Aftercare Instructions

Printed instructions are listed below for aftercare for your recent service(s) received at Obsidian Arts Tattoo & Piercing Co.

Your artist has gone over them with you verbally and sent you home with it in written form, but here it is again just incase the instructions were lost or forgotten.

Tattoo Aftercare (Ointment)

Remove the wrap on your new tattoo within 1-3 hours of finishing your session & wash it gently with an antibacterial unscented soap.
Pat dry and apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment, or chosen ointment such as Aquaphor, Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel etc.
Repeat the above steps 3-5 times a day for 2 weeks
When peeling or flaking begins, you may switch to an unscented lotion.
DO NOT pick or scratch your healing tattoo.
DO NOT go swimming, submerge tattoo or keep in direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks or until tattoo is fully healed.
If any complications arise or persist, contact your physician.

Recovery Derm Shield

● Recovery Derm Shield is a transparent matte film adhesive bandage. Derm Shield offers maximum breathability and flexibility, providing optimal conditions for gentle healing and skin renewal. It eliminates scabbing and reduces the risk of scarring, while preventing exposure to bacteria, dirt, and abrasion. Derm Shield is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities. It works by locking in your body’s natural healing fluids so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring. Another perk—because it is breathable, you can wear it for several days at a time while your tattoo heals. This allows you to skip out on the frequent washing and ointment applying involved with traditional tattoo aftercare.

● When you leave the shop, you will have a piece of Derm Shield protecting your tattoo, and you will be given a second sheet to take home with you. You’ll notice that fluid will gather underneath of your bandage during the first 24 hours; this is a mix of plasma, ink, and a minimal amount of blood, and is completely normal.

*For some smaller tattoos, changing the Derm Shield that was placed the day of your appointment is not necessary and you may keep it on for 4 days.*

● Approximately 24 hours after the completion of your tattoo, you will change the bandage. To do so, please follow the below instructions:

● Wash your hands, and gently peel off the existing Derm Shield. Wash the tattoo with gentle soap, and warm water. We recommend using the Recovery soap we sell in store because it leaves little residue (which can cause irritation under the bandage) all while meeting the requirements for safe tattoo healing. If using a different soap, please opt for something that is non-scented and non-dyed. Once you clean your tattoo, make sure all the soap has been rinsed, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a bath towel or cloth as this can leave bacteria or fibers on your fresh tattoo. The area must be completely dry, with no ointments or lotions. Peel the provided Derm Shield, as shown at your appointment, and adhere it to your tattoo. As a friend reminder, you must peel the white plastic sections off first then apply it adhesive side down with the plus signs facing upwards. If needed, have a friend help. Leave the second piece of bandage on for 4 to 5 days. After that time, gently and slowly peel off the Derm Shield. If needed, you can do this in the shower, and it will help it peel off more easily. From here, you can apply lotion when needed, and enjoy your tattoo!

Please notify your artist if you have an allergy to adhesives - if so, Derm Shield is NOT recommended for you.

If Derm shield is removed early due to reactions or dislike, please follow Tattoo Ointment Aftercare as soon as it is removed.