Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare | Tattoos By Charlene
Your Second Skin
Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for your fresh tattoo while wearing Second Skin — from the moment you leave the studio until it's time to remove it.
What is Second Skin?
Second Skin is a transparent, flexible adhesive film used to protect a fresh tattoo while the skin begins its healing process.
A Protective Barrier
Second Skin creates a barrier between your fresh tattoo and the outside environment, helping protect it from everyday dirt, friction and accidental contact.
Water Resistant
The film is designed to resist water during normal showering, provided the seal remains intact. It does not mean your tattoo should be soaked or submerged.
Flexible & Comfortable
Second Skin is flexible and can move with your skin, making it suitable for many tattoo placements.
Why do we use it?
A fresh tattoo needs to be protected while the skin starts repairing itself. Second Skin can make those first few days easier when it is applied and used correctly.
Protects Your Tattoo
It helps protect the fresh tattoo from unnecessary contact, rubbing and environmental exposure.
Helps With Friction
Clothing and everyday movement can rub against a fresh tattoo. The film provides an additional protective layer.
Makes Early Aftercare Easier
Keeping the tattoo covered can make the initial healing period more convenient, especially for busy clients.
Don't panic if you see this underneath it! 👀
Because the film is transparent, you may be able to see what is happening underneath it. This can look strange at first — but some things can be completely normal during the initial healing stage.
- Ink: Some excess tattoo ink may collect underneath the film.
- Plasma: Clear or slightly yellowish fluid can be released by the skin.
- A small amount of blood: Minor bleeding or blood mixed with plasma can sometimes be visible.
- A cloudy or messy appearance: The tattoo may not look pretty underneath the film. This does not automatically mean something is wrong.
- Mild redness: Some redness around a fresh tattoo can be expected immediately after tattooing.
However, if something looks concerning, don't guess. Contact Tattoos By Charlene for advice.
⚠️ Important: Keep an eye on the seal
Second Skin only provides a protective barrier while the film remains properly sealed and intact.
- Check that the tattoo remains covered.
- Do not intentionally peel the film back to "check" your tattoo.
- If the film starts lifting around the tattoo, contact your artist for guidance.
- If the bandage leaks or the tattoo becomes exposed, the protective barrier may have been compromised.
- Do not simply place tape over an area that has become contaminated.
- If you experience significant irritation or a suspected reaction to the adhesive, remove the film and contact your artist.
While you're wearing it
A few simple rules can make the healing process much easier.
✅ DO
- Wash your hands before touching the bandage or tattoo.
- Keep the film clean and intact.
- Wear loose, clean clothing where possible.
- Be mindful of excessive rubbing and friction.
- Follow the individual instructions given by your artist.
- Contact us if you are unsure about something.
❌ DON'T
- Do not pick, scratch or peel the tattoo through the film.
- Do not deliberately lift the bandage to look underneath it.
- Do not soak the tattoo in a bath, pool or jacuzzi.
- Do not swim while your tattoo is healing.
- Do not expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight.
- Do not apply creams, oils or other products underneath the film unless specifically instructed.
Extra care for high-movement areas
Areas such as the wrist, hand, fingers, elbow, knee, ankle and other joints can be more challenging because the skin moves constantly.
Movement can cause the adhesive to loosen or the edges to lift more easily. Try to avoid unnecessary friction, excessive sweating and activities that repeatedly stretch or rub the area.
If your Second Skin starts lifting around or over the tattoo, don't pull it off unnecessarily. Contact Tattoos By Charlene so we can advise you on what to do.
Ready to remove it?
When it is time to remove your Second Skin, don't rush it. The correct removal technique can make the process much more comfortable and help you avoid unnecessarily irritating your fresh tattoo.
How to Remove Your Second Skin
When it is time to remove your Second Skin, take your time. Removing it correctly helps prevent unnecessary irritation to your fresh tattoo and the surrounding skin.
⚠️ Before you start
Do not remove your Second Skin with dirty hands or in a rushed environment. Choose a clean area where you can take your time.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Make sure your shower or washing area is clean.
- Do not use very hot water directly on your fresh tattoo.
- Have clean paper towel available before you begin.
- Do not use fingernails to scratch or dig underneath the tattoo.
Wash your hands
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Your hands should be clean before touching the bandage or tattoo.
Get into a warm shower
Warm water can help soften the adhesive and make the film easier and more comfortable to remove.
The water should be comfortably warm — not hot.
Let the water loosen the film
Allow warm water to run over the Second Skin for a short period. This can help loosen the adhesive.
Do not immediately start pulling at a dry piece of film.
Find an edge
Gently lift one corner or edge of the film. Do not dig your fingernail into the tattoo to get underneath it.
Peel slowly — don't rip!
This is the most important part.
Slowly peel the film back over itself, keeping it close to the surface of the skin rather than pulling it directly upward.
Think of it as gently stretching the film away from the skin, rather than ripping a plaster off.
If it feels stuck, stop
Do not force the film if it is strongly adhered to the skin. Let warm water run over the area again and continue slowly.
Never yank the film off your tattoo.
Remove the entire film
Continue slowly until all of the Second Skin has been removed. Check around the edges and folds of the skin to make sure no film has been left behind.
What to do after removing it
Your tattoo may look different once the film is removed. Don't panic — this is the beginning of your normal tattoo aftercare.
Gently wash your tattoo
Wash your hands first. Then gently clean the tattoo using clean fingertips and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser recommended for tattoo aftercare.
Do not use a rough cloth, sponge, loofah or exfoliating product.
Rinse thoroughly
Gently rinse away the cleanser and any remaining residue. Do not scrub the tattoo to try to remove every trace of ink, plasma or peeling skin.
Pat dry — don't rub
Gently pat the area dry using a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing the tattoo.
Allow the tattoo to air dry completely before applying your recommended aftercare product.
Apply your recommended aftercare
Once the tattoo is clean and completely dry, apply the aftercare product recommended by your tattoo artist.
Less is more. Apply a thin layer rather than covering the tattoo in a thick, heavy layer of product.
🚫 Don't do this after removal
Your tattoo is still healing, even though the Second Skin is gone.
❌ Avoid
- Scrubbing or exfoliating the tattoo.
- Picking or scratching peeling skin.
- Pulling off flakes or scabs.
- Applying excessive amounts of cream or ointment.
- Perfumed products directly on the tattoo.
- Alcohol, peroxide or harsh disinfectants on the tattoo.
- Swimming or soaking the tattoo while it heals.
- Direct sun exposure.
✅ Instead
- Keep the tattoo clean.
- Keep your hands clean before touching it.
- Use only the recommended aftercare.
- Allow the skin to breathe between applications.
- Wear clean, loose clothing where possible.
- Let peeling skin come away naturally.
- Protect the tattoo from unnecessary friction.
- Be patient — healing takes time.
What if there's sticky residue left behind?
Don't panic and don't scrub it aggressively. Small amounts of adhesive residue can sometimes remain after the film has been removed.
Gently washing the area during normal aftercare can help loosen remaining residue over time.
Do not use harsh solvents, alcohol or aggressive rubbing to try to remove adhesive from your fresh tattoo.
⚠️ What if my skin is irritated after removing it?
Some people can develop irritation from adhesive products. If the surrounding skin becomes significantly itchy, swollen, blistered, painful or develops a spreading rash, stop using the adhesive product and contact your tattoo artist for guidance.
If you develop severe symptoms or are concerned that you may have an infection or other medical problem, seek appropriate medical attention.
Second Skin is gone — healing isn't! 🖤
Removing the film does not mean your tattoo has finished healing. Your skin will continue going through several stages as it repairs.
Keep following your tattoo aftercare instructions even after Second Skin has been removed.
We recommend using Skinergy Tattoo Aftercare products.
Your Tattoo Will Change While It Heals
Your tattoo will not look exactly the same every day during healing. This is completely normal. Fresh tattoos can look bright, shiny, swollen or slightly irritated before becoming dry, flaky and sometimes temporarily dull-looking.
Stage 1 — Fresh
Immediately after your tattoo, the area may be tender, warm, slightly swollen or red. You may also see small amounts of fluid, blood or excess ink.
Stage 2 — Heal & Peel
As the skin repairs itself, it may become dry, tight, itchy or flaky. Small flakes or light scabbing can occur. Allow the skin to shed naturally.
Stage 3 — Settle
Your tattoo may temporarily look dull or cloudy while the outer layer of skin settles. The final appearance takes time to develop.
What can be normal?
Healing looks different from person to person and can vary depending on the size, style, placement and amount of work performed.
✅ You may notice
- Mild tenderness or sensitivity.
- Mild redness immediately after tattooing.
- Mild swelling.
- A small amount of clear fluid or plasma.
- Excess ink underneath the Second Skin.
- Dryness or tightness.
- Itching during the peeling stage.
- Light flaking or small scabs.
- The tattoo temporarily looking dull or cloudy.
🚫 Don't interfere with it
- Do not scratch an itchy tattoo.
- Do not pull off peeling skin.
- Do not pick at scabs.
- Do not try to "clean" away normal peeling skin.
- Do not scrub the tattoo.
- Do not exfoliate the area while it is healing.
- Do not try to speed up the healing process.
🚨 Please don't pick your tattoo!
We know it can be incredibly tempting when the tattoo starts peeling or itching — but let your skin do its job.
- Picking can irritate the healing skin.
- Scratching can cause unnecessary trauma to the area.
- Pulling away scabs or flakes before they are ready can interfere with the healing process.
- Your tattoo may temporarily look patchy while it is peeling. This does not automatically mean that ink has fallen out.
Let the flakes and scabs come away naturally.
What if my tattoo is itchy?
Itching is a common part of the healing process, especially while the tattoo is drying and peeling.
Try this instead of scratching:
- Keep your hands away from the tattoo.
- Make sure you are following your recommended aftercare routine.
- Avoid rubbing the tattoo against clothing.
- Keep your nails away from the healing area.
If the itching becomes severe, is accompanied by a significant rash, swelling or other concerning symptoms, contact a healthcare professional for advice.
Normal healing vs. warning signs
The important thing is to watch how the area changes over time. Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving should not be ignored.
🟢 Generally expected
- Mild tenderness after tattooing.
- Mild initial redness.
- Mild swelling.
- Dryness and peeling as the tattoo heals.
- Mild itching during the peeling stage.
- Small amounts of clear fluid during the early stage.
🔴 Get medical advice
- Redness that is spreading or becoming increasingly intense.
- Swelling that is getting worse rather than settling.
- Increasing or severe pain.
- Increasing warmth or heat around the tattoo.
- Pus-like or foul-smelling discharge.
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
- A significant rash, blistering or severe reaction.
⚠️ Important
Tattoos By Charlene can provide guidance about your tattoo and its aftercare, but we cannot diagnose infections, allergic reactions or other medical conditions.
If you are concerned that your tattoo may be infected or you are experiencing significant or worsening symptoms, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
If you feel seriously unwell or have severe symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.
☀️ Sun & Your Tattoo
Your tattoo needs protection from UV exposure, especially once it has healed. UV light can contribute to fading of tattoo pigments.
While healing
Keep your fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight. Do not deliberately sunbathe or use tanning beds while the tattoo is healing.
Once fully healed
Protect your tattoo when exposed to the sun with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Long-term care
Looking after your skin and protecting your tattoo from UV exposure can help keep your tattoo looking vibrant for longer.
Your tattoo needs time. 🖤
A tattoo is not finished healing just because it looks better on the surface. Be patient with your skin and resist the temptation to interfere with the healing process.
Clean hands + gentle care + patience = your best friend during healing.
Absolutely ❤️ Here’s Part 4 — the everyday-life guide. This is the section clients can quickly check when they’re wondering “Can I still do this with my fresh tattoo?”
Can I...?
Your tattoo doesn't have to stop you from living your life, but some activities need a little extra care while your skin is healing.
🚿 Can I shower?
Yes. Normal showering is generally fine.
If you are still wearing Second Skin, keep the water comfortably warm rather than very hot and avoid deliberately directing strong water pressure at the tattoo.
Once the Second Skin has been removed, gently wash your tattoo as instructed by your artist.
🛁 Can I take a bath?
Not while your tattoo is healing.
Avoid soaking a fresh tattoo in a bath. Prolonged exposure to water can irritate healing skin and increase the risk of complications.
Showering is preferable during the healing period.
🏊 Can I swim?
No — wait until the tattoo has fully healed.
This includes swimming pools, rivers, dams, lakes, the ocean and other bodies of water.
Second Skin being water resistant does not make swimming safe for a fresh tattoo.
♨️ What about a jacuzzi, hot tub or sauna?
Avoid these while your tattoo is healing.
Fresh tattoos should not be exposed to prolonged soaking, excessive heat or environments where the healing skin can become irritated.
🏋️ Can I go to the gym?
It depends on the tattoo and the activity.
Exercise can cause sweating, friction and repeated movement of the tattooed area. Equipment and clothing can also rub against the skin.
If you do exercise, avoid activities that repeatedly stretch, rub or contaminate the tattooed area and keep the area as clean as possible.
If your tattoo is in an area that will be heavily involved in the workout, giving it some recovery time is the safer option.
💦 What about sweating?
Excessive sweating can contribute to irritation and may affect the adhesive on Second Skin.
If you have been sweating heavily, follow your artist's instructions for cleaning and managing your tattoo.
Be especially careful with tattoos in high-friction or high-movement areas.
😴 Can I sleep on my tattoo?
Try not to put unnecessary pressure or friction on a fresh tattoo.
Clean bedding is important, particularly during the first few days.
If possible, position yourself so that the tattoo isn't repeatedly rubbing against your sheets or being compressed throughout the night.
Do not intentionally wrap your tattoo tightly in plastic film while sleeping unless specifically instructed by your tattoo artist.
👕 What should I wear?
Choose clean, comfortable clothing that doesn't constantly rub against the tattoo.
Tight clothing can create friction and may catch on peeling skin or the edges of the Second Skin.
For tattoos in areas such as the wrist, ankle, thigh or torso, consider what clothing will repeatedly touch the area throughout the day.
💼 Can I go to work?
Usually, yes — but your work environment matters.
Jobs involving dirt, dust, chemicals, excessive sweating, repetitive friction or contact with other people may require additional precautions.
If your workplace makes it difficult to keep the tattoo clean and protected, speak to your artist about the best approach.
☀️ Can I go into the sun?
Avoid direct sun exposure while the tattoo is healing.
Once fully healed, protect the tattoo with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever it will be exposed to sunlight.
Do not apply sunscreen directly to a fresh, healing tattoo unless it has completely healed and your healthcare professional or artist has advised otherwise.
🏖️ Can I go to the beach?
You can be near the beach, but keep your healing tattoo protected from direct sunlight, sand, seawater and prolonged exposure.
Do not swim in the ocean with a fresh or healing tattoo.
🪒 Can I shave over it?
Avoid shaving directly over a fresh or healing tattoo.
Wait until the skin has completely healed before shaving directly across the tattooed area.
🐶 What about my pets?
Keep pets from licking, scratching or rubbing against your fresh tattoo.
Your tattoo should not come into direct contact with animal saliva, fur, claws or dirty surfaces.
Wash your hands after handling pets before touching your tattoo.
👶 What if I have children?
You don't need to avoid your children, but be mindful of accidental scratching, touching, kicking or rubbing against your fresh tattoo.
Keep the tattoo clean and prevent anyone from touching or picking at the healing area.
❤️ What about intimacy?
You can make your own decisions about intimacy, but avoid activities that cause friction, pressure, excessive sweating or direct contact with bodily fluids on the healing tattoo.
Be particularly careful if the tattoo is located in an area that may be rubbed or placed under pressure.
Keep the healing tattoo clean and avoid unnecessary contact with it.
🍹 Can I drink alcohol?
Your tattoo aftercare should not be used as a reason to overindulge in alcohol during the healing period.
If you have been given specific instructions by your healthcare professional or tattoo artist, follow those instructions.
🧴 Can I use my normal skincare products?
Avoid applying fragranced lotions, exfoliants, acids, retinoids, scrubs or other potentially irritating skincare products directly onto the tattoo while it is healing.
Keep your tattoo aftercare simple and use the products recommended for your healing tattoo.
🌸 Can I spray perfume around it?
Avoid spraying perfume, body spray or fragranced products directly onto a fresh or healing tattoo.
If you are using fragrance near the tattoo, keep the product away from the healing area.
When in doubt, ask us. 🖤
Every tattoo is different. Placement, size, style, skin and your lifestyle can all affect the healing process.
If you're unsure whether something is safe for your particular tattoo, rather ask Tattoos By Charlene before doing it.
You've Got Questions. We've Got Answers.
Here are some of the questions we get asked most often about Second Skin, tattoo healing and aftercare.
Why does my tattoo look really dark or bright after removing the film?
Fresh tattoos can look much more intense than they will once healed. The skin may also look shiny, dry or slightly cloudy while it heals. Give your tattoo time to settle before judging the final result.
Why does my tattoo look dull after peeling?
During healing, the outer layer of skin can become dry and flaky. This can temporarily make the tattoo look dull or cloudy. The appearance can change as the skin continues to heal.
Is peeling normal?
Peeling and flaking can occur as a tattoo heals. Do not pull the peeling skin away. Allow it to come away naturally.
What if my tattoo is scabbing?
Some tattoos can develop light scabbing during healing. Do not pick, scratch or deliberately remove scabs. Let the skin heal naturally.
What if I accidentally scratched my tattoo?
Don't panic. Stop scratching and return to your normal gentle aftercare routine.
If you have caused significant bleeding, opened the skin or are concerned about the area, contact your tattoo artist and seek medical advice if necessary.
Can I put more Second Skin on after removing the first one?
Do not automatically re-cover your tattoo with household plastic wrap or another non-sterile covering.
If you have specifically been instructed to use another sterile tattoo film, follow the product instructions and your artist's directions.
What if my Second Skin comes off early?
If the film comes away and the tattoo is exposed, don't panic. Do not try to stick the used film back down.
Wash your hands and follow the instructions provided by your artist for your particular tattoo. If you're unsure what to do, contact Tattoos By Charlene.
What if water gets underneath my Second Skin?
If the seal has been compromised and water has entered underneath the film, contact your artist for advice.
Do not deliberately continue wearing a compromised dressing simply because you were originally told to keep it on for a certain period.
What if my Second Skin is leaking?
If fluid is escaping from underneath the film or the seal has opened, the dressing is no longer functioning as a sealed barrier.
Contact your artist for instructions rather than trying to repair the seal with household tape.
Can I use Vaseline on my tattoo?
Follow the aftercare product recommended by your tattoo artist. Avoid applying heavy layers of petroleum-based products unless specifically advised.
For long-term tattooed skin, dermatologists generally recommend keeping the skin moisturised and note that petroleum-based products can contribute to fading. 1
When can I start using sunscreen?
Do not put sunscreen directly onto a fresh or open healing tattoo. Once the tattoo has fully healed, protecting it from UV exposure is important because sunlight can fade tattoo pigments.
Once healed, dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher. 2
How long until my tattoo is completely healed?
Healing varies from person to person and depends on the tattoo, placement, size, skin and individual healing response.
The surface of the tattoo may look much better before the deeper healing process is completely finished, so don't rush back into activities that can irritate the area.
My tattoo looks patchy while healing. Is the ink falling out?
A tattoo can temporarily look uneven, dull or patchy while the outer skin is peeling and settling.
Do not assume that something has gone wrong based only on how the tattoo looks during the healing stage. Allow it to heal completely before assessing the final result.
What if I think I need a touch-up?
Please wait until your tattoo has completely healed before deciding whether it needs a touch-up.
A fresh tattoo can change considerably while the skin settles. Once healed, we can assess the tattoo properly and advise whether a touch-up is appropriate.
Can I use numbing cream or other products after tattooing?
Do not apply additional products underneath Second Skin unless you have specifically been instructed to do so.
Once the film has been removed, use only the aftercare products recommended for your tattoo.
🚨 The Most Common Aftercare Mistakes
Most tattoo problems don't happen because someone didn't care. They happen because people accidentally do too much.
Over-cleaning
Your tattoo needs to be clean, but aggressively washing or scrubbing it can irritate healing skin.
Too Much Product
Applying a thick layer of cream does not make your tattoo heal faster. Follow the recommended product instructions and use only what is needed.
Picking
Peeling skin and scabs should be left alone. Picking at healing skin can cause unnecessary trauma.
Swimming Too Soon
A fresh tattoo should not be submerged while it is healing. Wait until the tattoo has fully healed before swimming.
Sun Exposure
Fresh tattoos should be protected from direct sunlight. Once healed, consistent UV protection helps reduce fading.
Panicking Too Early
Tattoos can look weird during healing. Give your skin time to complete the healing process before judging the final result.
How to Keep Your Tattoo Looking Good Long-Term
Your tattoo is designed to last, but your skin still needs looking after.
💧 Keep Your Skin Moisturised
Once your tattoo is fully healed, moisturising your skin can help keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
☀️ Protect It From UV
UV exposure can fade tattoo pigments. Once healed, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ when your tattoo is exposed to the sun.
🖤 Don't Compare Fresh vs Healed
A tattoo can look different immediately after tattooing compared with its healed appearance. The healed result is what matters.
✨ What about touch-ups?
Please don't judge your tattoo while it is still healing. Changes in colour, clarity and texture can occur during the healing process.
Once the tattoo is fully healed, we can properly assess the result.
If a touch-up is appropriate, we can discuss the next step with you.
Please don't attempt to "fix" a healing tattoo yourself by scratching, picking or applying harsh products.
📲 When should you contact us?
Please contact Tattoos By Charlene if you're unsure about something relating specifically to your tattoo or Second Skin.
- Your Second Skin is lifting or leaking.
- You are unsure when or how to remove it.
- You have accidentally damaged or removed the dressing.
- You're unsure which aftercare product to use.
- You are worried about how your tattoo is healing.
- You think you may need a touch-up once the tattoo is healed.
We would rather you ask than guess.
⚠️ When to seek medical advice
Tattoos By Charlene can advise you about your tattoo and general aftercare, but we cannot diagnose medical conditions.
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms such as increasing redness, swelling, heat, worsening pain, pus-like discharge, spreading redness, fever or feeling generally unwell.
These symptoms can indicate a complication that requires assessment by a healthcare professional.
If you have severe symptoms or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.
🖤 Look after your ink.
You've invested in your tattoo. Give your skin the time, protection and care it needs to heal properly.
Clean hands. Gentle care. No picking. No soaking. No unnecessary irritation. And plenty of patience.
Tattoos By Charlene — Second Skin & Tattoo Aftercare Guide
This information is provided for general tattoo aftercare education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always follow the specific instructions provided for your tattoo. If you have concerns about your health or believe you may have an infection or allergic reaction, consult an appropriate healthcare professional.