Your tattoo is covered in Second Skin, a medical-grade film that protects it while it starts healing and keeps it free of friction, bacteria, and bandages sticking to the wound.

The first few days

Leave the Second Skin on for 5 to 7 days. It's normal to see fluid, plasma, or a bit of ink pooling underneath, that's the tattoo doing its job, not a problem. If it starts leaking heavily, lifting at the edges, or the buildup gets uncomfortable, remove it early rather than waiting it out.

Removing it

Take it off in the shower. Warm water helps loosen the adhesive. Peel slowly and in the direction your body hair grows, never against it. If it's resisting, run more warm water over the edge and give it a minute, don't force it.

After removal

Wash the tattoo gently with your hands and a fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry with a clean towel, no rubbing. Once it's dry, apply a thin layer of tattoo healing creme. A little goes a long way; if it looks shiny or greasy, you've used too much.

Repeat this moisturising routine two to three times a day until the tattoo is fully healed.

What to avoid while healing

No solarium nor soaking, that means no baths, pools, lakes, saunas or the ocean for at least one to two weeks. Showers are fine. Avoid tight clothing or anything that rubs against the area, and resist the urge to pick at any flaking skin, let it come off on its own.

What healing looks like

The surface usually settles within two to three weeks. Some peeling and itching during this time is normal. The deeper layers of skin take longer, so even once it looks healed, treat it gently for another month or so. Once it's fully healed, always use sunscreen on it when exposed to intense sunshine.

If something feels wrong

Some redness and tenderness in the first few days is expected. If you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling, or anything that looks infected rather than just healing, reach out to me directly. I'd rather hear from you early than have you wait it out.