Red Fern .INK Tattoo

Healing/ Aftercare Advice

First Hours / First Day

  • Leave the second skin (protective film) on for the time I recommended to you personally— usually 24–48 hours depending on the area/ how much the tattoo leaked etc.
  • Avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands.
  • Expect some redness, heat, and light weeping; this is normal. Don’t panic if it looks like a puddle the next day- if it’s sealed and not leaking out then it’s perfectly ok! The extra fluid will eventually dry and washes off, when removing the second skin.

Removing the Second Skin

  • Remove it slowly and carefully, ideally under warm running water to loosen the adhesive. After a shower is best.
  • Start peeling it off from a corner, it will come off all in one piece.
  • If it’s very stuck, apply more warm water — don’t rip it off dry.
  • Once removed, gently wash the area (with soap), until it feels clean and no longer slimy to touch.
  • Directly after removal the skin might be a bit tender/pinker, that’s normal.

Cleaning the Tattoo

  • Wash twice daily for the first week.
  • Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g. antibacterial soap).
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel — avoid regular cloth towels (they can hold bacteria & are too coarse).
  • After washing, let the tattoo air-dry for a few minutes before applying aftercare cream.

Moisturising

  • Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare cream, using round gentle motions: I suggest Bepanthen Plus cream (available in most pharmacies in Estonia).
  • Do not over-apply — the tattoo needs to breathe. Too much cream used can lead to infection!
  • If it looks shiny or greasy, you’ve used too much; gently dab off excess.

General Care (First 2 Weeks)

  • Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at flakes or scabs.
  • Wear clean, loose clothing to avoid friction. Natural breathable fabrics are ideal.
  • Keep pets, dust, and dirty hands away from the tattoo.
  • Avoid sweating heavily, workouts that stretch the area, or anything that causes chafing.

Water & Sun

  • No swimming, baths, saunas, hot tubs, solarium, or soaking for at least 2–3 weeks.
  • Avoid direct sunlight; keep the tattoo covered if you’re outdoors.
  • After it heals, always use high-SPF sunscreen (+50 SPF) when exposed to the sun.(Do not use sunscreen when it’s still healing!)

Normal Healing Signs

  • Itching, flaking, light peeling.
  • Small scabs.
  • Muted colours during the “peeling stage”.

Warning Signs (Seek Advice If…)

  • Excessive redness spreading outward.
  • Severe swelling or fever.
  • Yellow/green fluid or strong smell.
  • IF you notice any of these signs or are not sure about any other skin issues contact me for further instructions immediately!