How a Second Skin Works
A second skin shields your tattoo from the outside world. While this extra layer is present, your body begins to heal the wound that lies underneath. It quickly forms its protective layer of skin over the top of your tattoo. This means, when you peel off the artificial second skin, your tattoo is protected by a naturally formed layer.
A second skin also acts as a barrier to germs and bacteria, protecting your tattoo at its most vulnerable stage. They allow oxygen to reach your tattoo while at the same time remove surplus moisture vapor, which can slow down the healing process.
How To Remove Second Skin
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Test an edge: Pick an edge of the bandage and peel it away. If it’s difficult to remove, you can leave it on for another day. End of maximum 5 days, try taking a warm shower to help reduce the stickiness
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Remove slowly: Pull the second skin off slowly. It’s very similar to removing a plaster. If you pull too quickly, it’s going to sting. You might also damage the new layer of skin underneath. Just go slowly, and stretch to the opposite way.
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Clean: Make sure you wash your tattoo carefully after removing the bandage and apply moisturizer
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Use your cream/moisturizer for at least a month in a daily basis
It’s totally normal to see some ink or blood under the bandage. This will usually appear within the first day. If you want to, you can replace the old dressing with a new one, following the application instructions.
You can leave a second skin on for as long as it feels comfortable to you. Most people remove it after three to four days. The same bandage shouldn’t be worn for longer than 5 days, though — remove it to clean your tattoo. Second skins are great, but they aren’t miracle workers. In areas that bend or flex, they don’t last as long as areas that stay still.
Perfectly healed work alongside some fresh parts
For second-skin bandages
While the bandage is on, you are free to go about your day in a mostly normal fashion. It’s water-resistant, so you can shower while wearing it, - however, we recommend avoiding prolonged water exposure since water can sometimes find its way in. We recommend wearing loose clothing to prevent abrasion to the bandage and tattoo.
While the bandage is on, you will notice the surface underneath accumulate slight moisture, causing the tattoo to appear blurry. This is plasma building up from your skin, pulling up micro-fragments of ink. It’s completely normal and helps with the healing process.
We recommend keeping the second skin bandage on for 3 to 5 days after your appointment date. Following this duration, slowly remove the bandage under warm running water, or with a skin-safe body oil. The bandage adheres tightly to your skin, so you will need to use some force when removing it. Don’t be alarmed if there are fragments of ink on the bandage - it’s those micro-fragments of ink that have dried on the bandage.
General tips
For approximately 10 to 12 days following bandage removal, we recommend using the Hustle Butter Deluxe lotion 3 to 6 times a day, or as needed. Apply a smooth, thin layer to the tattoo (just enough to cover it). Do not oversaturate the area with lotion, as this could potentially harm the healing process, pulling pigment back up.
We recommend abstaining from intensive exercise for 2 weeks, as contact with unsanitary surfaces, abrasive clothing, and sweat can cause irritation, additional scarring and even infection.
Avoid submerging your tattoo in water or exposing it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, for a full month. Water exposure can cause serious and life-threatening infections and direct sunlight can overly dry the healing area, or cause premature fading.
Lastly, we kindly ask that you send us a high-resolution photograph of the tattoo a month after its completion. We’d love to see how it has healed. Should you feel a touch-up is necessary, highlight/describe the specific locations and we’ll take a look. I do offer complimentary touch-ups within a 6-month period, after which a fee may be required (up to the artist’s discretion).
As always, let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns! I am happy to help.
Sponsored by Hustle Butter Deluxe