Tattoo Aftercare

Leave your second skin on for 1 week!!!

Second skin is a breathable protective layer that medical professionals use & recommend preventing dirt, dust, dander, & other debris from entering open wounds & causing infection. Your risk of infection increases if you remove the second skin layer.

In the first 24 hours there may be a build up of plasma under the second skin. This is completely normal & expected especially with full color & shaded tattoos. You will often hear it referred to as an “ink sack”.

If you develop a large “ink sack”, in the shower, remove the second skin slowly. Pulling back and across the skin while holding your skin taut.

Gently cleanse the tattooed area with an antibacterial soap.

Thoroughly dry the entire area with a clean paper towel. Second skin will not stick to damp or wet skin.

Do not apply any creams or lotions as it will cause the second skin to not adhere to your skin.

Immediately replace the second skin layer. 

To apply the second skin - crack the line of the backing and peel it back to expose the sticky layer. 

Gently place the sticky side against your skin leaving about a 1-inch barrier around the tattoo. 

Smooth the top of the second skin to remove the air bubbles.

Remove the top protective plastic layer.

Add additional pieces of the second skin if needed to cover the tattoo as well as a 1-inch barrier around the entire tattooed area.

You may experience some redness around the tattoo where the second skin was applied to untattooed skin. This is normal & can occur with any type of medical adhesive.

If you develop an adverse reaction on the tattoo, discontinue use right away!

After completing your first week with the second skin, in the shower, remove the second skin slowly. Pulling back and across the skin while holding your skin taut.

Gently cleanse the tattooed area with an antibacterial soap daily.

Thoroughly dry the entire area with a clean paper towel.

Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare butter or an unscented lotion such as Curel twice a day. 

Avoid picking or scratching at your tattoo. 

Avoid direct sunlight & Tanning beds. 

Use sunscreen.

Avoid using any antibacterial creams & ointments on your tattoo.

Ibuprofen & ice can help with pain & swelling. Do not place ice directly on your tattoo. Use a paper towel between your second skin layer & ice. Avoid using ice if you are not using the second skin. 

Drink plenty of water.

Contact your physician immediately if any signs of infection develop such as fever, redness or swelling around site, red streaks going from the procedure to the heart, and/or green/yellow foul-smelling discharge.

The final appearance of your healed tattoo is highly dependent on your ability to follow the provided aftercare instructions. 

We offer 1 free touch up session 4-6 weeks after your appointment. 

Please reach out to your artist directly to schedule your touch up.

Failure to contact your artist within 6 weeks, the early removal/nonuse of second skin, or noncompliance with the provided aftercare instructions will forfeit your 1 free touch up session.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Call or Text Home Base Tattoo at 570.728.0381