derm shield / adhesive sticker bandage
Your bandage is a breathable tattoo bandage which provides an effective barrier against water, dirt and germs..
Keep your adhesive bandage on for a minimum of 2 days, preferably 3 for minimal scabbing.
After which, peel it off SLOWLY against your skin,not pulling away from(like waxing but slooow-mo), preferably in a shower for easier removal.
** If in any case that your bandage opens up or exposes any part of the tattoo before the preferred period, remove it and proceed with AFTER BANDAGE instructions. **
Avoid any activities that may cause perspiration until the bandage comes off.
Day 1 after BANDAGE
After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and non-scented soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this as possible under running water - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates thick scabs.)
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow up with a VERY LIGHT application of a mild lotion (Cetaphil) if preferred.
For me, I preferably like to "dry heal", which means exactly how it sounds like; dry all the time. Apart from being aware of surroundings, keeping it clean by washing with non-scented soap as needed, I do not lotion after. I find that my skin tends to stay damp after lotioning which results in slower healing. This is subjective as everyone's skin type is different. It might work for me, but not for you. It is good to understand your skin and serve it to its needs.
** Do not use vaseline or aloe vera on your new tattoo. A little too much Vaseline can block out oxygen penetration from your skin causing blurriness whereas aloe vera detoxifies the body by flushing foreign matter, including ink, from the skin, which may result in some fading. **
** Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to Neosporin, which may cause little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo. **
** Avoid body oils on tattoos during the healing process.**
After that, continue to keep it clean.
DAY 2-4
Your tattoo should be starting to dry up now. Be sure to only handle your tattoo with clean hands. Apply a thin later of lotion and rub it into your skin so that it absorbs it, leaving almost no trace of lotion on the surface.
** DO NOT OVER LOTION. LESS IS MORE. **
You will start to notice some peeling going on. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! You can soothe the itch by applying a thin layer of lotion to moisturize it, or slap it.
Do. Not. Pick. At. It.
Continue to keep it clean.
day 4-7
Your tattoo healing process should have 2 layers of scabbing :
The first shed; a thicker layer of flaky scabs with full-on ink color on them. (Finer linework would result in less scabs, vice versa)
The second heal; super dry, scale-like thin flaky translucent scabs OR no flakes with shiny surface
Both of these periods are crucial; DO NOT scratch or pick at them.
Once your tattoo stops looking shiny, you’re all healed! Yay!
DAY 7-14
DO NOT :
Soak your tattoo in water for extended period of time
Cake your tattoo with lotion
Expose openly to sun for long periods of time
handle your tattoo without washing your hands first
Scratch or pick at your tattoo
** For people with sensitive skin that are prone to breakouts, avoid consumption of shellfish until your tattoo is healed. **