Ruby Gore Toronto Tattoo Artist Specializing in Vegan and Scar Cover Up Tattoos
Tattoo Aftercare Guide
The do's and don'ts of taking care of your new tattoo regardless of which aftercare option you choose to go with.
Do
OPT FOR A SHOWER OVER A BATH
Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after getting your tattoo before taking a shower, but regardless of which aftercare option you choose to go with, soaking your new tattoo (bandaged or un-bandaged) is always a big no-no. If your tattoo is still in the healing process without a bandage on, it could cause serious damage.
If you are using SecondSkin, it will stay on even when immersed in water so you’re able to shower as normal. It is water resistant, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion and require you to reapply a new piece.
If you are using SecondSkin, it will stay on even when immersed in water so you’re able to shower as normal. It is water resistant, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion and require you to reapply a new piece.
USE LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP
Bar soap is not sterile, it can hold bad bacteria and can pass it on to your tattoo. Invest in a bottle of unscented antibacterial liquid soap.
Don't
DON'T TOUCH! BUT IF YOU MUST, WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST
Anything you touch potentially has bacteria on it. Once your bandage has been removed, always wash your hands prior to touching your tattoo while it’s still in the healing process.
SOAK YOUR TATTOO
In any bodies of water (lakes, oceans, bathtubs, pools, etc.) for at least one month after getting your tattoo.
SUNBATHE OR USE A TANNING BED
We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to UV rays, ever with or without SecondSkin. SecondSkin does not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid prolonged sun or UV ray exposure for at least a month after getting your tattoo. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.
EXERCISE
It is not suggested to exercise with or without SecondSkin. If using SecondSkin, sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off prematurely.
When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo. So if your bandage comes off prematurely or if you've chosen a traditional aftercare method and don't have a bandage on it at all, you increase the chances of infection.
It's best to take it easy and avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo.
When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo. So if your bandage comes off prematurely or if you've chosen a traditional aftercare method and don't have a bandage on it at all, you increase the chances of infection.
It's best to take it easy and avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo.
SecondSkin Aftercare & Removal
If you already know that healing with SecondSkin isn't for you, click below to skip to
Traditional Aftercare Instructions
SecondSkin is a medical-grade, transparent adhesive bandage that protects new tattoos while they are healing. Your bandage can be left on for up to 5 days after it has been applied to your new tattoo. It is waterproof, breathable and protects the tattoo from bacteria, debris and irritations, while also helping to save clothes and linens from ink and blood.
It is completely normal for your tattoo to weep fluid beneath your bandage in the first 24-48 hours. This does not mean that you need to remove the bandage. If you notice excessive fluid or the bandage becomes detached from the skin exposing the tattoo, discontinue use, wash with mild soap and follow the Traditional Aftercare Instructions below.
It is completely normal for your tattoo to weep fluid beneath your bandage in the first 24-48 hours. This does not mean that you need to remove the bandage. If you notice excessive fluid or the bandage becomes detached from the skin exposing the tattoo, discontinue use, wash with mild soap and follow the Traditional Aftercare Instructions below.
- On the fifth day of having your bandage on, it will be time to remove it. Peel up an edge or corner of SecondSkin back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward can be painful. Rarely, some people will find it difficult to remove, in this case try removing in a warm shower. The warm water will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
- Slowly pull the SecondSkin off. Do not pull it straight up away from the skin. Instead, pull the film back and across the skin while holding your skin taut.
- Wash tattoo thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Once tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to your tattoo as needed.
You may experience some redness around the tattoo where SecondSkin was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is completely normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive. If you develop a serious reaction, discontinue use immediately and follow traditional aftercare.
Traditional Aftercare
Your tattoo and the area around it may be slightly swollen and red for the next week. Color may seep to the surface (it is ok to wipe this off with a damp, clean paper towel and reapply a thin layer of ointment after drying.) Do not let your tattoo stick to sheets or clothing, this can pull out ink.
A thin scab should form evenly over the entire tattoo and should peel similar to a sunburn.
Do not pick at the scab. The color may seem dull or uneven while your tattoo is healing. Your tattoo should be completely healed after one month. Shading may seem dark but will fade up to 40% throughout the healing process.
A thin scab should form evenly over the entire tattoo and should peel similar to a sunburn.
Do not pick at the scab. The color may seem dull or uneven while your tattoo is healing. Your tattoo should be completely healed after one month. Shading may seem dark but will fade up to 40% throughout the healing process.
Do
leave your bandage on
For at least 2 hours. However your bandage can be left on longer or overnight, it will not harm your tattoo or the healing process.
clean your tattoo DAILY
After removing your bandage and 2 times daily for the first week. Rinse gently with mildv antibacterial soap and warm water, then apply a thin layer of ointment after patting dry with a clean paper towel.
...especially after sweating!
When you sweat you release toxins which sit on the surface of your tattoo, increasing the chances of infection. After heavy sweating, you must wash your hands and your tattoo before re-applying a thin layer of ointment.
wash your linens
Preferably before getting your new tattoo since you'll likely be too tired to do so when you get home. While you sleep you shed skin, sweat and hair. Anything in your bed or on dirty towels and clothing can come in contact with your tattoo and increase the chances of infection especially within the first 72 hours.
Don't
WEAR RESTRICTIVE CLOTHING
To your appointment or directly after. Some areas of the body swell more than others and could either cut off circulation to the area or you could run the risk of your clothes sticking to your new tattoo.
If your tattoo forms a scab do not let it stick to anything. When you pull away, the scab will pull off with it. This pulls ink out and can cause scarring and loss of color. If your tattoo does end up sticking to clothing, rinse the area (and clothing) with warm water to loosen the cloth from the scab without ripping it off.
If your tattoo forms a scab do not let it stick to anything. When you pull away, the scab will pull off with it. This pulls ink out and can cause scarring and loss of color. If your tattoo does end up sticking to clothing, rinse the area (and clothing) with warm water to loosen the cloth from the scab without ripping it off.
let pets near your fresh tattoo
They track harmful bacteria everywhere they go. Wash and reapply ointment after contact with animals or anything the animal comes in contact with such as sheets, furniture, etc.
Opting for a SecondSkin bandage {as long as you don't have any adhesive allergies} is a great way to not have to worry about this!
Opting for a SecondSkin bandage {as long as you don't have any adhesive allergies} is a great way to not have to worry about this!
If at anytime you have questions or concerns about how your tattoo is healing, please contact us right away.