Aftercare instructions

Aftercare with adhesive bandage (recovery derm sheild, saniderm, etc.)

Step 1: Leave the adhesive bandage on for 5-7 days.

Step 2: To remove the adhesive bandage, it is recommended to either remove it in the shower or run the area under lukewarm water to help unstick the adhesive. Slowly and carefully peel the film until it is fully removed.

Step 3: Wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your clean hands. Do not use any scrubbers or washcloths.

Step 4: Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion 2-3 times a day. Lotions should be used very sparingly and should absorb within a few moments. If there is lotion sitting on your tattoo, you have applied too much and can gently blot to excess with a paper towel.

aftercare without adhesive bandage (traditional method)

Step 1: Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your clean hands. Do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. Wash your tattoo 3-4 times a day for the first 3 days. Wash 1-2 times a day for the next 3 days.

Step 2: Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion 2-3 times a day. Lotions should be used very sparingly and should absorb within a few moments. If there is lotion sitting on your tattoo, you have applied too much and can gently blot to excess with a paper towel.

frequently asked questions

  • Derm Shield is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. It will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo. You may shower normally while healing, but please still abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in bodies of water.

  • Fluid building up underneath your Derm Shield Bandage is completely normal, especially for tattoos with heavy saturation/black. This is just your plasma collecting. Do not pop this bubble or you risk bacteria entering.

  • You do not want to do anything that will make you sweat under your bandage. This may result in contact dermatitis as your skin reacts with the adhesive and your sweat pools under the bandage with nowhere to escape. This will also likely result in your skin pushing off the bandage on its own. So this means no vigorous workouts and NO saunas or hot tubs or anything steamy for at least 7 days.

  • Gently massage some baby oil over the areas that have bits of adhesive stuck to it, it will eventually come off. Make sure to wash with antibacterial soap afterwards and moisturize with and unscented lotion.

  • If you’re typically allergic to adhesives, it is not recommended to use Derm Shield or Saniderm as it can disrupt the healing process of your tattoo. In this case, you can heal your tattoo the traditional way, without any adhesive bandages. If you’re not sure, let me know and we can always spot test on another area of your body before starting the tattoo.

  • Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. The sun will fade your tattoo over time, so make sure to use a strong sunblock after it’s healed to maintain the integrity of your tattoo.

IMPORTANT: If you suspect that your tattoo may be infected, it is imperative that you seek medical attention promptly. While you are welcome to send me photos for my opinion, please keep in mind that photographs may not provide the full picture. I am not a skin infection expert and do not frequently encounter such cases. While I will offer guidance to the best of my knowledge, ultimately, it is your decision whether to seek professional care. Please understand that I cannot be held accountable for any outcomes related to your tattoo.