Tattoo Aftercare
These instructions are designed to ensure the successful healing of your tattoo.
This advice is guidance only and you should use your common sense.
Our artists are not liable for any adverse reaction that may come as what we deem as poor aftercare.
Your tattoo should be covered with Vaseline and cling film for up to 2 hours after completion. After 2 hours, remove the cling film and give the tattoo a thorough clean with a mild soap and warm water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Leave the tattoo for 1 day without cream and never reapply cling film.
On the second day, begin applying your chosen cream. We recommend that use a natural and soothing moisturiser such as Aveeno, Cocoa Butter or Bepanthem (whatever your skin is happy with), don't use anything perfumed.
Apply a thin layer of your cream over the tattoo twice a day (or whenever it feels dry).
It is normal for the tattoo to weep for the first day or 2 during healing. It is important to avoid creaming the tattoo excessively during this period.
After 2-4 days there should be some scabs forming over the tattoo. It is important not to pick or scratch the scabs. Also avoid baths, swimming pools, direct sun and sunbeds during this time as all of these can lead to loss of colour in the tattoo.
Make sure the tattooed area is kept clean to avoid the risk of infection (daily showers are fine).
Make sure the tattooed area is kept clean and aired to avoid the risk of infection.
Between 4-10 days the scabs will slowly fall off in their own time, leaving fresh skin underneath. Continue to cream the tattoo until the new skin has stopped looking “shiny”. Your skin should return to it’s normal state/texture after around 3-4 weeks post tattooing. This is the earliest point at which we can consider any retouches, if they are required.
AFTER CARE FOR USE WITH DERMALIZE TATTOO FILM.
Depending on the tattoo size and placement, your artist may apply a thin self-adhesive film known as Dermalize (also known as Second Skin) that provides a moist healing environment during the initial, and most critical, healing stage of a tattoo.
It is a new solution that replaces the use of cling film. It protects the new tattoo from friction and provides a waterproof, antibacterial-barrier, that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from entering the wound. The film is breathable, letting oxygen in and allowing excess moisture vapour to be released from the wound. It’s light to wear, flexible and stretchable which allows it to be placed on most areas on the body and can stay on for up to several days.
It reduces scabbing, the risk of infection, and rubbing on clothes or other external factors that may damage the tattoo.
You can shower as normal whilst wearing the film.
The film can be removed by gently peeling off after a few days. Once removed, wash the tattoo gently with warm water and using a mild soap. The tattoo can then be creamed using a gentle moisturiser until the skin is feeling and looking back to normal.
NOTE
One free retouch can be given at the artist's discretion. If we feel you have not cared for the tattoo effectively, we have the right to refuse to do the retouch for free.
We hope you love your new tattoo!
If you have any questions, please contact your tattoo artist.
Contact Us
hello@autonomytattoouk.com
01483 410 000