Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare

Second Skin Aftercare Instructions

Initial Bandage Care (Second Skin Applied by Your Artist) Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours (it can stay on for up to 5 days for improved healing results).

A pocket of blood and plasma may build up underneath—this is normal, and your body will usually reabsorb it if left alone. If the fluid becomes overwhelming, starts leaking, or the tattoo area becomes abnormally painful, agitated, swollen, or excessively red, remove the bandage immediately.

After 8–24 hours (or sooner if needed due to buildup/leakage), remove the bandage slowly in the shower or under running warm water for easiest, gentlest removal. Gently wash the tattoo and surrounding skin with mild, unscented antibacterial soap, then pat completely dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub). If sticky adhesive residue remains, gently rub it off using coconut oil or baby oil.

Once the bandage is removed, switch to your regular aftercare routine: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer (such as Lubriderm, Aveeno, or tattoo-specific products like Inkeeze) 1–2 times daily (or as needed if the tattoo feels dry or itchy) using clean hands. Continue until fully healed (usually around 3 weeks).

It's okay to get the tattoo wet briefly in the shower, but do not submerge it in water (baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.) for 2–3 weeks. After a few days, you may notice peeling or light scabbing—do not pick, scratch, or peel it. If itchy, gently slap the area. Keep the tattoo clean and protected from bacteria, as a fresh tattoo is an open wound. If you work in a dirty environment, cover it with breathable clothing (like a long-sleeve shirt or cotton gauze) and take frequent breaks to wash/replace soiled garments if needed.

Important - Do NOT:

Itch, pick, or peel off scabs.
Apply excessive amounts of aftercare cream or lotion (over-moisturizing can slow healing).
Use scented lotions, medicated ointments (e.g., antibiotic creams like Polysporin), or petroleum-based products during the healing process.
Dry the tattoo with a bath towel (harbors bacteria).
Swim, soak in baths, hot tubs, or pools for at least 3 weeks.
Exercise in a way that causes heavy sweating while wearing second skin.
Apply any additional bandages or wraps after the second skin phase is complete.
Expose the tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds until fully healed.
Wear tight or restrictive clothing that rubs or irritates the area during healing.

Once the tattoo is completely healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) whenever it’s exposed to the sun to help prevent fading and damage over time.

It is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after getting your tattoo, as it can thin the blood and interfere with initial healing.

Follow these guidelines carefully to support the best possible outcome for your new tattoo. If you notice signs of infection (excessive redness, swelling, heat, pus, or fever), contact a healthcare professional promptly..

Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercing. A new piercing is an open wound, so maintaining cleanliness and protecting it from bacteria is essential for proper healing.

Spray the piercing (front and back) with a sterile saline piercing aftercare solution twice a day.

Gently remove any buildup or crust using a clean cotton swab or Q-tip. Once clean, thoroughly dry the area with sterile non-woven gauze or by using the cool setting on a hairdryer—keeping it dry helps prevent bacterial growth.

Check that your jewelry is secure and tightened twice daily (without unnecessary twisting or rotation). Avoid touching or playing with the piercing except during cleaning

Important - Do NOT:

Over-clean the piercing (excessive cleaning can cause irritation).
Remove jewelry until fully healed—it can close very quickly (healing often takes several months).
Use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, Bactine, or harsh soaps, as they may irritate or damage tissue.
Swim, soak in hot tubs, baths, or pools during healing.
Apply makeup, moisturizers, perfumes, or lotions directly on the piercing.
Rotate or twist the jewelry during healing (this can cause trauma).
Pick or pull at dried discharge—it’s part of the healing process.
Let soaps, shampoos, or conditioners contact the piercing in the shower; rinse well if exposed.
Irritate the piercing—be careful with hair styling, clothing changes, sleeping positions, or activities that could bump or snag it.

Once the tattoo is completely healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) whenever it’s exposed to the sun to help prevent fading and damage over time.

It is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after getting your tattoo, as it can thin the blood and interfere with initial healing.