SECOND SKIN (CLEAR BANDAGE):
Second skin will keep your tattoo safe from all elements until it is taken off! You may sleep and shower with your second skin on however it is not recommended you soak the bandage in hot water for long periods, as this may melt some of the adhesive. I may recommend a client re-apply the bandage, I will be clear about this during our appointment.
1. Leave your second skin bandage on as instructed for a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 4 days. You may have some pigment or fluid buildup underneath.
2. With clean hands, proceed to delicately and slowly peel your bandage off by stretching it on an angle, try not to directly peel up from the skin, more so roll the bandage off.
If you are experiencing some resistance, feel free to run it under lukewarm water while removing it.
3. With clean hands, wash your tattoo gently under lukewarm water with mild unscented soap and proceed to pat dry with a clean piece of paper towel, then allow your tattoo to air dry.
4. At least 24 hours after your initial cleanse you should begin to apply a light fragrance-free moisturizer 2-4 times daily as needed until your tattoo is fully healed (fully healed: your tattoo is completely settled and is no longer flakey and dry, itchy or scabbing). This portion of the process varies from person to person and can take 2-6 weeks.
Please note: through a portion of the 2-6 week healing period, your tattoo will likely look a little blurred, your tattoo may be flakey or scabby and itchy. This all part of the process. Please be patient! Keep your tattoo clean during the 24-hour wait period, be sure to cleanse the tattoo regularly for the first 4 days following the second skin removal.
Only remove your second skin early when:
- in a situation of an irritation/allergic reaction to the bandage or adhesive occurs (this typically looks like redness around the corners, itchiness, hives, and excess swelling)
- you are expiriencing excess pooling or leaking of body plasma/ink from your bandage
DO NOT:
- Itch or pick at your healing tattoo
- expose your fresh or still healing tattoo to sunlight
- self tan while the tattoo is healing
- submerge your tattoo in treated or untreated bodies of water including baths, pools, hot tubs, the ocean
- wax or shave the tattooed area until the tattoo is completely healed
- rebandage your tattoo (unless instructed to do so)