At the end of a session we cover your tattoo with one of two things: a second skin film or Derma-X gel. Both protect the tattoo in the first days. What you do next depends on which one you have.
Second skin film
We use Kosmos The Repairing Film. It protects the tattoo. For a small tattoo, take it off the next morning. For anything bigger we tell you the right moment, because it depends on the tattoo and its details. Until then, keep it on.
Once it is off, wash the tattoo with neutral soap and water, let it dry, then apply a thin layer of cream.
Derma-X gel
Derma-X is a gel that dries into a protective film. It stays on for 6–7 days and comes off by itself, a little more with every shower. You don’t need to remove anything. Shower as usual.
Once it has come off, follow the daily care: wash once a day and apply cream 2–3 times a day.
The two side by side
| Second skin film | Derma-X gel | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A protective film over the tattoo | A gel that dries into a protective film |
| How long | Small tattoo: until the next morning. Bigger: we tell you | 6–7 days |
| Taking it off | You take it off, at the moment we give you | It comes off by itself |
| After | Wash, dry, thin layer of cream | Daily care once it has come off |
Which one do I have?
We tell you at the end of the session. In our aftercare guide you pick which one we used and see the steps for it. If you are not sure, message us on WhatsApp and we will tell you.
On the way home
If you are flying, keep the film on until we tell you it can come off. With Derma-X there is nothing to take off. The rest of the routine is in tattoo aftercare: the first days, week and month.
Questions people ask
Can I shower?
Yes. With the film, wash the tattoo as described above once it is off. With Derma-X, showering helps the gel come off by itself.
Do I have to peel the Derma-X off?
No. It comes off by itself over the days, a little more with every shower.
What goes on the tattoo after?
A thin layer of cream, 2–3 times a day. We sell ALOE PRO V at the studio, and Aquaphor works too. More in what cream to use on a new tattoo.
What if it looks wrong?
Redness, itching and peeling at some stages are normal. If you are worried about how it looks, message us before you try anything yourself. Infected tattoo or normal healing lists what to watch for.