Second Skin + Traditional Tattoo Aftercare: Full Guide
Proper aftercare makes the difference between a tattoo that fades and one that turns heads. This guide breaks down both Second Skin and traditional methods—so you can heal right, from day one.
Jump to What You Need
Click the buttons below to skip to the section that best fits your aftercare and healing questions.
Click the buttons below to skip to the section that best fits your aftercare and healing questions.
Second Skin Tattoo Instructions
What is Second Skin?
Second Skin is a medical-grade, transparent adhesive bandage that protects new tattoos while they heal. This waterproof, breathable barrier shields your tattoo from bacteria, debris, and irritation while preventing ink and blood from staining your clothes.
Similar products include Tegaderm, Derm Shield, and Saniderm, which offer comparable protection during the healing process.
Second Skin is a medical-grade, transparent adhesive bandage that protects new tattoos while they heal. This waterproof, breathable barrier shields your tattoo from bacteria, debris, and irritation while preventing ink and blood from staining your clothes.
Similar products include Tegaderm, Derm Shield, and Saniderm, which offer comparable protection during the healing process.
Video courtesy of SecondSkin, featuring tattoo work by Ashes Bardole
Using Second Skin Effectively
Your bandage should remain in place for 3-5 days after application. However, early removal may be necessary if you notice:
Is Fluid Underneath Normal?
It's completely normal for your tattoo to weep fluid beneath the bandage during the first 24-48 hours. This fluid is a mixture of plasma, excess ink, and blood – all normal parts of the healing process.
Your bandage should remain in place for 3-5 days after application. However, early removal may be necessary if you notice:
- Excessive fluid buildup (more than a soy sauce packet amount)
- Bandage becoming compromised or detached
- Any leakage from the bandage edges
Is Fluid Underneath Normal?
It's completely normal for your tattoo to weep fluid beneath the bandage during the first 24-48 hours. This fluid is a mixture of plasma, excess ink, and blood – all normal parts of the healing process.
When to Remove Second Skin
How Long? Wait 3-5 days after application
How and When? Best done after a warm shower to loosen adhesive
How to Take Second Skin Off
Follow these steps for safe, comfortable removal:
What to Do After Removing Second Skin
How Long? Wait 3-5 days after application
How and When? Best done after a warm shower to loosen adhesive
How to Take Second Skin Off
Follow these steps for safe, comfortable removal:
- Find a corner or edge of the bandage
- Peel back slowly in the direction of hair growth
- Pull across the skin while holding it taut, not upward
- Remove slowly to minimize discomfort
What to Do After Removing Second Skin
- Wash the area gently with unscented antibacterial soap
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel
- Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion
- For sticky residue: use a small amount of unscented oil (coconut or jojoba)
Want to try Second Skin for your next tattoo? Save 20% on your order with code RUBY20
Traditional Aftercare Method
Initial Care
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Keep original bandage on for at least 2 hours
- Remove bandage carefully to avoid pulling at the skin
- Clean thoroughly with unscented antibacterial soap
- Pat dry with clean paper towels only
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Wash 2-3 times daily with unscented antibacterial soap
- Use only clean paper towels for drying
- Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare product
- Never reuse towels or cloths on your healing tattoo
Short + Long Term Aftercare
General tattoo aftercare do's and don'ts, what to expect when healing your tattoo, warning signs there's a problem and caring for your new tattoo long-term.
Do ✓
Don't ✗
- Wait 24 hours before your first shower
- Use liquid antibacterial soap
- Keep clothes loose around the tattoo
- Clean after sweating
- Wash hands before touching
- Use clean sheets and towels
Don't ✗
- Soak in any water (pools, baths, hot tubs)
- Exercise heavily for two weeks
- Pick at scabs or peeling skin
- Expose to direct sunlight
- Wear restrictive clothing
- Let pets near the healing tattoo
What to Expect During Healing
Your tattoo will go through several stages as it heals. Watch for these normal signs:
Your tattoo will go through several stages as it heals. Watch for these normal signs:
- Initial redness and mild swelling
- Light fluid secretion (first 24-48 hours)
- Natural scabbing process
- Light peeling like a sunburn
Want a detailed day-by-day breakdown? Check out our complete Tattoo Healing Guide
Signs of Proper Healing
Note: Different inks may heal differently – red ink, in particular, can sometimes take longer to heal completely.
Warning Signs
Contact your artist if you notice:
- Even scabbing across the tattoo
- Gradual peeling
- Consistent color underneath peeling skin
- Decreasing tenderness
Note: Different inks may heal differently – red ink, in particular, can sometimes take longer to heal completely.
Warning Signs
Contact your artist if you notice:
- Excessive redness or swelling
- Hot to touch after 48 hours
- Colored or odorous discharge
- Fever or severe pain
Maintaining Your Tattoo Long-Term
Color Preservation
- Apply sunscreen when exposed to sunlight
- Keep skin moisturized
- Avoid harsh chemicals on the tattoo
- Watch for any changes in appearance
Color Preservation
- Use high SPF sunscreen
- Keep skin healthy and hydrated
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
- Consider touch-ups every few years
Protect Your Tattoo for Years to Come
Second Skin’s medical-grade bandages and aftercare products are trusted by thousands of artists and clients to lock in color, prevent infection, and support healthy healing from day one to year one.
Second Skin’s medical-grade bandages and aftercare products are trusted by thousands of artists and clients to lock in color, prevent infection, and support healthy healing from day one to year one.
Common Questions About Second Skin
Click here to jump down to the next section for general tattoo aftercare questions and answers
Can you shower with Second Skin?Yes! The bandage is water-resistant, but avoid excessive exposure which could weaken adhesion.
How long should second skin stay on?Keep Second Skin on for 3–5 days—long enough to protect your tattoo during the most critical healing stage.
Is second skin good for tattoos?Absolutely. It acts like a second layer of skin, sealing in moisture and blocking out bacteria so your tattoo heals clean and vibrant.
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Where can I buy Second Skin for tattoos?You can purchase Second Skin directly from their website —available in original roll, premium matte and personal aftercare kits.
Pro Tip: Use code RUBY20 at checkout on the official site for 20% off your Second Skin order. What if my Second Skin starts peeling at the edges?If the seal is compromised, remove the bandage completely and switch to traditional aftercare.
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Questions About General Tattoo Aftercare + Healing
When can I exercise after getting tattooed?Wait at least two weeks before resuming intense exercise. Sweating increases infection risk and can affect healing.
Can I shower with a new tattoo?Yes, but be sure to keep showers short and avoid soaking your new tattoo.
Pro Tip: Second Skin makes showering stress-free by keeping your tattoo sealed and protected. |
How long until I can swim?Wait at least 4-6 weeks before swimming in any body of water, including pools and oceans.
How soon after getting a tattoo can I shower?You can shower the same day.
How do I clean my new tattoo?Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
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