Picked up your new piece at Old Dragon Ink? Congratulations! To keep the colors vibrant and the lines crisp for years to come, proper aftercare is essential. A tattoo is an investment in your body—and aftercare makes up 50% of the result.
In this post, you’ll learn everything about the three most common healing methods and what you need to watch out for in everyday life.
1. The gold standard: Second Skin (Suprasorb F)
The most modern way to heal a tattoo. This breathable, transparent film acts like a second skin and offers maximum protection.
- Benefits: You can shower normally, clothing won’t rub, and bacteria don’t stand a chance.
- Wear time: Ideally 5 to 6 days.
- Important note: It’s completely normal for wound fluid and ink to collect under the film (it often looks “mushy”)—and it actually supports healing.
- Removal: Best done in the shower with lukewarm water—gently peel it off. Afterward, wash only with your hand and pH-neutral soap.
2. The classic: The aftercare dressing (absorbent pad)
Especially for larger projects or when film isn’t possible, we use an absorbent dressing.
- Schedule: Change it 3 times a day for 3 days.
- How to: Remove the old dressing, gently wash the tattoo, pat dry with a lint-free paper towel (Zewa), apply a very thin layer of cream, and re-wrap.
- Warning: Never use fabric towels to dry it—those are breeding grounds for bacteria!
3. Why we should avoid cling film
Kitchen cling film isn’t breathable. Heat builds up, softens the skin, and creates a paradise for bacteria. We recommend it only for the short trip home after your appointment, at most.
4. Troubleshooting: When your skin reacts
- Red edge: Often just irritation from friction or lint along the adhesive edge.
- Allergy: If the skin under the entire film burns or itches intensely: remove the film immediately and switch to conventional aftercare (creaming).
- Film peeling off: If the tattoo is exposed, either disinfect with Octenisept and apply a new piece of film (skin must be dry!), or remove the film completely and start creaming.
5. The golden rules for the first 4 weeks
To prevent scarring or color loss, follow these don’ts:
- No sun & no tanning beds: UV radiation destroys the pigments in a fresh wound.
- No water: Avoid full baths, chlorinated water (pools), and salt water.
- No sports: Sweat and stretching the skin can trigger inflammation.
- Don’t scratch: Even if it itches—the scab needs to fall off on its own!
Conclusion: Less is more
Once the film is off, you should apply a very thin layer of cream to your tattoo about 3 times a day (e.g., a dedicated tattoo ointment or panthenol). Too much cream can “suffocate” the skin and cause pimples.
Not sure how your healing is going? As an Old Dragon Ink client, you can send me a photo anytime. We’ll take a look at it together!
