Tattoo Aftercare Instructions & Healing Guide

Every tattoo heals differently. Your artist will give you personalized aftercare instructions based on your skin type, placement, and style. Following these steps will help prevent infection, reduce irritation, and ensure your tattoo heals clean, bright, and beautiful.

Adhesive Film (SecondSkin / Saniderm)
Traditional Bandage (DryLok + Coban)

Adhesive Film (SecondSkin / Saniderm) Aftercare

This method protects your tattoo under a sterile adhesive film. Follow these steps for a clean, low-maintenance heal.

Day 0 (Bandage On)

  • Leave the film on 12–24 hours (or as your artist directed).

  • A small plasma bubble is normal.

  • If edges lift or it leaks, remove early (see removal).

Film Removal (Warm Shower)

  • In a warm shower, peel low and slow (parallel to skin).

  • Wash with fragrance-free liquid soap (hands only).

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel; rest uncovered 30–60 minutes.

After Removal (Days 1–3)

  • If you were given a fresh sterile sheet, you may apply it to completely dry skin and wear 24–48 hours more.

  • Otherwise, open-air care: wash 2× daily; apply very thin layer of ointment (Aquaphor/Hustle Butter) if needed—no shine.

Days 4–14

  • Switch to fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm/CeraVe/Cetaphil) 2–3× daily.

  • Expect light flaking/itching; do not pick.

Total Time in Film

  • Do not exceed 4–5 days total in adhesive dressings.

Bubble Fix (if fluid builds)

  • Small (≤ quarter size): leave it; it reabsorbs in 24–48h.

  • Large/leaking: wash hands → remove in warm shower → wash → pat dry → air 30–60m → continue open-air care.

  • Never pop with a needle; never reuse the same film.

Do / Don’t (Film Method)

DO: hands clean, gentle soap, thin moisture, loose clothing.
DON’T: no soaking (pools/hot tubs/ocean 2–3 weeks), no direct sun/tanning 4 weeks, no Neosporin/Vaseline/alcohol/peroxide.

Film FAQs

  • Mild warmth/redness at the edges for 24–48h is common. Spreading redness, heat, or thick discharge: remove film, clean, and contact us.

  • Light movement is fine if the bandage stays sealed and doesn’t rub. Clean gently after sweating.

  • Usually Day 3–4 (or after removing the final film). Use light, fragrance-free lotion.

DryLok Pad + Coban (Traditional Aftercare)

This classic method uses an absorbent pad and wrap for the ride home, then switches to open-air care.

Day 0 (Go-Home Wrap)

  • Keep DryLok pad + Coban on for 2–4 hours to absorb initial plasma/ink.

  • Remove sooner if it soaks through.

First Clean (After Removing Wrap)

  • Wash hands → remove wrap → discard.

  • In a lukewarm shower, wash tattoo with fragrance-free liquid soap (hands only).

  • Pat dry with clean paper towel; air out 15–30 minutes.

Days 1–3

  • Wash 2–3× daily (gentle, unscented soap).

  • Apply a very thin layer of ointment (Aquaphor/Hustle Butter) as needed—no heavy shine.

Days 4–14

  • Switch to fragrance-free lotion 2–3× daily.

  • Continue once- or twice-daily gentle washing.

Coban Safety (Important)

  • Never rewrap tightly—Coban can constrict.

  • Signs it’s too tight: throbbing, numbness/tingling, cool skin, color change—remove immediately.

  • Traditional aftercare is open-air after the first clean; don’t re-bandage unless your artist instructed it (certain placements).

Do / Don’t (Traditional Method)

DO: clean hands, gentle soap, thin moisture, loose/clean clothes, fresh sheets first nights.
DON’T: no soaking 2–3 weeks, no sun/tanning 4 weeks, no Neosporin/Vaseline/alcohol/peroxide, no scratching/picking, avoid tight gear that rubs.

Traditional FAQs

  • We recommend no re-wrapping unless your artist advised it for a specific area. If you must, use light DryLok—not plastic—and avoid tight Coban.

  • Light activity after 3–5 days if there’s minimal rubbing and you can clean right after. Avoid friction and pressure.

  • Typically 2–3 weeks—only once skin is smooth with no flaking.

What’s Normal vs. Not

Normal: mild redness/warmth 24–48h, light weeping first day, itching/flaking week 1–2.
Contact us / seek care if: spreading redness, hot skin, thick yellow/green discharge, fever, red streaking, severe adhesive reaction.

Questions or Touch-Ups

Call (503) 624-1719

Email skincity@hotmail.com

Book a Touch-Up or Consultation

Soap: Dove Sensitive, Cetaphil Gentle, CeraVe Hydrating, Dial Unscented

  1. Ointment (Days 1–3): Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, shop-approved

  2. Lotion (after Day 3): Lubriderm/CeraVe/Cetaphil/Aveeno unscented

  3. Avoid: Neosporin/antibiotic ointments, petroleum jelly, alcohol/peroxide, scented products, coconut oil