AFTERCARE
Here at The Edge we want to ensure you have a happy, safe and effective healing process.
In order to meet these promises we use a product called Saniderm,
a clear bandage that is applied to your tattoo after completion. If your artist does not use saniderm, follow the verbal instructions they gave you in the studio.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO WHILE WEARING SANIDERM :
Keep it on for 24 hours.
Normal showering and activity is fine, however do not excessively soak, submerge it under any water, or expose it to any pool, ocean, river, lake, or pond water. If the Saniderm begins coming off, do not stick it back down, instead remove the plastic early. Additionally, the Saniderm will accrue body fluids and ink under the wrap, your tattoo is not falling out or staining your skin. However, if you notice water under the wrap, then it also must come off early.
After the 24 hour period, remove the Saniderm. We recommend doing this slowly after cleaning your hands with antibacterial soap and soaking it thoroughly in a long warm shower.
Once removed, simply wash the area gently with antibacterial liquid soap using warm water and skin to skin contact. Afterwards let it air dry.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO AFTER REMOVING SANIDERM :
Still keep it out of any previously described water for 2 weeks. Wait until the area is completely air dried to apply any moisturizer. The main theme of how to moisturize your tattoo is to apply it frequently and lightly. Ensuring that only enough to keep the area moisturized is applied, as you do not want to suffocate the area with over application of the moisturizer. The first week of moisturizing will be done using Aquaphor, no other ointments such as A&D, Neosporin, or triple antibiotic will heal the tattoo properly. Following the first week, an unscented and undyed lotion will be used, a thicker lotion such as a Palmer’s Coacoa Butter is best as it requires less frequent reapplication. If any product stings when applied, do not use it again. There should be no visible moisturizer left on the skin. If you do over apply or if your skin looks slimey, then moisturize to the areas around the tattoo, don't wipe away the excess.
Moisturize throughout the day, at least 7 times per day, for the first 4 weeks. After that taper off to at least 3 times per day for the next 3 weeks. There is no maximum amount of times, just do not over apply. If the skin looks like dry skin or feels itchy, then moisturize again.
The tattoo area will look red and irritated for a bit, this is normal, as you did just get stabbed with a needle.
During the healing process it is also normal for the area to flake and maybe lightly scab,
DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO, rather continue to moisturize.
Contact your tattoo artist with any questions or concerns, we are here for the entire process and to answer any questions you may have.
Clean bedding and clothing are important, as dirt, body oils and other substances can find their way into your new tattoo.
THINGS TO AVOID :
For the first 3-4 weeks, please avoid any activity that would involve soaking the skin or the tattooed area such as hot tubs, baths, swimming in pools or ocean water, pedicures, etc.... Regular showering is fine. The tattoo only needs to be cleaned with antibacterial soap the one time that the bandage comes off. Any further cleaning should be done in a normal daily shower with soap that does not irritate your skin or sting. DO NOT WASH EXCESSIVELY, it will dry your tattoo and cause improper healing.
It is VERY important to keep a new tattoo out of the sun, as the skin is already traumatized. Any other damage such as a sun burn will have increasingly adverse effects on your new tattoo healing properly. The most important thing to do in the long term is to use SPF 45 or stronger sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours anytime your tattoo is subject to the sun. The sun can damage Tattoos through clothing, so UPF clothing or using SPF under your clothing is the best way to remain protected.
Keep in mind that the sun can fade your tattoos at any point. Therefore, if you want to keep those pigments bold, bright, and beautiful and details from blobbing up, then invest in sun protection. Apply this at least every 2 hours and do not use alcohol based or aerosol sunscreen.
We guarantee our work and offer free touch ups within the first four months with the artist who originally did your tattoo. This policy does have some exceptions depending on the area of the body the tattoo is located.
There are a million different ways that people claim the healing process should be handled, this method is what we recommend, as this is what has worked best for us. Please do not refer to the advice of a non-professional or an artist who did not do your tattoo for something as important as the safety of your body and the quality of your permanent artwork.
If you have any question on your tattoo during the healing process, please call our studio at:
(860) 644-1021
or by email at:
artists@theedge.tattoo
or
(your artist's name)@theedge.tattoo
to ask them directly
or
By direct message on their Instagram