.
Some people are allergic to the adhesive on second skins and prefer not to use it. Also, if I'm tattooing a very large area or a tattoo that has very heavy black areas in it, I will sometimes opt not to use second skin on you. I will spray your tattoo down with a first aid spray and then wrap it in saran wrap.
It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks. At this point, you can stop washing your tattoo with soap, as it will be protected by its own layers of skin.
Apply a thin film of "Aquaphor" as needed to keep moisturized for the next 3-4 days (1 day if Saniderm was used). Blot any excess amount! DO NOT overuse!
Like any wound, a tattoo needs oxygen to heal properly. Re-bandaging can cut off this oxygen supply, leading to slower healing and even potential infections. Instead of re-bandaging, use tattoo-specific healing products like protective patches that shield your ink without trapping moisture.
Second Skin protects your skin from friction and provides a waterproof, protective barrier that prevents contamination. This barrier also allows you to do anything you need while your tattoo is healing, from work to sleeping without a mess on your bed sheets. Your artist may recommend you wear this for 1-5 days.
Parts that move a lot or bend, like your elbows or knees, may take longer to get back to normal. They also need extra TLC to keep the tattoo looking sharp and stop it from getting all wonky as it heals.
One of the most common reasons for tattoo blowouts is the incorrect depth of needle penetration. The skin has three main layers: Epidermis: The top layer, where ink will fade quickly if deposited here. Dermis: The middle layer, ideal for holding the ink.
Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.