FIRST 24 HOURS
If you have Second Skin:
• Leave it on for 3-5 days
• If it leaks or peels early → remove gently under running water, wash, pat dry with clean paper or towel
If you DON’T have Second Skin:
• Remove wrap after 2–4 hours
• Wash gently with lukewarm water + fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry (no rubbing)
• Apply a very thin layer of aftercare moisturiser (e.g. Panthenol, Cicaplast – find in Matas or Pharmacy)
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DAILY CARE (2–3x per day for 2 weeks)
• Wash gently
• Let it dry or pat dry with clean paper or towel
• Apply a very thin layer of aftercare moisturiser
→ Do not over-moisturize
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AVOID (for 2 weeks)
• No sun / tanning
• No swimming (pool, ocean, spa)
• No tight or dirty clothing
• No picking, scratching, or peeling
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After surface healing (week 3–6)
• Wash as needed (once daily or if dirty)
• Apply a light layer of aftercare only if the skin feels dry
• Protect from sun, tight clothing, or friction
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NORMAL
• Redness, slight swelling the first days
• Peeling / flaking
• Itchiness – do not scratch
NOT NORMAL
• Severe redness spreading
• Pus, strong pain, fever
→ Contact me and a doctor immediately
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HEALING TIME
• Surface healing: 10–14 days
• Fully healed: 4–6 weeks
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Training After a Tattoo 🏋️🥋
Light training
Usually okay after 2–3 days, if:
- the tattoo is not rubbing against clothing
- there is no heavy sweating
- the skin is not being stretched directly
Gym training
Usually safe after 4–7 days depending on placement.
Avoid:
- heavy sweating
- exercises that stretch the tattooed area
- dirty shared surfaces directly touching the tattoo
Martial arts / contact sports
Wait at least 10–14 days minimum before:
- sparring
- grappling
- pad work with friction
- close body contact
This reduces infection risk and protects healing.
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If You React to Second Skin
Some people may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction to Second Skin adhesive.
Normal signs of irritation
- Redness in the exact shape of the adhesive
- Itching
- Small bumps or rash around the edges
- Warm or sensitive skin where the adhesive sits
This usually means your skin is reacting to the adhesive — not the tattoo itself.
What to do
- Remove the Second Skin gently under lukewarm running water
- Wash the tattoo carefully with fragrance-free soap
- Pat dry with a clean towel or paper
- Continue normal tattoo aftercare with a very thin layer of moisturiser
If irritation continues, worsens, or spreads significantly:
- contact me
- seek medical advice if needed
A mild adhesive reaction usually settles within a few days once removed.
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If Your Tattoo Itches
Itching is a normal part of healing, especially when the skin starts to dry and peel.
Avoid scratching — scratching can:
- damage the healing skin
- pull away flakes too early
- create uneven healing
- increase the risk of infection
- affect fine details in the tattoo
If it feels itchy:
- apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream
- gently tap the area instead of scratching
- keep the skin clean and hydrated
The itch usually passes as the skin continues to heal
Recommended Aftercare Products
I recommend using a simple, fragrance-free healing product during the first healing phase.
- Panthenol
- Cicaplast B5
- Bepanthen
- Tattoo-specific creams (Hustle Butter)
Good aftercare is an important part of the tattoo process – How you care for it during healing will affect how your tattoo settles, how the details hold, and how well it looks for years to come.
Any questions whatsoever? I’m here for you anytime:
Monica Hee Eun / Eumji Ink
Instagram: @Eumji_ink
Monica.hee.eun@gmail.com
or:
