This is a sheet of adhesive-like product that I mainly use to bandage my tattoos! If you were given this product after our session, please read the following instructions carefully to ensure that your tattoo will heal properly during this process. (Please note that every artist has a different procedure for this product, this is just MY way of taking care of it based on experience)

For small tattoos such as simple line-work and tattoos that don’t have shading or filling, try to keep the bandage on for 4-5 days.

For medium-large tattoos such as tattoos with shading, solid black fills or full colour, you would have been given a second sheet after I have already applied the first one for you. For the first sheet, please keep it on as best as you can for 24-hrs. After 24-hrs you will need to remove it and apply the second sheet after cleaning. Try keep the second sheet on for about 5-6 days after application.

Please do not keep the second-skin on for any longer than recommended

Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before handling the bandaging. When you remove the bandage I highly advise that you remove it while in the shower—or splash some water on the bandage to soften/loosen the adhesive, then slowly pull from a corner of the bandage. DO NOT RIP IT OFF QUICKLY OR YOU’RE GONNA HAVE A BAD TIME. If it feels a bit dry while peeling, splash some more water on it to soothe the skin. Don’t be alarmed if it seems like some of the ink/scabbing is coming off with it, that’s completely normal! As long as you remove it slowly you should be okay.

Once the sheet is completely removed, clean the tattoo with unscented/dye-free/alcohol-free soap (mild soap or baby soap works fine), rinse it off and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. You can start moisturizing the tattoo if it feels dry and itchy. Moisturize with unscented/dye-free/alcohol-free lotion.

For those who need to apply the second sheet I recommend letting the skin dry (after patting it down) for a few minutes before applying the second skin, just so the moisture doesn’t loosen the second sheet.

If you have a large piece that has solid fills and colours, you may find that the first sheet of the second-skin will be filled with fluid. This is just excess plasma, blood and ink from the tattoo. Don’t be alarmed, it is completely normal when it does this! If the bandage isn’t leaking and the fluid is still trapped inside, leave it be and avoid poking or doing things that may burst the bandage. Replace the first sheet after 24-hrs and clean out the leakage. If it DOES happen to leak within the 24-hrs, replace it immediately with the second sheet after cleaning and keep that sheet on for the recommended time frame.

You can definitely shower with the second-skin on, however like any stickers/adhesives it’ll loosen if soaked in water for too long. Try not to soak it, at most it can be just splashed with water.

If you find that the corners are peeling but the tattoo itself is still completely covered by the bandage, it’s still safe. You may trim the edges if that makes it more comfortable for you. However if the bandage comes off completely or a portion of the tattoo is exposed, remove the second-skin and follow the ‘Regular bandaging…’ aftercare process.

One important thing to note; if you are experiencing redness on your skin— on or around the the second-skin— if it is painful and uncomfortable, immediately remove it from your skin and follow the ‘Regular Bandaging…’ procedure. It should return to normal in a couple of weeks, depending on your skin it could leave some marks that will go away eventually. If the redness and pain persists, please see your doctor asap!

If you are bandaged with saran-wrap, or if your second-skin is removed prematurely**, please follow these steps:

Remove the saran-wrap bandaging after a MINIMUM of 3-hrs. If you aren’t going home right away, keep the bandaging on until you get home.

**Once it is removed, clean the tattoo with an unscented/dye-free/alcohol-free soap. Only use liquid soap contained in a bottle for this, no bar soaps as they can generally harbour bacteria on the surface and may cause an infection. Rinse off the soap with water and then pat dry the tattoo with a clean towel or paper towel.

Do this process every AM/PM until your tattoo is fully healed (typically takes about 3-4 weeks). If you happen to sweat in the area or your tattoo has come into contact with something unsanitary, clean it immediately!

In the first 4-5 days of healing you’ll find that your tattoo will start to get dry and itchy due to scabbing. You’ll find that your skin looks like it starting to shed. This is normal— do not peel any of the scabbing or you will peel off the ink along with it and ruin the tattoo! Let the skin peel off naturally. During this time you can moisturize your tattoo with a thin layer of unscented/dye-free/alcohol-free lotion just to alleviate the feeling of dry and tightness on the tattoo. Don’t over-moisturize as it can clog your pores and affect the healing process.

This applies to both second-skin or the regular bandaging healing process:

Do not exercise for about a week or until after you’ve removed your second skin for good. If you sweat while the tattoo is still in it’s early stages of healing it will bring in bacteria and may cause an infection. The second-skin will also trap the sweat within the adhesive and will affect your tattoo.

No swimming or hot tubbing until your tattoo is fully healed! Pools will also introduce a number bacteria from the pool water and it will most definitely infect and irritate your tattoo. Do not go swimming even with your second-skin on! It’s always a good idea to get tattooed during the fall/winter season so that you can be ready to show it off during spring/summer! Which brings me to my next point…

No sunbathing/tanning when your tattoo is healing. Please let your tattoo heal completely before exposing it to the sun, as constant sun exposure can fade the tattoo. Always, always, ALWAYS apply sunscreen on your tattoos (and your whole body in general) if you will be out in the sun. This protects your tattoo from fading and also protects your skin from the harsh UV rays. Keep your skin healthy for more tattoos!

Don’t scratch the tattoo! During peeling/scabbing stages it may feel very itchy. You can apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area to help soothe the skin.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may rub on or irritate the tattoo. Wear some loose clothing that gives the tattooed area some space to breathe as it heals.

If you have pets at home, their instincts will be to try and lick an open wound. Please avoid having them come into contact with the healing tattoo. If they happen to accidentally brush against the tattoo, wash the area immediately with soap and water.

Your fresh tattoo is technically an open wound, so treat it as such. You don’t want to expose it to unsanitary conditions.