Tattoo Aftercare
Fineline tattoos need gentle care. This guide covers the most common aftercare flow when a second skin (protective film) is applied after your appointment.
Healing is a process and gentle care beats “overdoing it”.
Typical healing: 2–4 weeks
Quick rules to keep in mind
- Wash hands before touching your tattoo.
- No scratching, picking, or peeling! Let it flake naturally.
- Avoid soaking (bath, pool, sauna) until fully healed.
- Avoid direct sun/tanning and use clothing as protection while healing.
Hint
You don’t have to buy expensive tattoo aftercare cream. You can also use Bepanthen or Tattoo cream from dm or Rossmann.
If you have second skin (adhesive film)
Second skin is a clear medical film that covers your tattoo, keeps out bacteria, and protects it from friction. It also keeps your tattoo moist—which helps healing. Seeing some ink or fluid collect under the film? That's totally normal.
- First 24 hours
- Keep the film on unless your artist told you otherwise.
- If the film leaks, peels off, or gets dirty, remove it and switch to the regular aftercare routine below.
- Days 2–5 (typical)
- Most people can wear second skin for 3–5 days.
- Itching under the film? That’s normal. Do not scratch through it.
- If you see spreading redness, increased pain, heat, swelling, or pus: remove the film and contact your artist or a doctor.
How to remove second skin safely
- Best to remove in the shower with warm water.
- Gently peel from one edge and pull the film slowly, parallel to your skin (do not yank it straight up).
- If it feels stuck, soak longer and use more water. Take your time!
After the film comes off (or if you didn’t use second skin)
- Cleaning
- Gently wash 1–2 times a day with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never rub with a regular towel).
- Moisturizing
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free aftercare cream/lotion 2–3 times a day.
- Avoid using too much: your tattoo should feel hydrated, not wet.
- Clothing & activity
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent friction.
- Avoid heavy sweating and tight gym wear for the first few days.
What's normal & when to get help
Normal:
- Light redness the first 1–2 days.
- Flaking, dryness & mild itching (days 3–10).
Get help if you notice:
- Redness spreading far from the tattoo
- Increasing heat, pain, or swelling
- Yellow-green discharge or strong unpleasant odor
- Fever
Note: This is general advice. Always follow your artist’s specific instructions.