ADHESIVE BANDAGES

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Adhesive bandages are waterproof and breathable and basically acts as a second skin that provides an effective barrier against water, bacteria and unnecessary exposures to creates a hassle-free and easy healing process.

 

• For minimal scabbing, it is advised to keep the adhesive bandage on for a minimum of 2 days and should not be left on for more than 5 days.

• If a rash or irritation occurs around or underneath the bandage, remove immediately and proceed to after bandage aftercare.

• Bandages do not stay on if you perspire a fair amount.

• If your bandage starts peeling off and it exposes any part of the tattoo, that means the barrier has been broken and the bandage should be removed. It is important that you remove the bandage if this happens as water and bacteria can get in and prolonged build up may lead to infection. Please inform your artist if you are aware of an allergy to the adhesives. Same aftercare instructions apply.

 

DAY 1 AFTER BANDAGE

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Remove the bandage in the shower and proceed to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and lather up some non-scented mild soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. Gently soap up your tattoo to remove as much plasma as possible. If buildup isn’t washed away, it may create unnecessarily thicker scabs. The faster your tattoo dries up, the thinner the scabs, the faster it’s healing! Then pat (do not rub) the area with a clean towel(not your bath towel) or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow up with a light application of ointment. Lotion/cream based ointments are recommended but if unsure, ask your artist about their preferred healing products. Apply the lotion to your tattoo as needed.

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There is another preferred method called "dry healing", which means exactly like how it sounds; dry. Apart from washing and keeping your tattoo clean, lotion is used at its bare minimum(only to soothe those insane mad itches). The reason for dry healing is mainly to speed up the process. If you realize that your tattoo stays wet and heals slower with ointment, this method is probably for you. It remains subjective as everyone’s skin is different so It is important that you understand your skin’s needs and create the best possible routine for your healing.

 

• Do not use Vaseline. Vaseline blocks out oxygen penetration from your skin, causing blurriness.

• Do not use aloe vera. Aloe vera detoxifies the body by flushing foreign matter, including ink, from the skin, resulting in some fading.

• Do not use Neosporin. It works great for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can develop an allergy to the cream, which then causes little red bumps that rejects ink. When the bumps go away, you may end up with a polka-dotted tattoo.

 

Avoid body oils on tattoos during the healing process.

 

DAY 2-4

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Your tattoo should be starting to dry up now. Be sure to only handle your tattoo with clean hands. The less you handle your tattoo, the better. Dry heal or apply a thin layer of lotion whenever needed, rub it into your skin so that it absorbs it, leaving almost no trace of lotion on the surface.

 

DO NOT OVER LOTION. LESS IS MORE.

 

You will start to notice some peeling going on. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is; don't pick, and don't scratch! You can soothe the itch by moisturizing, or slapping. Yeah slap it.

DO. NOT. PICK. AT. IT.

 

DAY 4-7

 

Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it.

Clean, lotion(or not) and leave it alone.

 

DAY 7-14

 

Your tattoo would be flaky and appear a little shiny. Continue with light lotion(or not) as per needed until completely healed.

 

When the sheen is gone, you’re fully healed! Yay! Time for the next one! Aaahahaa

 

BASIC DO NOTS :

 

• Soak your tattoo in water for extended periods of time

• Cake your tattoo with lotion

• Expose openly to sun for long periods of time

• handle your tattoo without washing your hands first

• Scratch or pick at your tattoo

• Apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo

 

For people with sensitive skin, avoid consumption of shellfish and raw food until your tattoo is fully healed.

 

Source: www.undrgrndsf.com/aftercare