These aftercare instructions are specific to my style of tattooing. Other artists may give other advice to fit their specific style. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your artist!

Saniderm/Second Skin/Derm Shield:

Please leave your protective barrier film on for at least 3-5 days unless instructed by your artist

When you are ready to remove the barrier film, it is best to remove in water or with coconut oil to break up the adhesive. Please do not rip off the film, this can cause damage to the skin

Once removed, wash with an antibacterial, unscented soap and moisturize with Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm or Cry Baby Tattoo Balm. For soap, I recommend Dial

If you notice your barrier film lifting around the edge, please cut off the excess and continue to keep it on. However, if the film lifts past the tattoo or you notice anything seeping in or out of it, take it off immediately. This can harbor bacteria and can lead to infection. You may contact me immediately to get a reapplication, purchase your own barrier film and reapply if it is sooner than 5 days after your tattoo, or continue with the instructions below for Standard Healing.

Please remember:

• Do not pick at the barrier film

• Do not play with the plasma sacks (ink bubbles)

• Do not poke holes in the barrier film

• Do not submerge in water

You may notice fluid underneath the barrier film, this is 100% normal! It is called Plasma and plays a major role in your healing journey. Your skin will use plasma to help heal and minimize excessive scabbing. Some may not even experience scabbing after removing the barrier film. However, if there is a Plasma sack, please come in for a reapplication.

After removal, please follow the Standard Healing instructions below:

Standard Healing:

If you are not given a barrier film to wear or you have to remove prematurely, please follow these instructions:

Remove your wrap no sooner than 2 hours after your tattoo session

Wash with warm water and an antibacterial, unscented liquid soap (no bar soap)

Pat dry, DO NOT WIPE, and let air dry for 5-10 minutes

Apply a thin layer of Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm or Cry Baby Tattoo Balm

Repeat these steps 2-3 times a day until scabbing has stopped or at minimum 5 days if no scabbing has occurred

Apply SPF (100% zinc oxide based only!) once scabbing has completed

Avoid for the first 2-4 weeks:

Scented skin care products (lotions, soaps, etc.) and bar products (bar soaps)

Direct sunlight. Apply SPF daily while outside, even after healing has completed to keep your tattoo protected and to prevent fading.

Hot water, soaking, swimming, etc.

Avoid pet dander, or dirty environments. If your job requires you to be in this environment, please invest in barrier films during the healing process and sun sleeves!

Do not use any form of lotion or creams that is not listed above! Until your tattoo is fully healed, please only use what your artist recommends.

DO NOT pick at your tattoo, scratch your tattoo, or slap your tattoo. This can cause ink loss.