Preparation
How to prepare for your tattoo?
1-2 weeks before the tattoo session, it’s advisable to moisturize the specific skin area with a body lotion once or twice a day (morning and evening). This will make the skin more resilient, stronger, and adequately hydrated for the time of tattooing.
You can use body lotion, or shea butter, Nivea, coconut oil, etc.
Body lotion
Shea butter
Aftercare
With cream use: After the tattoo session, the tattoo artist will apply a protective film over the fresh tattoo. Replace this film after 3-4 hours. Gently clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap or a moist wipe. Then gently dry it with a dry wipe. Let it air for 2-5 minutes and then apply a thin layer of aftercare cream: Bepanthen (classic), Tatoomed, Aftergoo, etc. Cover the tattoo with regular household cling film. Repeat this process every 4 hours for the first 2 days. Use the film overnight as well. Before going to bed, wrap it and then apply the aforementioned steps upon waking.
On the third day, stop using the film and apply aftercare cream every 3-4 hours for 2-2.5 weeks, then continue with a moisturizing cream for another week.
With Second Skin usage: After applying, leave it on your skin for 4-5 days. It promotes healing and protects against dirt and infections. After 4-5 days, remove it and use aftercare cream for 1 week, followed by 1 week of moisturizing cream.
What Not to Do?
Taking proper care ensures the longevity of your tattoo. Otherwise, allergic reactions, inflammation, peeling, infection, and scarring can occur on the design. Your skin may also reject the ink, causing fading or loss of the tattoo.
- Do not soak the tattoo during aftercare
- Avoid tanning beds
- Do not swim, visit pools, or use jacuzzis
- Resist the urge to scratch
- Do not pick at or peel off any scabs
- Protect it from excessive friction or stretching, such as intense workouts or extreme skin stretching
- Shield it from dirt, dust, and pet hair