Your tattoo is wound and requires care to heal properly. Here are my after care tips. You are the expert of your own body, if you have made good experiences with a different routine (dry healing for example), trust yourself.
If you have any questions after our session, feel free to contact me! In case of infection, seek medical attention immediately.
If your tattoo is covered with second skin
· Keep it on: 2–3 days.
· Showering is fine: Quick showers are okay while wearing the second skin.
· Removal: After 48–72 hours, gently remove the second skin under warm (not hot) water. Peel from the edges, pulling slowly and parallel to your body. Stretching your skin helps ease the removal.
· Next steps: Wash the tattoo, dry it, and apply tattoo ointment (details below).
Note: Plasma build-up under the second skin is normal and nothing to worry about. If the second skin comes off early, wash and apply ointment. For irritation, remove it immediately and proceed with care.
If your tattoo is covered with a sterile pad
· Keep it on overnight: The pad absorbs excess plasma and ink while protecting the tattoo from friction.
· Remove the pad: In the morning or after 12–24 hours.
· Wash the tattoo: Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and pH-neutral soap (details in the washing section below).
· Let it dry: Pat the tattoo with a clean paper towel or let it air dry for 20 minutes.
· Switch to ointment care: After removing the pad, you can begin applying a thin layer of tattoo-specific ointment 2–3 times daily.
If your tattoo is covered with cling film
· Remove it: 2–4 hours after getting the tattoo
· Wash & protect: Wash your tattoo, let it dry, and apply tattoo ointment.
· Avoid reapplying cling film unless your I specifically recommend it for sleeping.
How to wash and apply ointment
Wash your hands: Always start with clean hands.
Gently clean your tattoo: Use lukewarm water and a pH-neutral, unscented soap. Foam the soap in your hands before applying. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel or let air dry for 20 minutes. Avoid regular towels.
Apply ointment: Once dry, use a very thin layer of a tattoo-specific ointment (e.g., Pegasus or Bepanthol-Tattoo) twice daily for 2 weeks. If your skin feels dry, you can apply it more often.
Things to avoid for 2–4 weeks
· Direct sunlight: Protect your tattoo. After your tattoo is fully healed, use sensitive SPF 50 sunscreen.
· Scratching or picking: If it itches, lightly slap or cool it. Scabs will fall off naturally.
· Heavy exercise: Avoid sweating heavily for at least 4 days; wait 2 weeks for intense workouts, or contact sports.
· Water immersion: Skip baths, swimming, and saunas for 3 weeks.
· Perfumes or lotions: Only use tattoo ointment on the area.