✦ Tattoo Aftercare ✦
Wooohooo! You just got a new tattoo!🎉 Here I will explain how to take care of it.
If I applied second skin (dermal film):
Dermal film is a thin, transparent, adhesive protective layer placed over a fresh tattoo to protect it while the skin begins healing. It creates a breathable barrier that helps keep out bacteria, dirt, and friction while allowing the tattoo to heal underneath. You can keep the film on for 3–5 days, unless it starts leaking or the edges begin to peel back towards the tattoo. The tattoo should remain properly sealed during this time to prevent bacteria from entering.
If the film does start leaking, or if the edges are peeling significantly and you are worried that the tattoo is no longer protected, remove the film and continue with the healing process described below for plastic foil. You can shower as usual with the film on.
If your skin remains red after a few days (some redness during the first 2–3 days is normal) and the redness follows the exact shape of the film, or if you develop a rash, you may be reacting to the adhesive. This usually does not affect the healing of the tattoo, but it is best to remove the film as soon as you notice a reaction and gently clean the skin underneath with unscented soap.
Some fluid build-up underneath the film is completely normal, and it can sometimes look quite messy. This is nothing to worry about. The fluid is part of the normal healing process. Once the film is removed and the area is gently cleaned, your tattoo will look fresh and clear again.
When it’s time to remove the film: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first. Then gently lift a corner of the film and slowly peel it back along the skin, rather than pulling it upwards and away from the tattoo. Removing the film under a warm shower can make this easier, as the warmth helps soften the adhesive.
The removal process can feel a little tricky, but don’t worry, it is very unlikely to damage your tattoo if you take your time and remove it gently.
After removing the film, wash your tattoo morning and evening with an unscented soap for the first 14 days. Products such as UniCura or Dettol work well for this. Let your tattoo air dry, or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Always make sure your hands are clean and washed with soap before touching your tattoo.
After removing the film, apply a very thin layer of Bepanthen Tattoo cream 2–3 times a day for approximately two weeks. Less is more. Applying too much cream can leave the tattoo overly moist and prevent the skin from healing properly.
If your tattoo starts feeling very dry, itchy, or flaky, this is a sign that it needs a little extra moisture. Apply another thin layer and avoid overdoing it.
If you have plastic foil or a bandage:
Keep the plastic wrap on for 2–4 hours after your tattoo session. During this time, it protects your fresh tattoo while the skin begins its healing process.
For larger or heavier pieces that may release more fluid, I may have covered your tattoo with a white absorbent bandage instead. This can be left on for up to 8 hours, as it helps absorb excess fluid while protecting the tattoo.
When removing the bandage or plastic wrap, always wash your hands thoroughly first. Then gently wash your tattoo right away with lukewarm water and unscented soap. Dettol or UniCura work well for this.
Some plasma, ink residue, or a small amount of blood is completely normal during this first cleaning. This is part of the natural healing process.
Since your tattoo is no longer covered, it may still release some blood, ink residue, or plasma during the first 12 hours. If possible, wear loose, clean clothing or leave the tattoo uncovered when you are at home. ;)
For the first night, keep your bedsheets in mind . Your tattoo may still leak a little and can stain fabrics. Sometimes it works best to wear clean, dark clothing over your tattoo while sleeping.
Always make sure that your clothing and bedsheets are clean, and keep pets, dirt, and other unclean surfaces away from your fresh tattoo.
Especially during the first 3 days, your tattoo is more vulnerable while the skin barrier is healing. Try to make sure that only clean hands, clothing, and surfaces come into contact with your tattoo.
Wash your tattoo morning and evening with unscented soap for the first 14 days. Let it air dry, or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cleaning your tattoo or touching the area.
After removing the film, apply a very thin layer of Bepanthen Tattoo cream 2–3 times a day for approximately two weeks. Less is more. Applying too much cream can leave the tattoo overly moist and prevent the skin from healing properly.
If your tattoo starts feeling very dry, itchy, or flaky, this is a sign that it needs a little extra moisture. Apply another thin layer and avoid overdoing it.
General Healing Tips:
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your tattoo.
Your tattoo may be a little red, swollen, or warm during the first 2–3 days. This is a normal part of the healing process.
It is also common for the tattoo to feel slightly more irritated or look a little worse the day after tattooing before it starts to calm down.
If the redness, swelling, or warmth does not improve after a few days, or if it suddenly gets worse later in the healing process, please contact me or a doctor to have it checked.
Your tattoo may start to peel and itch, similar to a healing sunburn, this is a normal part of the healing process.
Do not scratch, pick, or pull at any peeling skin. This can irritate the tattoo, remove healing skin too early, and increase the risk of uneven healing, scarring, or infection.
Avoid swimming, saunas, tanning beds, and soaking in baths for at least 2 weeks. Your tattoo needs time to heal, and prolonged exposure to water, heat, and bacteria can irritate the skin and affect the healing process.
Showering is completely fine, but especially during the first week try to keep showers short and avoid letting your tattoo soak in hot water for a long time.
You can exercise while your tattoo is healing, but try to avoid intense workouts that make you sweat heavily or overheat during the first 3 days.
Light exercise is completely fine, as long as you keep your tattoo clean and avoid unnecessary friction or irritation.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it is healing for at least two weeks. Once your tattoo is fully healed, make sure to use sunscreen to help protect it and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
During the healing process, always wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation and unnecessary friction. Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are preferred, as they are soft and breathable.
Healing usually takes around 2–4 weeks. Tattoos with larger areas of black or heavier ink saturation can sometimes take a little longer to fully heal. During this time, the skin may feel more sensitive and can look dry or flaky for a few weeks , this is normal.
Your tattoo should no longer feel painful during this stage, but the skin may still need some time to fully recover.
💌 If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the shop.
If you are worried about a possible infection, always contact your doctor. Remember that a fresh tattoo is a healing wound, and it is important to take proper care of it.