Aftercare

If you opted to use the Derm Shield Maddie offers, you do not have to care for your tattoo until you remove the bandage 2-3 days after your session. Your tattoo is protected while the bandage is on. When you decide to take the bandage off, do so slowly and in the shower. Then follow the steps below.

If you opted for a natural heal, Maddie will cover your fresh tattoo in ointment and cling wrap for your trip home. Remove this covering 2-3 hours after your tattoo is complete and then follow the steps outlined below.

  1. Wash your new tattoo with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Wash gently using only clean hands and soapy water. Make sure to wash off any residual blood or plasma, ink, and ointment from the entire area around the tattoo. Dr. Bronner’s mild soap or any unscented mild soap will work. Antibacterial soap is not necessary.
     

  2. Gently pat dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.
     

  3. Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion, or an even thinner layer of Aquaphor to the entire tattoo. Gently rub product into skin thoroughly. Mild unscented lotions like Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc. are appropriate; nothing medicated. For a baseball-sized tattoo, a pea-sized drop of lotion should suffice.
     

  4. Repeat twice a day for about two weeks, until the new tattoo looks and feels like your normal, healthy skin.
     

  5. Wear gentle or loose-fitting clothing if your tattoo is in a location impacted by clothing, shoes, or bra-straps. Be Gentle.

Brand new tattoos can be sensitive, red, and swollen. The surrounding area may even show mild bruising. This is normal. Healing tattoos can feel like a healing sunburn.

For the first few days, your tattoo may “weep” clear or colored fluid. This is also normal. You may want to wash your tattoo a few additional times during the first few days. Be careful not to over-do the lotion.

As your tattoo is healing, your skin will shed or peel a layer of dead cells in the color and location of each part of the tattoo. This is normal. Let any peeling skin fall off naturally. Do not pick at any flaking skin—it may not be healed underneath.

While your tattoo is healing, avoid direct contact with sunlight. Do not soak your tattoo in water, i.e. baths, swimming pools, the ocean, etc. until the tattoo is fully healed. This will generally be between 10-20 days, but could take longer for larger amounts of tattooing.

Healed tattoos should be protected from excessive sunlight. Tanning or sunbathing will age your tattoos rapidly.

Everyone’s skin is different. Some people may find they need to continue these steps for more or less time than others. Contact Maddie for any questions regarding the healing process.