What is second skin?

Derm Shield Or Second Skin, et al. It is a breathable, flexible bandage for your tattoo that’s intended to lock in your body’s natural healing fluids while protecting it from all outside contact.

Because it’s permeable by air, it allows your skin to “breathe” and, therefore, is safe to leave on for up to a few days following the tattoo procedure. Once removed, your tattoo has gone through a lot of the healing process and should only have minimal peeling and flaking from there on out.

When you leave the shop with your bandage on, your job is done for the next few days. Keep an eye on it to ensure the seal around the edges has not broken, allowing outside contact with your tattoo.

What to expect:

• It is entirely normal for fluid to build up inside the bandage. This is your body naturally working on healing your tattoo.
• While it may look a little slimy, it’s all as it should be! The only time you should remove your bandage is if the seal around the edges is broken or the bandage is punctured and exposes the tattoo.
• Second skin/Tegaderm is technically a waterproof bandage; however, we still do not recommend prolonged exposure to water during this time because it can weaken the adhesive.
• Showering with the bandage on is usually fine, especially if you try to pay special attention to keeping the bandage from being wiped or accidentally getting peeled away.

1. After 2-3 days, gently remove your bandage. Do this by starting at one corner and slowly pulling down in the direction of hair growth. We recommend removing it in the shower; the warm water will loosen the adhesive and help it peel off easily.
2. Once it’s removed, immediately wash your tattoo using a mild soap, such as Dial, Dove, Soft Soap, etc. Only use your clean bare hands when washing your tattoo; a washcloth or anything similar can be too abrasive.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Now that it’s all clean! Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes.

• Once fully dry, apply a fragrance-free lotion, such as Aveeno Baby, Lubriderm, or Curel. Apply a thin layer all over your tattoo and massage it in.
• Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily for the first few days, and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion 2-4 times daily with clean hands.

Artist notes:

• You may run warm water over a few paper towels to make a compress to hold on to your tattoo for a few minutes a day; it provides comfort and helps break up lingering blood plasma that can form scabs on your skin.
• You can shower as normal, but for the two-week healing period, do not submerge or soak your tattoo in any way. No swimming, hot tubs, or sauna; it wil interfere with the healing process and could cause infection or scarring.
• Don’t expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for the two-week healing period; keep it covered with clothing. After your tattoo is healed, please wear sunscreen to prevent fading and sun damage.
• Don’t pick your tattoos; if you have scabbing, let them fall off naturally. If your tattoo itches, lightly wash it and put lotion on; that will help a lot.

Products to Avoid: Rubbing Alcohol, Neosporin Bacitracin, or other antibiotic ointments, iodine, Bactine, and antibacterial soaps with chlorine.