Tattoo
Aftercare

01

Second Skin

After your tattoo, I usually apply a protective adhesive film called Second Skin. It helps protect the fresh tattoo from friction and outside contamination and makes the first few days of aftercare much easier.

You can usually keep the Second Skin on for about 3 days. You can shower while wearing it, and you don’t need to apply tattoo aftercare cream while the film is on.

If blood, plasma, ink, or other fluid starts leaking out from underneath the film, please replace it with the extra piece of Second Skin I give you on the day of your appointment. If nothing is leaking out, you can simply leave the original Second Skin on for the full 3 days. Most of my clients are able to keep the original one on without needing to replace it.

During the first day or two, it’s completely normal for blood, plasma, and excess ink to collect underneath the film. This can make the tattoo look darker or a little messy, but there’s no need to worry. Once you remove the Second Skin and gently wash the tattoo, it will look clean again.

Some people are sensitive or allergic to adhesives, so Second Skin may not be suitable for everyone. If you already know that your skin reacts badly to adhesive bandages or similar products, please let me know.

02

After Removing the Second Skin

Wash your hands first, then slowly remove the film. It can be easier to remove it under lukewarm running water.

Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap or a tattoo-specific cleanser and lukewarm water. Do not scrub or rub the area. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and let the skin dry before applying tattoo aftercare cream.

Apply a thin, even layer of aftercare cream. For about the first two weeks, keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturized. Reapply a small amount whenever the area feels dry, and avoid applying the cream too thickly.

03

While Your Tattoo Is Healing

Quick showers are completely fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo or taking long, very hot showers.

For the first 24–48 hours, avoid intense exercise or anything that causes heavy sweating. After that, continue to avoid excessive sweating, friction, or repeated stretching over the tattoo while the skin is still healing. Start with lighter activity and gradually return to your normal routine depending on how your skin is healing.

Avoid swimming pools, the ocean, hot tubs, baths, and saunas for at least 2 weeks, and until the tattoo is fully closed and no longer peeling or scabbing.

Healing time can vary from person to person depending on your skin, placement, tattoo size, and lifestyle, so pay attention to how your own skin is healing rather than relying only on a specific number of days.

I recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 24–48 hours after your appointment. If possible, limiting alcohol during the first couple of weeks while your tattoo is healing is even better.

04

Peeling & Itching

After several days, your tattoo may start to feel dry or itchy, and you may notice peeling or flaking. This is a completely normal part of the healing process.

Even if it feels itchy, please do not scratch, pick, or pull at the peeling skin. Let everything come off naturally. Some peeling may come away gently in the shower, and that’s completely fine.

During this stage, the tattoo may temporarily look a little shiny, slightly cloudy, or lighter than expected as a fresh layer of skin forms over it. You may also notice a difference in color between areas that have already peeled and areas that haven’t yet, which can sometimes make it look like some of the ink has faded.

This is usually completely normal. Once the peeling is finished and the skin settles, the tattoo should start looking much more even again.

05

Full Healing

The surface may look mostly healed after a couple of weeks, but the deeper layers of your skin continue healing for longer. Depending on your skin and the tattoo, full healing can take several weeks.

Continue keeping the area clean and moisturized, avoid prolonged soaking, and protect it from strong sunlight while it heals.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, using sunscreen regularly will help protect the details and color and keep the tattoo looking its best over time.

06

Touch-ups

I always keep the healing process in mind while I’m tattooing and build enough depth and saturation into my work so the tattoo can settle naturally as it heals. Because of this, my tattoos usually heal and hold their color very well, and only a small number of clients ever need a touch-up.

However, everyone’s skin heals differently, and in rare cases some areas may heal lighter than expected.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, feel free to send me a clear photo if anything concerns you. If a touch-up is needed, we can arrange one.

I take responsibility for my work and want you to feel completely happy with your tattoo.