Keep That Sh*t Clean: Tattoo Aftercare 💪

You’ve got a killer new tattoo, and now it’s time to take care of that masterpiece! Here’s the deal—keeping your tattoo clean is crucial if you want it looking fresh, bold, and beautiful. So, let’s dive into how to treat your new ink with the love it deserves:

Step 1: Warsh That Sh*t 🧼

First things first—wash your hands before touching your tattoo (you’re not trying to add germs to your fresh ink, right?). Then, gently clean your tattoo with unscented soap (nothing too harsh, like Dove or Dr. Bronner’s) and lukewarm water. You don’t want to scrub it like you’re cleaning the floor, just a gentle touch to get rid of any dried ink, blood, or plasma.

Step 2: Dry That Sh*t 💨

After washing, pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. No rubbing or wiping here, just gentle patting to get rid of the moisture. This is key so you don’t irritate the tattoo. Let it air dry for a few minutes too—your tattoo needs to breathe!

Step 3: Moisturize That Sh*t 💧

Next up, it’s time to moisturize. Grab a petroleum-free product (nothing with that heavy, greasy stuff like Aquaphor or A&D). You want something lightweight like Redemption Aftercare or any unscented lotion (Lubriderm, anyone?). Apply a thin layer—just enough to keep it hydrated. Don’t go overboard! Your tattoo needs to breathe, not suffocate.

Step 4: Repeat That Sh*t 🔄

For the next few days, make this your routine—wash, dry, moisturize. Rinse and repeat! Do this for at least 5 days, and your tattoo will thank you.

Step 5: Avoid That Sh*t 🏊‍♀️🌞

While your tattoo is healing, keep it away from water—no soaking in pools, hot tubs, or baths for at least 2 weeks. Also, avoid the sun for a few weeks; we don’t want that ink to fade before it’s had time to heal. Cover it up or slap on some sunscreen if you must be out in the sun.

Step 6: Don’t Pick That Sh*t ✋

We know it’s tempting to scratch or pick at the flakes, but don’t do it! Let your tattoo flake off naturally. Picking or scratching can pull ink out and ruin your design.

Boom, You’re Ready to Rock That Tattoo! 🖤 Just keep it clean, moisturized, and protected, and your tattoo will heal up looking amazing.

Reapplying Your Derm shield Bandage

Alright, So—you’ve got that shiny new tattoo, wrapped up in a clear film like a burrito of glory. It’s been about 24 hours (or maybe you're stepping out of your morning shower), and wondering what to do next? Now it’s time for your ink’s first little breather.

Note: Don’t have another bandage? Don’t want one? Allergic to adhesives and prefer to live that free-spirited, bandage-free life? No worries! Bandage or no bandage—you’re still rocking fresh ink, and that’s what matters. Ignore these steps and stick with “KEEP THAT SH*T CLEAN: TATTOO AFTERCARE” guide.

Step 1: Get Ready to Peel that shit!

Find yourself a cozy spot in the shower, because we're about to get this bandage off! Gently locate an upper corner of your Saniderm bandage (think of it like peeling a banana, but with more art and less fruit). Slowly and steadily pull the bandage back, working it over itself. No need to rush—your tattoo’s got its own timeline.

Step 2: Give That Tattoo a Nice Warsh’n

Once the Saniderm is off, it’s time to treat your tattoo to a warm water bath. Use something gentle and fragrance-free (Antibacterial/Dial Gold) to clean it up. You’re not scrubbing the paint off a car, just a quick, smooth rinse to keep things fresh!

Step 3: Dry and Let that shit Breathe

After your tattoo’s all clean, grab a clean paper towel and gently pat it dry—no rubbing here! Then, let it air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Give it some time to breathe in all that post-wash glory before going back into its cozy Saniderm home.

Step 4: The Reapplication Ritual

Now, it's time to slap on the second layer of Saniderm. Just like the first time, follow the same steps: peel, apply, and press. You’re a tattoo care expert at this point. Remember, smooth and steady is the key here—your tattoo deserves the VIP treatment.

Step 5: The 3-5 Day Countdown

Once your new Saniderm is securely in place, it’s time to chill for another 3-5 days. Your tattoo’s got a little more healing to do before it’s ready for the outside world again. If anything feels weird or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to remove the bandage and let your skin do its thing—maybe even use some Tattoo Aftercare Balms for that smooth, soothed finish.

And boom—you’re all set for round two! Your tattoo is one step closer to being the stunning work of art you dreamed of.

It’s the ultimate invisible shield your skin deserves! 💪

What’s Normal & What’s “Um… Should I Call Someone?”

Totally Normal Reactions (Don’t Panic, You’re Fine):
These are your body’s way of saying “Hey, I’m healing over here!”

  • ✨ Swelling – Especially near joints. Your elbow or knee might look like it’s holding a grudge, but it’ll chill out.

  • 🔥 Warmth – That “fresh out the oven” feeling is okay in the first couple days.

  • 🐛 Itchiness – It’s healing, not trying to drive you mad (resist the scratch!).

  • 🥐 Peeling or flaking – Like a croissant. A flaky, artsy croissant.

  • 💜 Bruising – Sometimes your tattoo’s got a dramatic flair. It’s fine.

NOT Normal (A.K.A. Time to Check In With Your Artist or a Doc):

If you see these, don’t tough it out—check it out:

  • 💚 Colored pus – If it’s green, yellow, or looks like your tattoo’s crying slime… nope.

  • 💨 Bad smells – Funky odors? Your tattoo shouldn't smell like gym socks. Time to investigate.

  • 🔥 Still hot after Day 5 – It’s not a pizza, it shouldn’t stay warm forever.

  • 🚨 Red bumps – Could be an allergic reaction or you might be loving it too much (over-moisturizing is real).

Basically, listen to your body. Most stuff is totally chill. But if it starts acting like a weird science experiment, better safe than sorry!