Tattoo aftercare:
(See further down the page if artist used Dermalize)
Day 1-3
Keep it wrapped in cling film for at least 3-4 hrs but no longer than 12. If you need to change it - you can, just wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before touching it. If for some reason you need to change the wrapping, please don’t apply any creams before re-wrapping it. Please don’t put on any cream for the first 2-3 days. Don’t let anyone touch it. Keep it away from pets. You don’t want it to get infected. Don’t forget to ALWAYS wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap before touching it. Keep washing your tattoo 1-2 times a day. Use soap if needed.
Day 3-10
At day 3 your tattoo shouldn’t be in pain anymore. Sometimes it might take longer for the pain to go away. It also should be slowly getting into the “wrinkly” stage and start to feel dry and itchy. Now is a good time to start applying moisturising cream.. Apply it 2-3 times a day. Put on an even thin layer and spread it evenly throughout your tattoo. It should look shiny. Repeat until all the flaky skin/scabs fall off. During this period, do not swim or take baths, only quick showers. Don’t pick scabs/flaky skin! It can cause scarring, or make your tattoo fade. Wait until everything falls off by itself. It might take a while - so be patient.
Day 10+
Your tattoo should be healed by now. If it’s not - don’t worry. Sometimes it might take longer. Some tattoos can heal in 4-5 days and others almost 3-4 weeks. Now your tattoo is going to look shiny and a bit weird. That’s okay, it’s still settling into your skin. Moisturise it once a day for a few months. Keep it away from sun. Use SPF 50 sunscreen on it if needed.
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Dermalize intructions:
​The artist will apply the first sheet of Dermalize bandage that stays on your skin for 24 hours.
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After 24 hours, gently remove the bandage by peeling it off in a shower under warm running water. Make sure your hands are clean first before doing so.
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Once the film is off, wash off the blood and ink with an antibacterial shower gel. Do not use hand soap, sponges or anything that carries bacteria on it; instead gently wash it with your cleaned hands.
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After you clean your tattoo, wipe it with a Dermalize wipe and let it air dry for a few minutes. During this time make sure to stay away from your pets and make sure the tattoo isn't touching any surfaces.
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Once the tattoo is dry, apply a new Dermalize bandage given by your artist. The bandage stays on for the next 5-6 days. During this time, make sure to avoid direct sun exposure, shower instead of bathing, be gentle with the tattoo, avoid excessive drinking and get plenty of rest. If you're a frequent gym goer, it is recommended to take a break for at least 2-3 days after getting your tattoo done.
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After 5-6 days, repeat step 2 and 3. The sheet itself might leave some residue this time around, so make sure to soak it in running water and gently rub it with your palm. Any extra stubborn residue can be removed by applying a moisturiser (Cocoa Butter recommended) with circular motion to the problematic areas.
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Now that your tattoo is bandage free, make sure to keep it moisturised. A thin layer of Cocoa Butter once a day is recommended - there isn't a particular time limit for doing this as keeping your skin well moisturised will make the tattoo look more fresh and vibrant for years to come.