Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Taking care of your tattoo is crucial to ensure proper healing and preserve its quality.
Please follow the steps below starting from the moment you leave the studio.
🕓 RIGHT AFTER YOUR SESSION: SECOND SKIN PHASE (Days 0–1 to 3)
- Leave the second skin on for 3 to 5 days or as advised by your artist.
Your tattoo will be covered with a medical adhesive film (“second skin”) right after the session.- Keep it on for 3 to 5 days, depending on what your artist advised.
- During this time, avoid heavy sweating or soaking (no gym, steam, or showering under direct water).
- Expect light plasma or ink build-up under the film
It’s normal to see fluid or ink gathering — don’t worry, this is part of the healing process. - If the second skin starts peeling or leaks early
You can remove it sooner and follow the washing instructions below.
🚿 REMOVING THE SECOND SKIN
- Remove gently in the shower
Peel the second skin off slowly under warm water. Do not rip it off dry — this can irritate your skin. - Wash the tattoo
Gently clean the area using lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap (e.g. Dove or Spectro).
Use only your fingertips, not a washcloth or sponge. - Pat dry with a paper towel
Let the tattoo air dry briefly, then pat it gently with a clean paper towel. Avoid using fabric towels.
💧 DAYS 3–14: HEALING STAGE
- Apply a light, unscented moisturizer
Use a fragrance-free lotion (e.g. Aveeno, Lubriderm, CeraVe).
Apply a thin layer 2–3 times a day — your tattoo should be hydrated but not greasy. - Expect peeling and itching
Your tattoo may flake like a sunburn — do not pick or scratch it. Let it peel naturally.
❗Keep it clean
Continue washing a couple times a day with mild soap and lukewarm water.
🚫 AVOID FOR 2–4 WEEKS
- ❌ No swimming (pools, hot tubs, oceans)
- ❌ No tanning, sunbeds, or direct sun exposure
- ❌ No saunas or steam rooms
- ❌ No tight clothing rubbing on the tattoo
- ❌ No workouts that cause heavy sweating in the tattooed area
❌ No scratching or peeling — even if it itches!
✅ FULLY HEALED (4–6 weeks)
- Your tattoo is healed when the skin is smooth, flakes are gone, and it’s no longer sensitive.
- For long-term care:
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) when exposed to the sun for black and grey tattoos
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) when exposed to the sun for color tattoos
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Stay hydrated
📩 Questions during healing?
Reach out to your artist or email us at info@icontattoo.ca. We’re always happy to help.
Call: +1 (437) 604-6665
