Healing with Second Skin
A second skin is an adhesive plastic bandage (like a sticker) which can protect your tattoo from dirt, bacteria, and moisture. Second skin can expedite the healing process by lowering the chance of hard scabbing, infection, or irritation. Second skin is not ideal for individuals who have a sensitivity to the adhesives in band-aids or medical tape.
Leave the second skin on for 5-7 days. Avoid submerging the tattoo in water. Normal showering is fine. Keep exercise light and minimal.
However, if you experience excessive irritation or if the second skin becomes “unsealed” from the tattoo, please remove the bandage and follow the Traditional Healing process (see below). Taking the second skin off early will not hurt your tattoo, but it might feel uncomfortable.
Remove the second skin gently the shower while running it under warm water. Use anti-bacterial soap to help release the adhesive. Slowly pull the second skin directly away from you.
Once you remove the second skin, follow Traditional Healing process (see below) for 1-2 weeks or until there is little to no peeling or flaking on your tattoo site.
Traditional Healing
Properly healing a tattoo is critical to its longevity, minimizing the risk of infection, and your comfort. During the first 2-3 weeks after your tattoo, avoid excessive time in the sun, submerging it in water, itching/picking, rigorous exercise, and exposing the area to dirt or bacteria. Everyone’s body heals differently; but these are my best instructions. If you have a different healing method that works for you, please follow that. Repeat 2-3 times daily for 2-3 weeks.
Do not re-wrap your tattoo in plastic wrap or any other bandage once the initial dressing is removed after your appointment.
Once you arrive at home, wash your tattoo as soon as possible with Gold Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap, or another unscented antibacterial soap, and warm water. Gently pat your tattoo dry with a fresh towel or paper towels.
Lightly moisturize your tattoo with an unscented lotion, like Lubriderm. A well-moisturized tattoo requires very little product and does not look shiny or feel slippery to the touch. Remove excess product with paper towels if necessary. It is important not to over-moisturize, as it will cause irritation and hard scabbing.
Neosporin, A&D, & Aquaphor ointment are often recommended, but I find that they suffocate the tattoo and do not allow the skin to “breathe”. That’s why I think lotion is a better alternative.
Tattoos can take up to one month to stop peeling and six months or more to be completely healed and settled into the skin, so try to be patient & gentle with them!
More tips:
Fresh bedsheets, clean clothes, and clean towels minimize the risk for bacteria exposure
Wearing sunscreen once your tattoo is healed will increase longevity
All tattoos change/fade overtime and grow with your body; embrace their imperfection!
A tattoo is healed when your skin returns to “normal” texture; the tattoo is no longer dry or peeling. Slightly raised lines are not uncommon on healed tattoos.
To reduce itchiness/discomfort during healing, you can spray your tattoo with Bactine. I often use it during the tattoo process and I also use it to help heal my own tattoos.