The Tattoo Gallery of Ocala, LLC
1037 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470
Stranger Flowers Yet Tattoo & Art Collective
10119 SE Hwy 441, Belleview, FL 34420
Tattoo Aftercare
Taking care of a new tattoo can sometimes feel like a lot to handle. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by all the advice and instructions out there. That’s why we’ve put together clear, simple steps to make the process easier for you. By sticking to our aftercare instructions and using the products we suggest, you’re giving your body the exact support it needs to heal well. Proper tattoo aftercare is super important because it helps keep your tattoo looking sharp and colorful for years. If you don’t care for it right, your tattoo could fade faster, or worse, become infected or scarred.
We understand that every tattoo and every skin type is different. That’s why we’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps. This way, you don’t have to guess if you’re doing enough or doing too much. Taking the right actions from day one makes a big difference. When you follow a good aftercare routine, you help your body recover faster and avoid common problems. For example, using the right ointments keeps the tattoo moist and protects it from dirt and bacteria. This can prevent painful infections and reduce the chance of scarring.
Healers say that keeping your tattoo clean, moisturized, and protected from sunlight is key. That’s why we recommend specific products that enhance healing. Some creams and ointments contain ingredients that soothe your skin while fighting bacteria. Using these products correctly can make the healing process smoother. Think of it as giving your body a little extra help to repair itself.
Understanding how your skin heals can also help you stay motivated. A tattoo is like a small wound that needs time and attention. If you take good care of it, the colors stay vibrant and the lines stay sharp. Not doing enough can leave your tattoo dull or patchy, while overdoing it might irritate the skin. That’s why following proven guidelines makes all the difference.
If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s always good to remember that healing takes patience. Stay consistent with your aftercare routine. Protect your tattoo from excessive sweating or soaking in water, which can cause damage. Keep it out of the sun until it’s fully healed, as UV rays can fade the ink. With dedication, your tattoo will heal nicely, looking fresh and beautiful for a long time.
Our goal is to remove the guesswork. With the right instructions and trusted products, you’re giving your tattoo the best chance to heal perfectly. Doing so not only preserves its appearance but also keeps your skin healthy. This simple approach means less worry and better results. Your new tattoo deserves the best care, and now you have everything you need to give it just that.
Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare
Saniderm is a medical grade, waterproof tattoo bandage that is breathable and used like a "second skin" to heal your tattoo. When properly used, the bandage will dramatically reduce the chances of your tattoo contracting an infection.
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Saniderm is considered a "wet" heal as it traps blood, ink, and plasma inside the bandage, isolating the tattoo and promoting a faster heal. Your bandage may fill with these fluids causing an "ink bubble". This is perfectly normal and is to be expected depending on the amount of tattooing that was done.
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Saniderm can remain on the skin for 5-7 days to keep the tattoo isolated and protected. If your bandage begins to leak at any time, remove the bandage immediately, wash with antibacterial soap and begin the traditional tattoo aftercare.
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The best way for Saniderm removal is to find an edge of the bandage, then pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so we don't recommend it. In some rare cases, people can "stick" to the bandage better than others. This can make it more difficult than normal to remove. In cases like this try removing the Second Skin in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive, making it easier and more comfortable to remove. Coconut oil can also be applied to the bandage edges to aid in releasing from the skin.
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Listen to your body! Reactions can happen. If at any time the bandage becomes uncomfortable, or skin becomes irritated or inflamed remove the bandage immediately, wash with antibacterial soap, and begin traditional tattoo care.
Traditional Aftercare Instructions
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If a black Dri Loc bandage was applied, leave the bandage on for the first two hours. Gently remove bandage, if bandage does not release easily allow lukewarm water to run over the tattoo to help release the bandage. Do Not Pull!
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If Saniderm or Recovery tattoo bandage was applied please see Saniderm instructions. Gently wash the tattoo with clean hands and liquid soap, Opti-Scrub is recommended if you prefer an antimicrobial soap, Dr. Bronners baby castille soap is recommended if you prefer a more natural soap. Avoid soaps with excessive perfumes and fragrances, try to stay as fragrance free as possible. We do not recommend any soap containing the active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride, commonly in Dial and many antibacterial soaps. Medical Studies have found many people have reactions to this chemical. Clean hands only! Do not use a washcloth, sponge, loofah, etc. Do not re-bandage tattoo.
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Gently wash the tattoo 3 to 4 times daily with Optiscrub or Dr. Bronners and allow it to air dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel.
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After the tattoo is washed and allowed to completely dry, about 20 minutes, apply a VERY SMALL AMOUNT of aftercare lotion and rub in well. The tattoo should not look shiny or greasy. Too much ointment will not allow oxygen to reach the tattoo which can slow the healing process as well as cause color loss. After Inked or Ohana Tattoo Care is recommended. You can also use Lubriderm, Aveeno, or Gold Bond Healing if you choose, just make sure it is dye & perfume free.
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After every wash allow the tattoo to air dry for about 20 minutes, then apply a small amount of aftercare to the tattoo and work gently in to the skin. (recommended After Inked or Ohana) DO NOT use an excessive amount, if the tattoo is shiny or greasy looking, you've used too much! Over applying lotion may draw ink out of the skin causing lightening and distortion.
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We do not recommend A & D ointment or petroleum jelly. These products do not allow oxygen to reach the tattoo which can delay healing and draw ink out of the skin, causing lightening of colors and distortion in the tattoo.
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DO NOT scratch or pick at the tattoo.
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DO NOT go swimming or submerge tattoo in water, i.e. hot tubs, swimming pools, spas, lakes, oceans, etc.
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DO NOT wear restrictive or tight clothing that will rub harshly against your fresh tattoo. For example, tight jeans against a leg tattoo. This can and will rub the area raw and can introduce bacteria into your new tattoo. Remember this is a healing area of skin, care should be taken to not damage the healing layer.
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DO NOT use tanning beds or lay in the sun for 3 to 4 weeks. UV rays are extremely bad for tattoos. Routine use of sunscreen, RX Sunscreen is recommended, will help your tattoo remain healthy and legible for years to come.
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Your tattoo will go through various stages of healing. All skin types are different and will heal differently. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns during the healing process.If you have any questions during the healing process do not hesitate to reach out to us!!
After Inked Tattoo Aftercare
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer is a patented Vegan formula that delivers effective skin moisturization and helps to preserve the colors of your tattoos. Dermatologist tested.
It's an amazing skin moisturizer and it can also be used on any permanent makeup procedure on lips, brows, eye liner, and areola, as well as an after-laser tattoo removal moisturizing lotion.
Made in USA of global ingredients.
Features:
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Enriched with Grape Seed Oil
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Paraben-Free / Fragrance-Free
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Non-petroleum based
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Cruelty-Free & No animal-derived ingredients (Vegan)
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Clinically tested / Dermatologist tested
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Non-Allergenic / Non-Irritant
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Relieves itching due to dry skin
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Will not stick to your clothes
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Post Consumer Recycled plastic tube
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Available in a 3 fl oz bottle or convenient 7ml pillow pack
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Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycerin (veg), Stearic Acid (veg), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Synthetic Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol (veg), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid.