FIRST FEW DAYS WITH SECOND SKIN::

Second Skin is a breathable tattoo bandage that provides an effective barrier against water, dirt, germs, and friction. You can leave a second skin on for as long as it feels comfortable to you. It’s okay to shower while wearing it. (Don’t use too warm water.) Most people remove it after 2 to 4 days. The same one shouldn’t be worn for longer than 7 days, though — remove it to clean your tattoo.
Second skins are great, but they aren’t miracle workers. In areas that bend or flex, they don’t last as long as areas that stay still.

During the first 24 hours, there may be some build-up of plasma under the bandage. This is completely normal.
Your tattoo might get “printed” onto the second skin when you peel it off. This is normal too. Your tattoo is still there!

CLEANING PROCEDURE:

1. Clean the tattoo

with tepid water and unscented soap:

Gently rub off all the goo (plasma + sweat + some extra ink) that has formed under the plastic with the soap.
Do so with your fingertips and soapy water. The key here is to loosen up any dried lymph and coagulated blood.
Note the most important word here: “Loosen”

Considerations: Before letting your hands touch your tattoo, deep clean them. Don’t just wash them for 5 seconds!
Get soap everywhere, into the knuckles, palms, fingertips. If you do decide to take a shower, don’t do it for too long. Rinse and pat dry with a clean, non-fluffy towel or kitchen roll. Do not rub hard, scrape, or irritate! Make sure no fibres are stuck to the tattoo.

2. Apply a thin layer of lotion:

After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is completely dry before applying a very thin layer of your chosen tattoo aftercare lotion to help moisturise and nourish the area.
Considerations: The amount of ointment you apply. The key here is to avoid over-applying, as you want your skin to be able to breathe. Do not cake it with lotion. Only apply enough for the tattoo to absorb; This means an ultra-light surface coat.

Ointment options: Bepanthen, Avene Cicalfate, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Organic Coconut Oil, Tattoo Goo.

YOU SHOULD:

• Repeat the cleaning procedure about at least once to three times per day, for the two to four weeks. This means wash, dry and apply moisturiser. In other words, moist wound healing is important.

• Stay away from the sun. Don’t expose your new tattoo to intense sunlight and don’t apply any sun lotion to the area until it has fully healed.

• Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing during the tattoo healing process. Do not allow your clothes to rub up against your tattoo!

• Under no circumstance should you pick or scratch your new tattoo. Regardless if the skin is peeling or scabbing. Allow it to naturally fall off on its own. What’s really happening is the epidermis exfoliating, this is perfectly normal and natural.

• Stay away from water. All bodies of water can contain nasty bacteria that can ruin a new tattoo if you’re not careful. Stick to short showers until your skin has fully healed, and don’t go swimming.

• While healing, don’t participate in any strenuous activities. This means avoid lifting weights at the gym, going for a jog around the park, or taking the bicycle for a spin on the road.