Immediate Aftercare
Day 1 - Day 3
Leave the second-skin protection or plastic film (as applicable) on for 24-72 hours. After that, remove it in the shower using lukewarm water, making sure the tattoo isn't under direct water flow.
Wash the area with a mild, antibacterial soap (ideally Protex, fragrance-free). Pat the area dry and apply a thin layer of cream.
WARNING! If the layer of cream looks visibly white on the skin, you've applied too much. Creating a wet environment on the tattoo risks infection or poor healing.
Optional: Second Skin
This step only applies if you were given an additional second-skin film.
If you received an additional second-skin film, remove the one applied at the studio after 24-72 hours (the exact timing depends on how much fluid has collected underneath it), then apply the new film directly onto the skin, which should be cleaned and dried beforehand following the steps from the previous section.
Don't start using cream yet.
Daily Care
Day 4 - Day 21
To ensure a flawless healing process, arm yourself with patience, soap, and cream. For the next 2-3 weeks, wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day and apply cream after each wash.
For the first week, and even the second, it's important to use an ointment like Bepanthen, or a fragrance-free moisturizing cream. After that, you can switch to your regular body lotion.
Until the tattoo is fully healed, avoid clothing that rubs against the area, and under no circumstances scratch it or pick at the scabs.
During this period, the damaged top layer of skin will dry out, forming scabs that will eventually fall off by the end of these weeks. It's normal for the tattoo to itch quite a bit, depending on its size and location, but it's important to leave it alone and let the scabs fall off naturally.
Healing Restrictions
Day 0 - Day 21
