The Inkery After Care
Listed below is the recommendations of The Inkery Tattoo. If you were tattooed elsewhere you should follow the instructions provided to you by your artist and use this information as an overview. There is no perfect healing process for all because we are all so different, in so many ways.
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The Protective Covering
SANIDERM/SECOND SKIN BANDAGE: If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid buildup beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you should remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions below). After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water. To take the bandage off you need to stretch it from each side rather than peeling it off like a Band-Aid. When you stretch the bandage, it allows the adhesive to release off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and avoiding taking any ink with it. Wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap with warm running water. At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process. After washing you may use an unscented, non-greasy moisturizer. Please refer below for recommended lotions/moisturizers. DO NOT use Vaseline – this does nothing to help the healing and does not allow the new tattoo to breathe.
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STANDARD/OLD SCHOOL BANDAGE: Leave your bandage on for 2-3 hours or as instructed by your artist. Wash your hands well with soap before touching your bandage. After the bandage has been removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Please refer below for recommended soaps. Remove all existing lubricant, plasma/excess ink with your fingertips gently. DO NOT use anything abrasive to clean your tattoo like a cloth, use your fingertips. Rinse the area well with warm water and pat dry with a disposable paper towel or allow it to air dry. Wash your tattoo twice a day (morning and night) until your tattoo is completely healed. DO NOT over-wash. Regular showering is fine. DO NOT submerge your new tattoo for any extended amount of time until it has fully healed. This includes activities like baths, swimming, hot tubs, etc. Over the next few days your new tattoo will become flaky, dry, and tight. Use an unscented, non-greasy moisturizer 1-2 times a day sparingly. Please refer below for recommended lotions/moisturizers. Rub the lotion into your new tattoo until it is fully absorbed into your skin. DO NOT over-moisturize. If a scab forms, it will be the colour of the ink used. This does not mean the ink is going to fall out. Leave the scabs alone and let them fall off naturally. DO NOT pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it has completely healed – this is normal and will go away after a few weeks. Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area if you must cover it
Soaps and Lotions
SOAPS TO USE: You are going to want to use the most fragrance-free, mild soap you can find. We recommend mild soaps much like Dial, Dove, Sweet Tatty Healing Soap, Dish Soaps, and Shampoo’s.
LOTIONS TO USE: You are going to want to use the most fragrant-free, Non-greasy, Dye-free moisturizing lotion you can find. We recommend mild lotions much like Hustle Butter, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Aveeno, Tattoo Goo, After Inked and Vaseline Intensive Care
Do Not List
DO NOT use anything on your new tattoo other than what your artist has previously recommended. DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch your new tattoo or the area surrounding it. DO NOT under any circumstances use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your new tattoo. DO NOT use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your new tattoo. DO NOT let anyone touch your new tattoo. DO NOT go into a lake, pool, tub, hottub, etc. These places all contain bacteria. DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first few weeks at least. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispiness/longevity of your tattoo. When the tattoo is completely healed always apply a good amount of SPF sunscreen, this really does help slow down the fading. You will want your tattoo to look the best it can for a lifetime. If during the healing process you think your tattoo has become infected, please advise, and see a doctor immediately. You may/may not require antibiotics.