Your new tattoo needs clean hands, gentle care and time to settle. Start with these essentials. Follow your artist’s individual advice for your tattoo and skin.

Your quick aftercare guide

01 With Second Skin

Keep the film applied by our studio on for 3–5 days, as long as it stays sealed and feels comfortable. No washing or cream underneath. Short, lukewarm showers are fine; do not soak it.

Remove it sooner if it exposes the tattoo, leaks, lets water in or causes strong burning, itching or blisters. Gently peel it along the skin under warm water. Do not patch a broken seal.

02 Without Second Skin or after removal

• Wash your hands. Gently clean the tattoo twice daily, or a third time if needed, with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Pat dry with a fresh paper towel or let it air-dry. No rubbing, sponges or washcloths.
• Our standard product is Bepanthen® Wund- und Heilsalbe. Following our care plan, apply a very thin layer to clean, dry skin 2–4 times daily for about two weeks. A fragrance-free product suitable for fresh tattoos is also an option. Stop and seek advice if it irritates your skin.

Remove other dressings as advised by your artist. Regular cling film should not stay on for several days.

03 During healing

Do not scratch or pick. Wear clean, loose clothing and keep pets away from the healing tattoo. Avoid baths, swimming and saunas until healed. Pause exercise that causes rubbing, stretching or heavy sweating.

04 Sun protection

Keep fresh tattoos shaded or covered with loose clothing. Apply SPF 50 only after the skin has fully healed. Choose UVA/UVB protection and reapply about every two hours outdoors and after sweating or water contact. Avoid tanning beds.

Questions about healing

Get in touch if you have questions. For spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever or chills, seek medical advice promptly. Do not wait for our reply.

Aftercare in more detail

Second Skin and the first days

A little blood, clear fluid and ink beneath a sealed film can be normal at first. Do not remove it just to inspect the tattoo. Our 3–5 day recommendation applies to the film we use for you; other coverings may have different wear times.

After removal, gently clean, dry and start the care routine. Do not reuse damaged film or tape over a broken seal. If unsure, send us a clear photo.

Cleaning and moisturising

Touch the area only when necessary, with clean hands. Keep showers short. Avoid hot water, a strong direct spray, scrubbing and prolonged soaking.

A very thin layer of moisturiser is enough. The skin should not stay wet or greasy. Adjust frequency and duration with your artist if your healing needs it. Choose a suitable alternative if you have known sensitivities. Stop the product and seek advice if a rash, burning or stronger itching develops.

Avoid exfoliants, heavily fragranced cosmetics and harsh disinfectants. There is no need to try a different product every day.

Clothing and sleep

Clean, loose clothing helps reduce friction. Keep bedding clean and avoid prolonged pressure on the fresh tattoo where possible. If fabric sticks to the skin, wet it gently and ease it away instead of pulling it off dry. Do not let pets touch or lick the area.

Exercise and water

Your break depends on the tattoo, placement and activity. Return gradually when the skin is calm and movement does not irritate it. Pools, lakes, the sea, hot tubs, baths and saunas should wait until healing is complete. A short shower does not require soaking the tattoo.

Watching the healing process

Mild itching and flaking can occur. Do not scratch or peel the skin. The overall pattern should be improving. Strong or persistent irritation needs medical advice. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing severe swelling requires immediate medical help.

Our article “Tattoo Healing from Day 1 to Day 30” explains how the appearance can change. Active peeling is too early to judge the final result reliably.

Once healed

Care for dry skin with a product you tolerate and protect the tattoo from the sun. Send us a clear daylight photo after about one month. Contact us sooner if you have questions or problems.