TATTOO PRECARE
Prepping for your tattoo is just as important as post care. For 7 days, up until your tattoo session please make sure your skin is hydrated. Apply lotion daily. You may apply lotion 2-3 times a day. Always stay hydrated. This ensures that the tattoo will heal as expected and that the tattoo process will be successful.
Make sure the skin to be tattooed is free from abrasion, cuts, sun damage and bruising.
TATTOO aftercare
SECOND SKIN METHOD
The second skin is a breathable, waterproof barrier to protect your new tattoo. It will protect from contamination and protect your clothes/sheets from excess ink, blood, and fluid from your healing tattoo. You can shower normally while healing, but please abstain from swimming and submerging your tattoo in bodies of water.
Day 1: Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with second skin. Leave the second skin on for up to 4 days. If irritation/redness occurs, please take the bandage off right away. Pease follow the ointment method instead.
Carefully remove the second skin under running warm water. Pull down and stretch the second skin. Do not lift.
Clean site with nonscented antibacterial soap twice a day. Allow skin to dry before applying ointment. With clean hands only, apply a thin layer of the recommended ointment as needed to keep the tattoo from drying. Keep the tattoo moisturized but do not clog the skin. Applying too much of the ointment can lead to poor healing.
I recommend tattoo goo as an after care ointment or non-scented lotion.
if you work out daily, please refrain from working out for at least one week. Sweating with the second skin on may cause irritation.
Ointment method
Day 1-4 : Remove second skin 12-24 hours after the appointment. If skin appears sensitive or irritated, remove second skin right away. Clean site with nonscented antibacterial soap twice a day. Allow skin to dry before applying ointment. With clean hands only, apply a thin layer of the recommended ointment as needed to keep the tattoo from drying. Keep the tattoo moisturized but do not clog the skin. Applying too much of the ointment can lead to poor healing.
Day 5: You can use regular lotion (non-scented). Continue to moisturize the skin. Do not pick at your tattoo.
I have created a list on amazon for the recommended products.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR TATTOO
Keep the tattooed skin clean. Use non scented antibacterial soap and water + a gentle touch. While showering, avoid direct streams of water on the newly tattooed skin. Pat — don't rub — the area dry.
Use moisturizer. Apply a mild moisturizer to the tattooed skin several times a day.
Avoid working out for the next few days.(7 days at least). Sweating may cause premature fading and skin irritation from the second skin.
Avoid sun exposure. Keep the tattooed area out of the sun for at least a few weeks.
Avoid swimming. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your tattoo is healing.
Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo.
Allow up to 2 weeks for healing. Don't pick at any scabs, which increases the risk of infection and can damage the design and cause scarring.
The tattoo will be fully healed at 4 weeks and we can discuss tattoo touch ups if needed.
If you think your tattoo might be infected or you're concerned that your tattoo isn't healing properly, contact your doctor.
Signs of infection, including, but not limited to redness, swelling, tenderness on the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or outlet drainage from the site. Please seek medical attention if you believe you are experiencing an infection.