Aftercare Instructions

Second Skin is safe to leave on your tattoo for 5-7 days. A buildup of fluid (consisting of ink, blood and plasma) will occur and is normal — Do not panic!

The only reasons to remove prior to the 5-7 days are as follows:

1. Your tattoo gets overly irritated, itchy or really uncomfortable 
2. The fluid starts leaking out — it will allow bacteria to enter the second skin.
3. It’s normal for the edges to peel up, but if it peels up over the tattoo, remove the entire piece

Removal:

1. Remove the second skin in a hot shower — it helps to soften the adhesive.
2. Do NOT peel it down — pull the edge away from the rest of the piece so it slowly lifts and separates from the skin (like pulling a command strip off of the wall). This way is less abrasive/painful.

Aftercare:

1. Once removed, clean the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap (Dial Gold). 
2. Let it air dry, and then apply a VERY thin layer of Aquaphor. Rub it in like lotion, you don’t want it sitting on top of the skin. Your tattoo needs to be able to breathe.
3. Follow steps 1 & 2, 2-3 times a day for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch from Aquaphor to an unscented lotion (Lubriderm). Continue washing your tattoo morning and night until fully healed (2-3 weeks)

If you have to take the second skin off prior to the 7 days, follow steps 1 & 2 up until the 7th day, and then switch to Lubriderm.

If your tattoo was wrapped in a temporary wrap like saran wrap, only leave that on for a maximum of 2 hours. 

Remove the wrap and wash it with hot  water (as hot as you can handle)  and an antibacterial soap, like Original Dial Gold. Use your hands, not a washcloth, to clean your fresh tattoo. Please ensure your hands are clean prior to cleaning your tattoo.

Let your tattoo air dry and apply a VERY THIN layer of ointment, like Aquaphor,  to the tattoo. You want it rubbed in like lotion, not sitting on the tattoo. Your tattoo needs to be able to breathe. 

Repeat these steps 2-3 times a day for the first 5 days. After the 5 days,  you can switch from the Aquaphor to an unscented lotion, like Lubriderm. 

1. Do not submerge your tattoo under water for the first 2-3 weeks, with or without the second skin. You can shower normally, but no baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc. for 2 weeks.
2. Light exercise is okay, but avoid any activity that causes excessive sweating
3. Make sure everything you apply to your healing tattoo is unscented and alcohol free.
4. After 2-3 weeks, use sunscreen on your tattoo. The sun will fade it! Use a minimum of  30 SPF!
5. Avoid picking at or scratching your tattoo while it is healing. It’s common for fresh tattoos to itch, peel like a sunburn, and potentially even scab during the healing process.
6. Use lotion for life to keep your tattoo moisturized..
7. After it is fully healed (6-8 weeks), exfoliating your skin every so often is good for it and keeps your tattoo vibrant!

Please immediately contact Obscura Ink and/or your tattoo artist.