Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Your new tattoo is an open wound, and looking after it correctly is essential to ensure it heals properly and retains the best possible quality.

Before You Begin

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or carrying out any aftercare.

Step 1 – Remove the Dressing

  • Leave your dressing on for at least 1 hour. We generally recommend 1–3 hours, unless your artist has advised otherwise.

  • Gently remove the dressing.

  • Wash the tattoo using warm water and a mild soap.

We recommend only using:

  • Dove Soap

  • Simple Soap

Avoid using:

  • Shower gels

  • Perfumed soaps

  • Liquid soaps

These products can irritate the skin and may interfere with the healing process.

After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry using a clean, dry towel. Do not rub the area.

Step 2 – Apply Aftercare Cream

Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a very thin layer of Bepanthen.

A good rule is to apply it as thinly as you would lip balm. Applying too much cream can prevent the tattoo from breathing and may slow the healing process.

Avoid rubbing the cream aggressively into the skin. Gently spread it over the tattoo until it forms a light protective layer.

While Your Tattoo Is Healing

Please avoid the following until your tattoo has fully healed:

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis and baths where the tattoo is submerged.

  • Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

  • Sunbeds.

  • Allowing pets or pet hair to come into contact with the tattoo.

  • Picking, scratching or peeling any scabs or flaking skin.

We Recommend

  • Wash your tattoo twice a day (morning and evening).

  • Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen 4–5 times per day, or whenever the tattoo feels dry.

  • Always purchase a new tube of Bepanthen for your tattoo.

  • Never share your aftercare cream with anyone else.

  • Check that your cream is within its expiry date before use.

Remember the Three Rules

Keep it clean.

Keep it creamed.

Keep your hands off it.

Following these three simple rules will give your tattoo the best chance of healing beautifully.

Signs of Infection

Some redness, mild swelling and tenderness are completely normal during the first few days.

However, if you notice any of the following:

  • Increasing pain or throbbing.

  • A burning sensation.

  • Worsening redness or tenderness after the first few days.

  • Yellow, green or unusual discharge.

  • An unpleasant or offensive smell.

  • Fever or feeling generally unwell.

Please contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately, and also let Good Neighbour Tattoo know as soon as possible so we can advise you.

Thank you for trusting Good Neighbour Tattoo with your artwork. Following these aftercare instructions will help ensure your tattoo heals well and looks its best for years to come.

Tattoo Aftercare (Second Skin)

Congratulations on your new tattoo!

Following the correct aftercare is essential for your tattoo to heal properly and achieve the best possible result. Please read these instructions carefully.

Before Touching Your Tattoo

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or changing your dressing.

Applying Your Second Skin

Before applying a new piece of Second Skin:

  1. Wash the tattoo gently using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap such as Dove Sensitive or Simple Soap.

  2. Pat the area completely dry using a clean towel or disposable paper towel.

  3. Apply a very small, thin layer of Bepanthen directly onto the tattoo only. Do not apply cream to the surrounding skin.

  4. Apply the Second Skin over the tattoo, ensuring the dressing extends beyond the tattoo onto clean, dry skin.

The thin layer of Bepanthen acts as a barrier between the fresh tattoo and the adhesive, helping to reduce the chance of the dressing sticking to the tattoo and lowering the risk of adhesive-related skin irritation.

Changing Your Dressing

Unlike traditional healing methods, we recommend changing your Second Skin regularly.

  • Ideally, change the dressing every 24 hours.

  • If there is a significant build-up of blood, plasma or ink beneath the dressing before 24 hours, change it sooner.

Allowing excessive fluid to remain beneath the dressing can cause maceration, where the skin becomes overly saturated. This may lead to delayed healing or other healing complications.

Continue changing the dressing every 24 hours for the first 3 days.

Once the tattoo has stopped leaking fluid, you can apply a fresh piece of Second Skin and leave it in place for 3–5 days, provided the dressing remains sealed and there is no excessive fluid build-up.

Removing the Dressing

When removing the dressing:

  • Wash your hands first.

  • Remove the dressing slowly under warm running water.

  • Peel it back gently, keeping it low and close to the skin rather than pulling upwards.

  • Wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap before applying a fresh dressing.

Allergic Reactions

Some people may experience sensitivity or an allergic reaction to the adhesive used on Second Skin dressings.

If you experience significant redness, itching, burning, blistering, or irritation around the adhesive, remove the dressing immediately.

The thin layer of Bepanthen applied to the tattoo helps create a barrier between the fresh tattoo and the adhesive, which may reduce the likelihood of adhesive-related irritation.

If you suspect you are allergic to the dressing, discontinue using it and follow our standard tattoo aftercare instructionsinstead.

While Your Tattoo Is Healing

While your tattoo is healing, please avoid:

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, baths and saunas.

  • Direct sunlight and sunbeds.

  • Picking or scratching your tattoo.

  • Tight clothing that rubs on the tattoo.

  • Letting pets come into contact with the tattoo.

  • Dirty environments where bacteria may contaminate the tattoo.

Showering is perfectly fine.

What Is Normal?

It is normal to experience:

  • Mild redness.

  • Slight swelling.

  • Clear plasma, blood and excess ink during the first few days.

  • Mild itching during healing.

  • Light peeling once the dressing has been removed.

When Should I Contact Us?

Please contact us if you experience:

  • Increasing redness spreading away from the tattoo.

  • Excessive swelling.

  • Thick yellow or green discharge.

  • An unpleasant smell.

  • Severe or increasing pain.

  • Signs of infection or a severe allergic reaction.

If you feel unwell or believe your tattoo is infected, seek medical advice immediately.

Long-Term Care

Once your tattoo has fully healed, keep it moisturised regularly and protect it from UV exposure by using a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+).

Looking after your skin will help keep your tattoo looking its best for years to come.

Thank you for choosing Good Neighbour Tattoo. If you have any questions during the healing process, please don't hesitate to get in touch—we're always happy to help.