Second skin

Second skin is a self-adhesive dressing that acts as a protective barrier for your tattoo and allows it to heal without the need for additional aftercare products.

If this is applied for you, usually you can leave this on for several days, however, if heavy black has been used in your tattoo you may need to remove it after 1-2 days due to potential bleeding and pooling of ink and plasma under the Second skin.

If you notice any redness or excessive plasma/blood under the second skin, remove it immediately and if irritation persists, contact your artist and/or a medical professional as some people have allergic reactions to adhesive.

If any fluid leaks from the dressing, remove it immediately and start your regualr aftercare.

When it’s time to remove the second skin, do this in the shower and clean it thoroughly with plain hot water. Do not let the tattoo soak in the shower for too long - once it’s nice and clean, hop out and let the tattoo air dry without using a towel.

Cling wrap

Keep the cling wrap on for approximately 2-3 hours and then remove in the shower using plain hot water to clean thoroughly.
Let your tattoo air dry rather than using a towel (due to abrasion and potential bacteria) and apply a tattoo balm or unscented moisturiser once completely dry.

AFTERCARE PRODUCTS

You can use any tattoo specific aftercare balm or unscented moisturiser that you prefer.

I recommend applying your aftercare cream 2-3 times per day or when the tattoo is feeling dry until fully healed.

What to expect over the healing period

During the first 7-10 days of healing, you will notice that the top layer of your tattoo will begin to flake off just like a scab which is completely normal. Depending on the style of tattoo, this process could take one or two weeks.

While the tattoo is flaking you must take care to avoid any scratching or circumstances that could lead to scabs coming off before they are ready as this could lead to patchiness in the tattoo.

Once the top layer of your tattoo has completely flaked off to reveal smooth fresh skin underneath, you will be able to ease up on the aftercare a bit, however, I still recommend moisturising and taking care of it for at least 2-3 weeks.

During these first 6 weeks, your tattoo may still look a little shiny and might even still be a bit itchy, but after this time it should be well and truly completely healed. For this reason, I ask that you wait 6-8 weeks before contacting me regarding a touch-up.

During the healing period please avoid

- direct sunlight (no fake or real tan)
- chlorine/salt water and excessive sweating
- swimming or submerging tattoo in water (including baths and saunas)
- picking or scratching the tattoo
- tight clothing or straps that will rub and agitate the tattoo
- spraying with deodorant, perfume or cologne

Important: Your tattoo will be red and irritated for 24-48 hrs which is completely normal, however, if you notice that any part of the tattoo becomes more red or sore at any point after this please contact your artist immediately for advice.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact me!