Aftercare
Please follow our step-by-step aftercare guidance.
You might have heard slightly different instructions before, as aftercare can vary depending on the artist and style of artwork.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
- Today~3Days
Thank you for your time and cooperation to make everything go smoothly.
A fresh tattoo usually looks darker and more intense compared to a healed tattoo.
The area may feel warm, sensitive, or slightly swollen, similar to a mild sunburn.
Some redness around the tattoo is normal during the first few days.
Keep SecondSkin Bandages 3 Days
Please keep the SecondSkin bandage on for 3 days.
It is waterproof, so you may take a shower with the SecondSkin on.
However, if you notice water or air has entered inside the bandage from the outside, please remove it immediately.
You Might See Plasma Under the Film
Depends on your body and also the style of artwork / tattoo,
you may see plasma mixed with a little blood and ink under the film within 42 hours.
It is completely normal, so please do not worry.
You can keep the SecondSkin on as long as the plasma is not leaking outside the film.
However, if there is a lot of plasma creating a water-bubble look under the film,
please take a photo and share it with us.
We might recommend removing it before the 3rd day depending on the condition.
No Alcohol, No Blood-Thinner Medication For 3 Days
Please avoid drinking alcohol and taking medication for blood thinning, such as painkillers or aspirin, as they may slow the healing process.
Also, please avoid drinking too much coffee or energy drinks.
One cup of coffee is no problem, but excessive caffeine is not recommended during healing.
Avoid Until the Tattoo is Healed!
Please refrain from tanning, swimming, and using saunas for about a month until your tattoo has healed. Additionally, for fine line tattoos, avoid alcohol until the tattoo has fully healed.
Tanning: UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can cause fading and discoloration of the tattoo ink. It can also irritate the healing skin, potentially leading to complications.
Swimming: Pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water contain bacteria and chemicals (like chlorine) that can increase the risk of infection or irritation in the healing tattoo.
Saunas: The high heat and humidity in saunas can also lead to excessive sweating and potential infection risks for the healing tattooed skin.
Bath: Soaking the tattoo in a bath, hot spring, or pool is not recommended during the healing process because prolonged exposure to water softens the skin and the tattooed area. This may cause ink loss, delayed healing, or increase the risk of infection due to bacteria in the water.
Quick showers are completely fine, but avoid soaking until the tattoo is fully healed.By avoiding these activities and substances, you help ensure that your tattoo heals properly, maintains its appearance, and reduces the risk of complications or infections during the critical healing phase.
Prepare Balm for Aftercare
We recommend using Oronine, as it is one of the most common healing creams in Japan and can be found at any pharmacy.
You can find a Google Map link below.
Pharmacies Nearby
Welcia (110m) / Tomod’s (450m) / Cocokarafine (450m)
Oronine
Oronine is a mild antiseptic ointment commonly used in Japan for tattoo aftercare. It helps prevent infection, soothes irritation, and supports healing by keeping the skin moisturized. Apply a thin layer on clean skin as directed, but avoid overuse to prevent clogging pores.
Coconuts Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer often used in tattoo aftercare. It hydrates the skin, reduces itching, and has mild antimicrobial properties to support healing. Use sparingly on clean, dry skin to avoid clogging pores or overly softening scabs, which may affect tattoo healing.
Aquaphor
Aquaphor is a widely popular ointment in the U.S. and other Western countries for tattoo aftercare, providing hydration to prevent dryness and protect the skin while aiding the healing process. Its breathable formula locks in moisture without clogging pores, soothing irritation, and promoting vibrant, smooth tattoo recovery.
- Remove SecondSkin
Even if you are able to keep the SecondSkin in good condition for 3 days, please do not keep it longer than that.
Sideway to Remove SecondSkin
Slowly peel the film off, avoiding pulling it straight up. Instead, gently pull it back across the skin while holding your skin taut.
Removing the film from top to top or bottom to bottom is recommended, and doing so during a warm shower can make the process easier and more comfortable. For more guidance, you can search on YouTube for “How to Remove Second Skin.”
If the SecondSkin comes off earlier, there is no need to put on a new one.
Simply start the normal aftercare process by applying cream.
- 3~7Days
During this stage, the tattoo starts to dry and lightly flake, similar to peeling skin after a sunburn.
It may look slightly dull or cloudy while the top layer heals.
Heat and swelling should fade, and redness will gradually decrease.
After Removing the SecondSkin Bandages
Keep the area clean by gently washing with running water twice a day (without soap) and patting dry with a paper towel.
We dont recommend using towl, because it is more scratcy and we would like t oavoid friction as much as possible.
Apply Oronine 3~4 Times per Day for a Week
Please apply cream 3~4 times per day. Before applying the cream, clean the area with running water and gently pat dry with a paper towel. Then apply the cream using a cotton swab or clean kitchen paper.
Please do not use bare fingers, as it increases the risk of infection.
Apply a very thin layer of cream — almost invisible, just a slightly shiny surface is enough.
The skin needs to breathe well for proper healing.
- 1~4Weeks
The tattoo settles into the skin and becomes smoother and more natural.
Peeling is mostly finished, dryness fades, and the lines and colors gradually stabilize.
The tattoo may look slightly lighter than when it was fresh, which is normal.
Switch to Lotion to Moisturize
Once you start to see light scabbing around the first week, you can switch to a gentle lotion that is familiar to your skin. It should not contain alcohol and should not be strongly scented.
Itchiness is the hardest part of the healing process. If you feel itchy, apply a thin layer of lotion to calm the skin and avoid scratching.
Thin Scab is Good!
A thin scab indicates healthy tattoo healing as it forms when the skin regenerates naturally without excessive trauma, protecting the ink from being lifted while allowing for even skin regeneration, minimizing infection risk, preserving the tattoo’s sharpness, and reducing itching or irritation for a smoother, faster recovery process.
A thin scab is a delicate, slightly rough film that feels light and not overly crusty, appears transparent or light-colored (ranging from slightly darker than the tattoo to clear or light brown), evenly covers the tattoo without forming large raised areas, and flakes off gently in small, soft pieces as it heals, allowing the ink beneath to remain visible and vibrant.
- Tattoo Is Healed
Thank you for taking such good care during the healing process.
Now it has become a part of your body’s natural skin cycle.
Once Completely Healed
If you already have a few tattoos, you might already know this.
A fresh tattoo looks darker because the ink is still mixed with blood and plasma.
As it heals, the blood disappears and only the ink remains in the skin,
so the tattoo will appear slightly lighter and with more balanced contrast —
especially for black-ink tattoos.
This is exactly how we design and execute the artwork, considering the healed result.
Healed Photo
Around a month after you get your new tattoo,
please take a photo in natural daylight and share it with us!!
Now It Is a Part of Your Skin
To keep your tattoo looking beautiful for many years, it is important to take good care of your skin. Tattoos age together with your body, so healthy skin means a healthy and clear tattoo. Moisturizing regularly, protecting from the sun, and avoiding unnecessary damage will help maintain the sharpness, brightness, and contrast of the tattoo.
Sun exposure is one of the main causes of fading, so sunscreen and covering the area are highly recommended when going outside. Keeping the skin hydrated and avoiding scratches or strong friction will also help the tattoo stay smooth and defined.
