Protect Your Ink
Your tattoo leaves with you. Here’s how to look after it.
Start With Your Artist’s Instructions
This guide covers Recovery Derm Shield. If your artist used another dressing or gave you a different care plan, ask them which instructions apply before changing your bandage.
The First Bandage
Recovery recommends changing the first Derm Shield application around 24 hours, depending on fluid buildup. Some blood and fluid beneath it is expected. Confirm your change time with your artist.
Clean & Dry
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Gently clean the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap, then rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and allow about 15 minutes to air-dry before applying a replacement dressing.
Apply Fresh Derm Shield
If your artist instructed you to reapply it, cut a fresh piece with a 1–2 inch border around the tattoo. Remove the backing, place the adhesive side against clean, dry skin, and gently smooth outward without stretching. Remove the outer printed layer, leaving the thin film. Don’t puncture air bubbles.
Know When To Remove It
The shop’s original guide recommends 5–7 days for the replacement dressing, as directed by your artist. Recovery limits each individual piece to seven days. Gently clean and dry between applications.
Stop using Derm Shield if adhesive irritation or an allergic reaction occurs; seek medical care for a severe reaction. Never apply it over an infected wound. If the film leaks or exposes the tattoo, contact your artist for instructions.
Remove & Moisturize
Under warm running water, slowly fold the film back over itself rather than pulling upward. Gently wash afterward. The shop recommends fragrance-free lotion 1–3 times daily through the remaining healing period.
Something Doesn’t Feel Right?
Redness that spreads or darkens, worsening pain, pus, open sores, fever, or chills can signal infection. Contact a healthcare professional promptly instead of waiting for a shop reply. Trouble breathing or severe swelling needs emergency care.
For routine bandage and aftercare questions, contact your artist or the shop.
Call The Shop · (801) 689-3296