How your tattoo heals depends
greatly on how you care for your skin
in the days that follow. Even the most delicate and thoughtfully done work needs proper aftercare to fully reveal
it’s beauty. Please take these steps with care — they truly matter.

Aftercare

Congratulations with your new tattoo!
Aftercare is an important part of the tattoo journey.

  • Soft healing. Lasting Results.

If you have Second Skin:
• Leave it on for 3-5 days (at least 72 hours)
• If it leaks or peels early → remove gently under running water, wash, pat dry with clean paper or towel

TIPS: Find the lower corner andgeltle pull it down. You can remove the film on dry skin or in the shower (on dry skin — it’s less stressful and doesn’t leave adhesive residue).

If you DON’T have Second Skin:
• Remove wrap after 2–4 hours
• Wash gently with lukewarm water + fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry (no rubbing)
• Apply a very thin layer of aftercare moisturiser (e.g. Panthenol, Cicaplast, Aquaphor).

  • Daily Care & Healing time

DAILY CARE (2–3x per day for 7-12 days)
• Wash gently
• Let it dry or pat dry with clean paper or towel
• Apply a very thin layer of aftercare moisturiser → Do not over-moisturize

AVOID during healing period
• No sun / tanning
• No swimming (pool, ocean, spa)
• No tight or dirty clothing
• No picking, scratching, or peeling

After surface healing (week 2–4)
• Wash as needed (once daily or if dirty)
• Apply a light layer of aftercare only if
the skin feels dry
• Protect from sun, tight clothing, or friction

HEALING TIME (depends on the size of the tattoo and placement)
• Surface healing: 6–12 days
• Fully healed: 2–6 weeks
• Please be patient during the healing period :)

NORMAL
• Redness, slight swelling the first days
• Peeling / flaking
• Itchiness – do not scratch!

NOT NORMAL
• Severe redness spreading
• Pus, strong pain, fever → Contact me
and a doctor immediately

  • If You React to Second Skin

Some people may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction to Second Skin adhesive. Normal signs of irritation: redness in the exact shape of the adhesive Itching Small bumps or rash around the edges. Warm or sensitive skin where the adhesive sits. This usually means your skin is reacting to the adhesive — not the tattoo itself.
What to do: remove the Second Skin gently under lukewarm running water. Wash the tattoo carefully with fragrance-free soap.
Pat dry with a clean towel or paper. Continue normal tattoo aftercare with a very thin layer of moisturiser. A mild adhesive reaction usually settles within a few days once removed.

  • Aftercare Products.

I recommend using a simple, fragrance-free healing product during the first healing phase. Panthenol, Cicaplast B5, Bepanthen, Tattoo-specific creams (Hustle Butter for example). Good aftercare is an important part of the tattoo process. How you care for it during healing will affect how your tattoo settles, how the details hold, and how well it looks for years to come.

  • If Your Tattoo Itches

Itching is a normal part of healing, especially when the skin starts to dry and peel.
Avoid scratching — scratching can: damage the healing skin pull away flakes too early create uneven healing increase the risk of infection affect fine details in the tattoo.
If it feels itchy: apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream gently tap the area instead of scratching keep the skin clean and hydrated The itch usually passes as the skin continues to heal.

  • Training After a Tattoo

Light training usually okay after 2–3 days, if: the tattoo is not rubbing against clothing there is no heavy sweating the skin is not being stretched directly
Gym training usually safe after 4–7 days depending on placement.
Avoid heavy sweating exercises that stretch the tattooed area dirty shared surfaces directly touching the tattoo Martial arts / contact sports.
Wait at least 10–14 days minimum before: sparring grappling pad work with friction close body contact This reduces infection risk and protects healing.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this detailed aftercare guide. Below, you’ll also find a simplified aftercare chart in case that format feels easier to follow and reference during healing.

By following the recommendations, you help your tattoo heal beautifully and remain clean, soft, and balanced over time. If you have any questions during the process, feel free to ask me, I will be happy to answer them.

Modern Healing Method

Healing Film. With the modern healing method, a protective healing film is applied immediately after the session and should remain on the skin without removal for 3 to 5 days. Below you can read Care Steps.

  • Do not steam, soak, or rub the film.

    Avoid excessive friction or mechanical impact on the area.

  • After 3–5 days, the film can be removed.

    For a more comfortable experience, it is recommended to take a shower first, then gently remove the film by pulling it slowly from the edge, parallel to the skin.

  • After removing the film, gently rinse the tattoo with running water and a mild cleanser (such as baby soap or a gentle shower gel).

    Do not rub the skin.

  • Moisturize the tattoo for 1–2 weeks using a suitable light moisturizer or tattoo oil.

Traditional Healing Method

You will need: Disposable baby diapers + Healing ointment Bepanthen or a similar product + Band-aids

  • Apply the first compress no later than 2–3 hours after your session.

  • Gently rinse the tattoo with cool water and mild baby soap. No sponges, brushes, or scrubbing — only clean hands and gentle movements.

  • Carefully pat the skin dry with a paper towel. Do not wipe or rub the tattoo.

  • Apply a thin layer of healing ointment and cover the tattoo with a diaper, securing it with band-aids

  • Repeat the entire process 2–4 times a day (depending on how quickly the diaper gets soiled) for 2–3 days.

  • Protect the tattoo from dirt, dust, and friction.

    Avoid irritating or traumatizing the skin, and minimize contact with clothing and surfaces.

  • Around day 5, itching may occur — this is a normal part of the healing process.

    Please do not scratch or pick at the tattoo, even if it feels tempting.

  • After the first few days, continue moisturizing the tattoo for 2–3 weeks using a light moisturizer or tattoo oil.

    The skin should be hydrated, but not over-applied with product.

Both healing methods help ensure proper aftercare for your new tattoo and support calm, uncomplicated healing.

If you have any questions during the healing process, feel free to reach out!

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