aftercare | Acostattoo

second skin instructions

YOU WILL NEED: * Antibacterial, Unscented, Liquid Soap (Do NOT use Bar Soap- can potentially harbor bacteria) * Ohana Organic Tattoo Butter (received after our session) or a clean ingredient, Unscented Lotion (Do NOT use A&D or Neosporin) * Optional: Natural or Mineral based Sunblock of SPF 30 - SPF 50 (anything higher than SPF 50 is pretty useless) HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO: * Leave the Recovery Derm Shield (RDS), that was applied to your tattoo at the studio, on for about 5 days. * Can be left on for 3-7 days, but 5 is about that sweet spot. * Avoid working out or activities that cause sweating while the RDS is on. * NORMAL: Swelling, a layer of Plasma (Plasma-liquid component of blood mixed with Ink) underneath the RDS. * NOT NORMAL: Extreme redness, itchiness, ie: symptoms of a rash. REMOVE RECOVERY DERM SHIELD IMMEDIATELY and continue healing with the Clear Wrap method * You can still shower with RDS on. Keep them short. Avoid taking extremely hot showers. Similar to working out, the heat from the shower opens your pores, allowing more Plasma to be pushed out. * When its time to take the RDS off, I find it easiest to do so in the shower. Lather with an Unscented, Liquid Soap and water. Slowly peeling it downward. If you are able to use both hands, stretching the RDS as you pull down helps the adhesive break apart. Or if you have help, they can follow the same guidelines. Just make sure they wash their hands before helping out. * Once the RDS is off: Wash your tattoo, once a day for a week to aid the peeling process. * Do not be afraid to apply pressure. Do not use anything abrasive, your clean hands work fine for this step. * Allow to air dry, then apply a very thin layer of Ohana or Unscented Lotion when your tattoo feels dry or itchy * DO NOT OVER APPLY! * Its ok to let your skin breathe.

plastic wrap instructions

YOU WILL NEED: * Clear Wrap * Antibacterial, Unscented, Liquid Soap (Do NOT use Bar Soap- harbors bacteria) * Ohana Organic Tattoo Butter (received after our session) or a clean ingredient, Unscented Lotion (Do NOT use A&D or Neosporin) * Optional: Natural or Mineral based Sunblock of SPF 30 - SPF 50 (anything higher than SPF 50 is pretty useless) HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO: - YOU MUST WASH AND REWRAP YOUR TATTOO, 3 TIMES A DAY FOR 4 DAYS - * Keep your tattoo wrapped for at least 2 hours after you leave the studio. * If we finished late in the evening, keep it wrapped over night * After unwrapping your tattoo and disposing of dirty clear wrap, wash your hands well with liquid Antibacterial Soap. * If you are needing help with washing your tattoo, make sure that the other person washes their hands. Don't let dirty hands touch your new work! * Lather and wash your tattoo very well with warm water. Removing all of the Plasma (ink and blood) from your tattoo. * You should apply enough pressure with your clean hands to remove all of the plasma. You will know it has been removed because it will not feel slippery. * Your tattoo will be sensitive, so adjust the water temperature and your hand pressure accordingly. * Allow your tattoo to air dry completely or blot with a clean sheet of a high quality paper towel if you are in a rush. * DO NOT USE a cloth towel as it can leave bacteria, fibers, or possible pet dander(if applicable) on your healing tattoo. * Once dry, rewrap with a NEW piece of Clear Wrap. * DO NOT APPLY any ointment on your tattoo before you wrap it with a new piece of clear wrap. * Repeat the washing and re-wrapping process 3 times a day for the first 4 days. * Do this process: When you wake up, sometime in the afternoon and before you go to sleep * After the 4 Days are over: Wash your tattoo, once a day for a week to aid the peeling process. * Do not be afraid to apply pressure. Do not use anything abrasive, your clean hands work fine for this step. * Allow to air dry, then apply a very thin layer of Ohana or Unscented Lotion when your tattoo feels dry or itchy * DO NOT OVER APPLY! * Its ok to let your skin breathe.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO!
- If you followed the instructions above, you should not form a scab since this is a method is considered a "wet heal", which utilizes your own plasma to aide in the healing process. It is normal for your tattoo to itch at a later stage of the healing process, but fight the urge! Picking while healing can cause scaring
Getting a tattoo is an invasive procedure and should be looked at as a pretty wound. Treat it with care!
AVOID direct sunlight or swimming/having your tattoo submerged in ANY form of water for 4-6 weeks.
- If you come in contact with dirty water while you are healing you put yourself at risk of getting an infection.
  - In the rare case you do get an infection from your choices , you must first contact me directly so I can document and contact the health department. You must then receive medical attention on your own accord.
- If you get sun exposure to your fresh or healing tattoo (Color and B&G), you run the risk of scaring and damaging all the work we just did.
- Once the first 4 weeks of healing has passed, and you have more sessions to complete your tattoo, AVOID direct sunlight on your tattoo please. If you return and now have a darker complexion than when we started your tattoo, I have to completely adjust my original color palette. The sun can also burn and discolor light colored ink during and after the healing process (Color Tattoos ONLY).
- If we are done with your tattoo, keeping your piece covered with clothing or avoiding direct sunlight on your tattoo is always best for the longevity of Color Tattoos.

• • Sunshine facilitates healing, so I prefer this option than recommending slathering yourself with sunscreen. Many sunscreens are filled with chemicals and known cancer causing ingredients.. so please do some research on the topic, as well as the possible brands of sunscreen you may be interested in, before considering putting it on your skin. If you have to be outside and can not have your HEALED and COMPLETED artwork covered, I would then recommend applying a natural or mineral based SPF 30- SPF 50 sunblock, every 2 hours you are outside.

TATTOO & SKIN CARE/AFTERCARE PRODUCTS