Aftercare Instructions

Unlike plastic wrap, derm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof bandage. Derm is engineered to be permeable to gasses, like oxygen. These bandages alleviate many of the pitfalls that come with other tattoo healing methods.

Primarily, derm drastically reduces germs entering the open wound site of a fresh tattoo. Wearing derm protects the area from unwanted shear/friction and allows the body to keep itself moisturized. Plus, it conveniently eliminates sessions of washing and applying aftercare to a new tattoo. The result is a tattoo healing experience that is safer, smoother, and more efficient.

Your artist will do this part before you leave the shop

1. Cut and trim derm to fit around the tattoo, including an extra inch around all sides.
2. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.
3. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth the bandage over the tattoo.
4. Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours if the tattoo is weeping out of the bandage. It's fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period.

When you're on your own

1. To remove derm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it away from itself like a command strip. The shower is the ideal place to remove derm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of derm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
2. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild fragrance-free soap. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
3. If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. If you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, use a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. If you plan on applying another derm, do not apply aftercare beforehand. Derm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.
4. Apply a second bandage by following the application steps listed above.

Additional removal and reapplication information

• Keep this second bandage on for 3 to 5 days, the full 5 days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it's okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.
• Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you're keeping the area thoroughly moisturized.
• If there is adhesive residue left over on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for removal.

While healing a new tattoo, do not swim, sauna, hot tub, or bathe. Showers are perfectly fine. Avoid long exposure to sunlight for 2 to 3 weeks; after that, keep sunscreen on your tattoos to help them age well!