TATTOO AFTERCARE

How to Heal Your New Tattoo

A great tattoo doesn't end when you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is an important part of getting the best possible healed result from your tattoo. Please do your best to follow the aftercare procedure that corresponds with the aftercare method that you were provided.

I use two primary aftercare methods, Derm Shield and Tattoo Armour. Follow the instructions below for the method you were given at your appointment.

If you ever have questions or something doesn't seem right during the healing process, please reach out to me and I will reach out to you as soon as I am able.

Derm Shield Aftercare

Derm Shield is a transparent adhesive bandage designed to protect your fresh tattoo while it begins to heal. It acts as a protective barrier against friction, dirt, and other outside contaminants while allowing the skin to breathe.

It is normal to see a small amount of blood, plasma, and excess ink collecting underneath the bandage during the first day. Don't be alarmed by a tattoo that looks a little messy underneath the film—that fluid is part of the normal healing process.

Derm shield is generally considered to be waterproof and you should be able to shower normally while it remains on your skin. At no point while the derm shield is still on your skin should you soak in a bath, lake, pond, ocean, hot tub, or any other body of water.

Immediately Following Application

Leave the derm shield on for 24-72 hours. If the bandage becomes uncomfortable, begins leaking, or you experience significant irritation you may take the bandage off early. If the bandage remains securely sealed and comfortable, you may continue with the next steps once the bandage is removed.

If you are able to leave the derm shield on for the longer 72 hour period of time, in my experience this can (but is not guaranteed) help speed up the healing process.

Removing the First Derm Shield

The easiest way to remove Derm Shield is usually in a hot shower. Instructions as follows:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  2. Find an edge of the Derm Shield and slowly peel it back.

  3. Pull the bandage back along the skin rather than straight upward.

  4. Take your time. There is no need to rush the removal.

  5. Once the bandage is removed, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (face soap and gold dial anti bacterial are generally a good option).

  6. Use only your clean hands— ABSOLUTELY NO washcloths, loofahs, or scrubbing.

  7. Rinse away all soap and residue.

  8. Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Do not use a cloth towel on your healing tattoo.

Recovery's manufacturer specifically recommends slowly peeling Derm Shield back over itself rather than pulling it upward.

Applying a Second Derm Shield

If you were given additional Derm Shield and instructed to replace the first piece:

  • Make sure the tattoo is completely clean and dry.

  • Do not apply lotion or ointment underneath the new Derm Shield unless specifically instructed.

  • Apply the new piece with enough coverage around the tattoo to create a good seal.

  • Smooth the film gently from the center outward.

  • Avoid stretching the film while applying it.

Following Derm Shield Removal

If the tattoo is not healed over completely on the surface, apply a very thin layer of ointment (aquaphor, A&D) over the surface of the tattoo 2-3 times a day using washed, clean hands.

If the tattoo has been healed over on the surface, you may begin applying a thin layer of unscented lotion 2-3 times daily to promote healing and keep the skin from getting dry. Flaking, itchiness, and minor irritation in the tattooed area are all completely normal and part of the healing process. If you experience heavy scabbing or excessive redness, please contact me and I will reply as soon as possibly to discuss how your tattoo is healing.

Tattoo Armour Aftercare

Tattoo Armour is a non-adhesive absorbent pad that gives your fresh tattoo a protective layer while allowing excess plasma and ink to be absorbed away from the skin.

Unlike Derm Shield, Tattoo Armour is not designed to stay on for several days at a time. The pad is removed, the tattoo is cleaned, and a fresh pad is applied as needed.

The First 6–8 Hours

Remove the first Tattoo Armour pad on for approximately 6–8 hours. Please do not leave the pad on in excess of 24 hours.

It is completely normal for the pad to absorb blood, plasma, and excess ink. When you remove it, you may see an imprint of your tattoo on the pad. This does not mean your tattoo has lost ink.

Removing Tattoo Armour

When you're ready to remove the pad:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

  2. Carefully remove the outer wrap and pad.

  3. If the pad has adhered to the tattoo, don't force it off dry. Moisten it with clean water and allow it to loosen.

  4. Once removed, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

  5. Use your washed, clean hands to gently clean away plasma, blood, and excess ink.

  6. Do not scrub or use a washcloth.

  7. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.

Applying a Fresh Tattoo Armour Pad

Once the tattoo is clean and dry:

  1. Apply a very thin layer of the ointment recommended at your appointment.

  2. Place a fresh Tattoo Armour pad over the tattoo.

  3. Make sure the pad provides adequate coverage.

  4. Secure it comfortably with the provided wrap or medical tape.

  5. Avoid wrapping the area so tightly that it restricts circulation or causes discomfort.

Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the sheets come away clean, and continue using ointment during the process.

After the Bandage Comes Off

Once you're finished with Derm Shield or Tattoo Armour, your tattoo enters the more familiar part of the healing process.

For the next couple of weeks, your priorities are to keep the tattoo clean, moisturized, and to leave your new tattoo alone.

Keep It Clean

Gently wash your tattoo approximately 1–2 times per day, or as needed if it becomes dirty or sweaty.

Use:

  • Lukewarm water

  • Mild, fragrance-free soap

  • Clean hands

DO NOT USE:

  • Washcloths

  • Loofahs

  • Scrubbing

  • Exfoliants

  • Scented products

  • Harsh chemicals

Your tattoo does not need to be aggressively cleaned. Gentle is better.

Keep It Lightly Moisturized

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of your recommended tattoo moisturizer. You should be applying as little moisturizer as possible to cover the entire area of the tattoo.

If your skin is visibly coated with lotion or appears wet or greasy, you have applied too much lotion.

As your tattoo begins to peel and feel dry or itchy, continue using a light layer of moisturizer as needed.

What to Expect While Your Tattoo Heals

Don't worry if your tattoo changes appearance during healing.

You may notice:

  • Mild redness around the tattoo

  • Some tenderness

  • Dryness

  • Peeling

  • Itching

  • Small amounts of scabbing

  • The tattoo temporarily looking dull or cloudy

These can all occur during normal healing.

Do not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo.

Let flakes and scabs come away naturally. Picking at healing skin can interfere with the healing process and potentially affect the appearance of the finished tattoo.

Your tattoo may look less vibrant during parts of the healing process before the skin settles and the finished tattoo becomes clearer.

What NOT to Do While Your Tattoo Is Healing

Do NOT Submerge YOUR NEW TATTOO

Avoid:

  • Swimming pools

  • Hot tubs

  • Lakes

  • Rivers

  • Oceans

  • Baths

A shower is fine, but don't soak your tattoo while it is healing.

Don't Pick or Scratch

Even if your tattoo gets extremely itchy, resist the urge.

Do not:

  • Scratch it

  • Pick at scabs

  • Pull off peeling skin

  • Rub it aggressively

Let your skin do its thing.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Keep a fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight while it heals.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, protecting it from excessive UV exposure with sunscreen can help preserve the appearance of your tattoo over time.

Be Careful With Exercise

Light activity is generally easier on a healing tattoo than intense workouts.

Try to avoid:

  • Excessive sweating

  • Friction against the tattoo

  • Tight clothing rubbing the area

  • Equipment repeatedly contacting the tattoo

If your tattoo is in an area that gets a lot of movement or friction, give it additional time before returning to activities that heavily irritate the area.

How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?

The surface of your tattoo will generally go through the obvious stages of healing over the first couple of weeks, but the deeper layers of skin continue healing beyond the point where the tattoo looks normal.

Tattoos are generally considered to be healed and settled by 6-8 weeks.

When Should I Contact You?

If you have questions about your healing tattoo, reach out to me rather than guessing.

If you experience symptoms that could indicate an infection or a significant allergic reaction—such as worsening redness or swelling, increasing warmth or pain, pus, fever, or a severe reaction—seek medical attention promptly. Aftercare instructions are not a substitute for medical care.

The Golden Rule

Keep it clean. Keep it lightly moisturized. Don't pick it. Don't soak it. Don't overthink it.

If you're ever unsure about something during the healing process, reach out and I'll help you figure out what to do.