AFTERCARE

Derm shield is a latex-free, 3 layer adhesive bandage designed for tattoo aftercare. It stays on your skin for 3-5 days. Clear matte PU film is the layer that remains on the skin, The other two are peeled off upon application. Derm Shield is also waterproof, protecting the tattoo from moisture and bacteria. 

Up to 5 days. Derm shield should stay on for 3-5 days depending on what the tattoo is!

Small line work only pieces, 2-4 days

Small pieces with shading- 3-5 days

Medium pieces with shading- 4-5 Days

Large pieces with lots of shading- 4-5 Days

Please do not leave Derm shield on for longer than 5 days!

You will notice your tattoo weeping out a dark liquid, which thickens over the next couple of days due to the body re-absorbing plasma. Once the liquid gets quite thick or crust like, the bandage is ready to be removed.

The short answer is, it’s an ink sac. That liquid pooling around the tattoo is excess blood, ink, and plasma coming up from the skin and getting trapped under the clear bandage. It’s basically a liquid scab, which allows a smoother healing process due to your skin constantly absorbing the plasma trapped under. Don’t worry, it just means it’s working.

You will notice your tattoo weeping out a dark liquid, which thickens over the next couple of days due to the body re-absorbing plasma. Once the liquid gets super thick or crust like, the bandage is ready to be removed.

If your Derm Shield starts leaking, remove it as soon as possible and wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap. Pat completely dry and lotion once visibly dry.

If it peels to the point where the open part is touching or almost touching your new tattoo, remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. If it’s just a small corner peeling up, it’s fine. You may cut off the stray corner if it’s bothering you.

-Avoid swimming in any body of water and opt for showers instead of baths. The bandage is waterproof, but can easily be compromised when submerged. Chlorine can dissolve the bandage and ruin your tattoo because, its chlorine. No fish poop water in open wounds, either.

-Avoid excess sweating! No hot yoga, saunas, or heavy cardio for the duration of wear. You’re still sweating under the bandage. It is generally best to stay away from getting super sweaty for at least a week or two whether you use Derm Shield or not, but that isn’t always possible. Just keep it clean. If you sweat, take a shower as soon as you can.

-You don’t have to scrub it extra, just be cool. The tattoo is being kept clean under the bandage and excess scrubbing with water may compromise the barrier or give it a weird gummy texture. Just wash yourself as you normally would.

Here is a video tutorial on how to do it properly! I recommend removing it in the shower after you’ve been in there for awhile. It makes it easier to take off. Remove it like a Command Strip, not a Band-aid. Out, not up. This method protects the tattoo’s integrity, and makes the removal process significantly less painful. Ripping it off can lead to ink fallout and scabbing.

Use cool to lukewarm water when removing the bandage. Scalding hot water is going to burn like crazy. Just don’t do it. I personally use the coldest water i can tolerate as I’m removing it, and then slowly warm it back up to my normal shower temp as i’m washing the plasma off the tattoo. It makes the color pop really nicely. You don’t have to try it, but it does work. Just don’t use super hot water.

Wash the tattoo gently with unscented soap. Use your fingers or a SOFT, non abrasive washcloth. No exfoliating sponges or loofahs until the tattoo is completely healed. Pat dry normally. No scrubbing or swiping. Lotion when visibly dry.

Once the derm shield is removed, Wash the tattoo once or twice a day, or as needed if you are sweaty or exposed to the elements. Gently wash it with your fingers using gentle unscented soap. No loofahs or exfoliators. It will get flaky after a few days. is completely normal and supposed to happen. Don’t pick at it or itch it! If you feel like itching, moisturize it instead. Let your body do its thing.

Unscented moisturizers only! I really like Hustle Butter, Aveeno Baby Lotion, or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Apply it as needed in small amounts, use just enough to nurture the skin. Rub it in gently. Don’t slather a layer on top of your tattoo and leave it! This suffocates your tattoo and can cause sebaceous filaments, ink fallout, and infection! Let her breathe!

Wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying sunscreen. Keep it out of the sun as much as humanly possible until then. You’re good to use sunscreen once it’s no longer shiny or risen.

Using or doing any of the following on a new tattoo can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, infections, or just ruin your tattoo. Use caution and be sure your tattoo is fully healed before doing any of the following:

-Fragrance & Dyes. Don’t wash or lotion the tattoo with Bath & Body Works.

-Waxing. wait until it’s fully healed and no longer risen or shiny. Usually 2 or more months.

-Hair removal cream. I’m so serious. My husband’s friend literally melted his skin off using Nair on a fresh tattoo. Absolutely ruined it.

-Pain relieving creams, such as Boiron, IcyHot, Tiger Balm, or BIOfreeze. This should be self explanatory.

-Avoid excess sweating! No hot yoga, saunas, or heavy cardio until it’s almost done being flaky.

-Animal fur/bites/licks/scratches. If your pet comes into contact with your healing tattoo, wash it immediately and monitor for symptoms of infection. If new redness or itchiness occurs, see your primary doctor or visit an urgent care for an antibiotic.

-Playing in dirt. Just be clean. Keep your tattoo clean.

- Infused essential oil products, like tea tree or eucalyptus lotion.

-Shaving. Wait until it becomes one with your skin before you drag a razor over it.

- Pools & baths ( Wait 1-2 months)

- Lakes & beaches (2+ months)

-Sunscreen (Wait 1+ month). Avoid direct sunlight on the fresh tattoo as much as possible until you are able to apply it.

-Tanning. You actually shouldn’t tan ever again if you’re concerned about your tattoos holding up over time.

-Exfoliating sponges, scrubs, or chemical exfoliants. Wait until well after your tattoo is fully healed.

-Avoid Skincare products with acidic or medicinal properties for up to 3 months. We are strictly moisturizing here. Nothing extra. That’ll complicate things.

The No-No list includes, but is not limited to:

A&D Ointment, Neosporin, prescription topical steroids such as eczema or psoriasis cream, accutane or hydrocortisone gel, HRT gel, Menthol, Essential oils, Salicylic/Lactic/Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Retinol/Retinoids.

And lastly, please don’t scratch or pick at my artwork </3

A large unhealthy meal, a fat joint, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, EmergenC, cold compresses, copious amounts of rest, and keeping the tattooed area slightly elevated are all great things to do for the first few days of tattoo recovery.

Avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, and blood thinners for 48 hours after getting tattooed.

Keep it simple with your aftercare products. Use antibacterial soap, or a gentle facial cleanser. do NOT use dish soap. I like Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap or Dr. Bronner’s Castile Baby Soap. You can use an unscented facial cleanser like CeraVe or Vanicream if you have it on hand.

Unscented moisturizers only! I really like Hustle Butter, Aveeno Baby Lotion, or CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Apply as needed in small amounts, use just enough to nurture the skin. Rub it in gently. Don’t slather a layer on top of your tattoo and leave it! This suffocates your tattoo and can cause sebaceous filaments, ink fallout, and infection! Let her breathe!

Avoid using products with acids vitamins, retinol, and fragrance. If you want to use a petroleum based moisturizer, Aquaphor is better than Vaseline. Use petroleum based products sparingly. a pea sized amount or less should do the trick. Don’t slather it on. Do not exfoliate or apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is fully healed, and no longer shiny or risen. Once it has been fully healed for 3+ months, I recommend using a Solid sunscreen stick for quick & easy UV protection, and a dry coffee scrub to exfoliate the skin.

Remove the bandage immediately if you are experiencing any redness, rash, or itchiness at the borders of the bandage. The adhesive properties of the PU film can sometimes cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

There’s no harm in trying it out if you’re curious, but do keep these symptoms in mind if you know you have sensitive skin. It poses no risk of your tattoo healing poorly if your skin disagrees with it, as long as your bandage stayed intact and sealed over the duration wear.

Wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying sunscreen. Keep it out of the sun as much as humanly possible until then. You’re good to use sunscreen once it’s no longer shiny or risen. SPF 30 or higher is recommended. My personal favorite is the Neutrogena SPF Stick. it’s soo convenient to have when you’re in a rush or on the go. Avoid tanning, as this can speed up the tattoo aging process. Tattooed skin gets damaged way quicker than non tattooed skin. Sunscreen & long sleeves for life!

Exfoliate at least monthly. Moisturize once to twice a day for the rest of forever if possible. Always Use sunscreen on your tattoos when it will be exposed to UV rays. Shaving helps exfoliate the dead skin cells and keeps the tattoos lookin’ crispy. Once it has been fully healed for 3+ months, I recommend using a Solid sunscreen stick for quick & easy UV protection, and a dry coffee scrub to exfoliate the skin. stay hydrated and protect your immune system.