Tattoo Care
Derm-Shield Application
Cut and trim Derma-Shield to fit around the tattoo – include an extra inch around all sides. TIP: Cutting the edges of the bandage to be round will help it adhere better and feel more comfortable.
Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.
Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth bandage over the tattoo.
Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3-24 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours.
Derm-Shield Removal and Reapplication of 2nd Bandage
To remove Derm-Shield , find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Derm-Shield . Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Derm-Shield may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo without soap. Soap can cause irritation if it remains in the skin. If the tattoo smells bad after removing first bandage a light wash with Dial-liquid soap is advisable. Rinse well.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply a second bandage by following the application steps listed above.
Additional removal and reapplication information:
Keep this second bandage on for 3-5 days – 5 days is the longest you should wear the piece of Derm-Shield. Less time is fine if it is becoming bothering to your skin.
Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized. For a tattoo moisturizer, we strongly recommend Shea butter or cocoa butter, Ordinary moisturizers are also OK however an all natural product like Shea butter is most ideal.
If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for
Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Derm-Shield
Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Derm-shield bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period.
Wearing Derm-Shield While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising
Showering while wearing Derm-Shield is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Water may weaken the adhesive of the bandage, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the bandage, putting you at higher risk for infection. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.
For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Derm-Shield is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while wearing Derm-Shield is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.
Results of New Tattoo Care Using Derm-Shield
Derm-Shield has helped hundreds of thousands heal their new tattoos with ease. Tattoos using Derm-Shield heal faster, experience less scabbing and peeling, and undergo significantly less early tattoo damage. Derm-Shield grants an effortless and convenient tattoo healing experience, leaving behind vivid and stunning tattoos. Ask your tattoo artist or shop if they carry Derm-Shield and if they believe you’d be a good candidate!
Instructions for aftercare if not using Derm-Shield .
Keep on wrapping from 1 to 3 hours, after which time remove and wash the tattoo clean. When washing your tattoo make sure to use some sort of mild soap. Dial is acceptable.
Morning and night for the next week wash just like before and allow to dry. With clean hands rub into the skin a small amount of lotion that is scent free and dye free. Shea Butter and Cocoa butter are first choice, or Aveno soothing oat are two examples. Aquafor is also acceptable in the first 2 days of healing. Continue for first 5 to 6 days.
At this point you should back off of the ointment/lotion and allow to heal dry, hopefully your tattoo is peeling or has a smooth thin hard layer. Allow skin to do its thing, if it is not scabbing a little bit of lotion here and there is ok. If it does scab be patient and allow those parts to heal.
During healing time stay out of water other than your regular showers, and keep out of direct sunlight