Tattoo Aftercare
Suggested Shopping List
Aquaphor brand healing ointment in a squeeze tube or single use packet.
Softsoap Antibacterial liquid soap, no scents or dyes.
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion.
Single use paper towels.
Day 1
Congrats on the new tattoo! You’ll leave the shop with your tattoo clean and bandaged. It will be either in plastic wrap or with a adhesive dermal bandage.
With a dermal bandage you can skip to Day 4-7. If you sense any itching during these days, you should remove the bandage and treat your skin for adhesive reaction.
If you are wearing plastic wrap, leave it on for about 2 hours so that the wound is protected until you can wash, treat and cover it lightly. Wash well but very gently, dab on a very light layer of ointment.
Day 2-4
Your tattoo will be very tender and require attention. You should make arrangements to wash and add ointment to your tattoo about 3 times a day. Wear loose fitting, soft clothing to cover the tattoo/protect from the sun and dirt.
Please avoid exposing your tattoo in busy public places like the gym or the airport. If you work out, you must not expose anyone else to your wound and you must clean your tattoo directly afterward.
Submerging in water is no-go, but showering is just fine. Remember to use a clean paper towel instead of a bath/hand towel when drying the tattoo to avoid bacteria/fungus.
Day 4-7
If you are wearing a dermal bandage, you can now remove it.
Under warm running water (not hot) gently and slowly peel the bandage away. Do not rip it off fast you can painfully damage your skin around the tattoo.
Wash and rinse the tattoo well, but gently. Use medical adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol around the tattoo to remove the rest of the adhesive.
With either method, you can now begin to wash the tattoo 1-2 times per day and use only lotion throughout the day to keep it moisturized and prevent severe itching. Continue protecting your tattoo by wearing loose clothing over it.
Day 7-21
Your top layers of skin are healed and the lower layers will continue to heal over the next 1-2 weeks.
Deep itching, scabbing and skin peeling is normal - but do not scratch or pick at the tattoo. Your body will fix all of this on its own, just keep it clean and be gentle.
If you are scabbing or peeling, continue protecting your tattoo by wearing clothing over it.
Touch Up
At some point between 3 weeks and 3 months you can head back in for a touch if needed and healed pictures. Your free touch-up offer is good for one year from the date of your original appointment, you can book it yourself with the link provided when you booked your appointment.
Longevity
Wear your sunscreen! Protection from UVA and UVB rays will extend the life of your tattoo.
The more you go through the tattoo healing process, the more you will learn about products and methods that best suit your body and lifestyle. Trust yourself and enjoy finding what works best for you!
What is MARSI in the context of tattooing?
MARSI is a skin reaction that happens when medical adhesive (like that used in second skin bandages) damages the skin upon application or removal. In tattooing, this typically appears:
Under or around the bandage site
Within 24–48 hours of application
On clients with sensitive or reactive skin
How it might look:
Redness beyond the tattoo line
Rash-like irritation or small blisters
Peeling or raw skin when the bandage is removed
Discomfort, itching, or burning around the edges
Skin lifting or tearing during removal (especially on thin or fragile skin)
Who's at higher risk?
People with sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, or psoriasis
Those who have had reactions to adhesives in the past
Older adults (thinner skin is more prone to trauma)
Prolonged wear or incorrect removal of adhesive films
How to reduce risk:
Always apply film to clean, dry skin with no lotions or ointments underneath
Slowly under warm water or with an oil-based remover
Use non-adhesive bandage options if you have a known sensitivity