To clean your tattoo, start with an antibacterial soap if available, but a plain bath soap is also OK. Something more abrasive isn't necessary, and you should never use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help protect your tattoo as it starts healing.
Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash.
While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap.
Aftercare: What to Do Once the Film Is Off
Rinse your tattoo again with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep the area hydrated. Allow the tattoo to breathe. Avoid covering it with tight clothing immediately after removing the film.
Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.
If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.
FOR AT LEAST THREE DAYS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT (AND UNTIL YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED) Moisturize the area with over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% mixed with either Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, up to three times daily or as needed to help reduce irritation or itching.
Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step! Most tattoo professionals recommend the Unscented variety so that you are not putting any potentially irritating essential oils on your sensitive skin.
Keep the Treated Area Clean & Dry
Wash the area gently with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water before patting (not rubbing) it dry with a clean towel. Scrubbing the area may irritate the skin. This is all key for ensuring your skin is healed from laser tattoo removal and is cared for while in this sensitive state.
A general rule of thumb is to give your new tattoo a minimum of three weeks away from any kind of pool, ocean, or bath. Washing your tattoo with warm or cold water and a mild, fragrance-free, antimicrobial soap is totally fine, and is actually recommended for hygiene reasons.
Can A Fresh Tattoo Be Removed? If you immediately regret your new tattoo you may be wondering 'can a new tattoo be removed' and the answer is yes. Tattoos are removed using lasers which break up the pigment colours.
Days 1-3 are about keeping the tattoo covered but also clean, and allowing it to breathe for a period of time each day. Around days 6 -15 you will get some scabbing, even if you've been applying products.
Sleep on a clean surface
Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo, as the friction from the sheets can disrupt the healing process. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist and use a clean pillowcase or bedding to promote a healthy healing process.
What should I do if the Second Skin peels off before time? If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply. You can also peel it off, clean the area and continua with the normal after care.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin.
So, how long should you keep the cling film on for? “I'll recommend to keep the tattoo covered with cling film for anywhere between two and four hours,” advises Sarah. Liv's in agreement, “a few hours gives any soreness time to settle and excess plasma/ink – that gooey stuff!
A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.
Leave it alone. If the bandage starts to leak body fluid from the seal, you can only replace the bandage within the first 24 hours. If you are past 24 hours and the SecondSkin comes off, exposing the tattoo, do NOT replace the bandage.