The Tattoo-Derm™ bandage is a breathable, waterproof, bacterial resistant barrier. This barrier helps to reduce the invasion of environmental pathogens into the fresh tattoo; at probably the most crucial point of the healing process.

Leave bandage on for 12 to 20 hours. During this time watch for excessive pooling of fluids under the barrier. They will look like a watery blister. If any of these 'blisters' appear, remove the bandage and begin your aftercare process. If you do not notice any such pooling or it is a very minimal amount you may leave the Tattoo-Derm™ on for the full 20 hours. When removing Tattoo-Derm™ from your tattoo the process is a little easier in the shower or under running water. Tattoo-Derm™ does not actually stick to the tattoo, but instead sticks to the dry skin around the tattoo. This adhesion is where the pain of removal usually occurs. Remove the bandage evenly, in a downward motion, with the grain of the skin, slowly, while supporting the skin in the process.

• All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.

• Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

• Keep your tattoo clean!

• Wash hands thoroughly before ever touching a healing tattoo.

• Dirty sheets, dirty clothes, touching without washing your hands, and animal dander/contact can cause irritation as well as minor to major infections. Try to keep any foreign objects from touching a fresh tattoo.

• Wash the tattoo using Pride/H2Ocean aftercare cleanser. (or mild unscented liquid antibacterial soap warm water)

• Take care to remove all traces of blood and plasma as this will cause scabbing.

• Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two-week healing period.

• Let your tattoo air dry or pat with a clean paper towel. It's very important to let your tattoo "breathe" like this any time you get it wet before it gets into the peeling stage.

Once dry, apply a SMALL amount of Pride or H2Ocean Aftercare Ointment. Make sure you are keeping enough ointment or lotion on the tattoo, so it does not dry out. Be careful to not glob on the lotion and keep ointment on the tattoo, and not around it on bare skin. TOO much lotion on the skin surrounding the tattoo can cause a heat rash. Repeat the cycle of washing, drying, and applying lotion to the tattoo about 3-4 times per day for the first 5 days (while the tattoo feels tender).

Apply moisturizer twice a day for the remainder of 4 weeks.

Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance until the healing is complete.

DO NOT SWIM! Long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed or will soak through the soft tissue turning it into a soggy mess and cause your ink to flow down the drain. This includes swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.

DO NOT PICK, SCRATCH OR RUB YOUR TATTOO. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it's healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. Just remember not to pick or scratch no matter what!

Remember, the sun is BAD for your tattoo! Whether the tattoo is new or old, if you want it to look nice and heal properly, keep it out of the sun. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and could cause it to form a horrendous scab resulting in fading before it is even healed. It will also take much longer to heal completely and promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high-quality sunblock. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing. Wait until it is fully healed before going into the sun.