Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Using Second Skin

Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Using Second Skin (Saniderm / Tatwax)
Congratulations on your new tattoo! To make sure your ink heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come, proper aftercare is essential — and one of the best tools we recommend is second skin.
​This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your tattoo using this product — a modern, cleaner, and safer alternative to the old method of ointment and plastic wrap. Second skin products are available for purchase in our shop — just ask your artist!

---

 🤔​ What Is Second Skin?
Second skin is a breathable, water-resistant film that protects your fresh tattoo from bacteria, dirt, and friction. It helps speed up healing by sealing in your body's natural moisture while still allowing oxygen to pass through.
Compared to traditional ointment and cling wrap, second skin minimizes the risk of infection by keeping the tattoo sealed from contaminants — especially during the critical first few days. It also reduces scabbing, helping your tattoo heal cleaner and smoother.
We use high-quality, medical-grade second skin products in our shop — trusted by professionals for safe, effective healing.

---

📋​ First 3 Days: Leave the Film On

• Leave the film on for 3 full days after your tattoo session.
• Showering and sleeping with the film on is totally fine.
• Avoid hot water and steam — they can melt the adhesive and cause the film to lift early.
• The film is water-resistant but NOT waterproof — so no swimming, soaking, or hot tubs.
• You may see bodily fluids and ink collecting under the film — this is normal! Don’t panic.
• Do NOT exercise the tattooed area while the film is on. (Exercising other parts of your body is fine.)
• Keep pets away — avoid pet dander, scratches, or fur getting near your healing tattoo.

---

❓​ When to Remove the Film Early
Take off the film early if you notice:

• Fluids leaking out
• Water getting in
• The film peeling off

If any of these happen, remove the film and continue with the regular aftercare steps below.

---

🚿​After 3 Days: Time to Remove and Clean

• Remove the film after 3 days. It's easiest to do this in the shower when the area is wet.
• Peel slowly — don’t rush it or you risk pulling up healing skin.
• Gently wash the tattoo with unscented soap or H2Ocean Foam Soap (available in the shop).
• Pat the area dry with a clean towel — do not rub.

---

💧 Keep It Moisturized

• Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or H2Ocean moisturizer (also available in-store).
• Reapply a few times a day — enough to keep it hydrated, not greasy.

---

⚠️​ What to Avoid During Healing

• Do not scratch — your tattoo may flake and itch, but scratching can damage the design.
• Avoid tanning and direct sunlight — UV rays can fade a healing tattoo quickly.
• After healing, use sunscreen (SPF 30+) on your tattoo to protect its color and detail.

---

💡​ Final Tips
Healing time is usually around 2 weeks, but can vary depending on placement and skin type. Keep the area clean, avoid over-moisturizing, and listen to your body.
Need more supplies? We carry Second Skin, H2Ocean Soap, and other aftercare products right here in the shop — ask your artist for recommendations.
And when you’re ready… it’s never too early to plan your next piece

---