Taking care of your tattoo at home is easy if you follow the recommendations and directions that your artist gives you. After you get your tattoo done, the artist will place a recovery bandage (Dermalize) over your tattoo and provide instructions on what you need to do and the proper way of doing it. Dermalize locks in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, which allows the body to heal itself in the most efficient manner.
Dermalize’s adhesive will not attach to the weeping area of a tattoo, so it will not damage or pull any of the ink out. The bandage stays on the skin even if it gets wet, so you are able to shower like you would normally do. It is waterproof, but excessive water exposure could weaken the adhesion.
How long should it stay on your tattoo? The first piece of Dermalize can be left on your tattoo for 8 to 24 hours. Length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps as everyone heals differently. If you notice an excessive amount of drainage under the dressing, replace it with a new one. The second piece can be worn up to 5 days after application. Total max suggested use is no longer than 6 days.
Application of the bandage is easy if you follow the steps. Make sure that the skin areas is clean and dry, then cut the necessary length. Allow at least 2″ to be in contact with undamaged skin. Make sure to not stretch skin during application as that may cause skin irritation. Remove paper backing by exposing the adhesive side of Dermalize, than apply with light pressure over the tattoo by starting from the center and moving out to the edges. Final step is to remove plastic backing, leaving only Dermalize on skin.