Thanks for choosing CD Inworks Tattoo! To help your new tattoo heal safely and smoothly, be sure to follow the aftercare guidelines below. Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as getting it, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or notice anything unusual during healing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your artist!

 

Second skin bandage

We recommend leaving your second skin bandage on for 3-7 days before removing it. If your bandage falls off, peels up and exposes your tattoo before the time frame, please remove it promptly and follow the aftercare instructions as normal. *We do not recommend re wrapping after it has peeled up or exposed the tattoo as it can trap bacteria*. Please contact your artist directly if this happens and or if you have any questions or concerns.

When removing your bandage, fully submerge it under warm water in the shower or bath. If you choose to use a bath, ensure the tub is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any potential bacteria. Once the bandage is loosened, gently peel it away from one corner, pulling gently in a downward motion, similar to removing a command strip. This will help avoid pulling any ink out of the skin.

After the bandage is removed, cleanse the tattoo gently with non-fragranced soap and warm water. Use your clean hand to gently massage in circular motions to remove any plasma, blood or residue. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or towel to absorb excess water. Your tattoo may feel dry and tight as it begins to heal (this can take 1-3 days after bandage is removed). Once you notice your tattoo is dry and or starting to flake off dead skin cells, you can apply a small amount of the lotion provided by your artist or any gentle unscented lotion to keep your tattoo and skin moisturized.

Seran Wrap

*Your artist will give you more accurate time frames and instructions when using the seran wrap method - this is a generalized guide*

We generally recommend leaving your tattoo wrapped 3-6 hours initially. Depending on the situation or the time you were tattooed, this time frame may vary depending on what your artist recommends.

When you are ready to remove the wrap, we recommend removing it in the shower and or bath. If you choose to use a bath, ensure the tub is thoroughly cleaned prior. Gently unwrap your tattoo.

After the wrap is removed, cleanse the tattoo gently with unscented, gentle soap and warm water. Use your clean hand to gently massage in circular motions to remove any plasma, blood or residue. *It is very important to wash all of the plasma off to avoid scabbing*. After you are done cleaning you can pat dry with a clean paper towel or towel to absorb excess water.

Your artist will let you know if they recommend if they want you to leave your tattoo unwrapped at this point or if they recommend re wrapping with clean seran wrap.

Ensure you are gently washing your tattoo in the shower or bath 2-4 times daily for the first few days.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist directly!

 

Touchups

All of the artists are self employed, touch ups must be done by the original artist. If your artist moved or you were seen by a guest artist, you will need to see your original artist or pay to have another artist touch up your tattoo.

Touch ups are free up to 1 year after the date of your tattoo. *Some artists have different policies*. We do not offer free touch ups on hand, finger, or feet tattoos. Please send a clear photo of
your tattoo to your artist once healed so they can see if a touchup is needed.

If the artist has to re do most of the tattoo due to not following aftercare instructions or lack of care while healing you may be subjected to paying to re do the tattoo and or paying a set up fee.

Reach out to artist if you have any questions or concerns!

How long should I continue aftercare?

Continue cleaning your tattoo 1-2 times a day minimum to help keep it clean and slough off any debris or bacteria. After cleaning, ensure you gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel and apply a thin layer of lotion. Repeat this process for 2-3 weeks to ensure proper healing.

Your tattoo should be fully healed around 4-6 weeks, though this can vary person to person due to tattoo style, skin type, medical conditions..etc. Once healed, you are welcome to send your artist a clear photo of your tattoo for a follow up!

Emergencies

If you are having any issues or have a question about your tattoo you can always message your artist directly or contact the studio.

If you suspect you may be allergic to your second skin bandage, ensure you remove immediately, follow aftercare cleaning as instructed above and contact your artist or the studio.

If you suspect an infection please seek medical care. We are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose infection. Symptoms of infection can be: Hot, throbbing, over swelling in the area, discoloured discharge or pus (Geen, yellow or brownish)...etc. Please reach out to your artist.

Over stressed tattoos can cause issues while healing. Signs of over stressing your tattoos can be oozing excessive plasma, redness in the area, swelling, heat to the area, scabbing..etc. Stay off your tattoo and contact your artist.

Hygiene

Taking care of yourself and trying to stay healthy can be very impactful to healing your tattoo.

Make sure you are drinking water daily, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and trying to limit stressors in your life.

We recommend changing or washing your bedding.

Cleaning your shower or bath tub before cleaning your tattoo while it is healing (especially if you share a bathroom).

Washing your hands before cleaning or touching your new tattoo.

Being cautious of your environment, and not touching your tattoo on objects - Example: Not touching your new tattoo on a escalator railing.

Do your best to avoid getting a cold or illness as that can slow down healing.

Tips and other things to keep in mind

We do not recommend swimming in large bodies of shared water (hot tubs, pools, lakes, oceans..etc) until you are fully healed which is approx 4-6 weeks. Submerging your tattoo before this time frame leaves you at higher risk for infection and other complications.

Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight while it is healing. Avoid tanning outside as well as tanning beds.

Always be protecting your tattoo from the sun! Sun exposure can cause tattoos to fade and colour over time. To protect your tattoo always apply SPF 30 or higher before heading outside. Be sure to re apply every 1-2 hours, especially in the summer time during outdoor activities. Try to wear clothing that can cover your tattoo to limit sun exposure. *Do not apply SPF to new tattoos, wait until they
are fully healed*.

Once you are fully healed you can exfoliate your tattoo once to twice a week (depending on your skin type) to slough off any dead skin cells to keep your tattoo looking vibrant.

Moisturizing your tattoo daily will keep your skin hydrated and make your tattoo looking bright.

While you are healing, it is important to not pick at or scratch your tattoo. You can gently pat your tattoo to help with the itchy sensation as while as moisturizing will help relieve some of the flakiness and itchy feeling.

Ensure you are avoiding any heavy lifting, standing or walking for long periods of time..etc to help avoid stressing out your tattoo (depending on placement of the tattoo). Stressing out your tattoo can cause complications while healing so try to avoid excess movement or pressure on the area for 3-7 days after your tattoo.