After Care

Welcome to Bobinski Tattoo After Care!

Now that your tattoo session is complete, it is down to you to ensure it is cared for and heals well to retain the image. The healing process is vital to the outcome of your tattoo and any issues during this time can cause infection, scarring and loss of ink resulting in a more painful experience and a patchy/dull tattoo. This is usually due to excessive scabbing/picking, exposure to the sun, an underlying skin condition (such as psoriasis or eczema), soaking of the skin or simply not keeping the area clean. A general rule would be to keep your fresh tattoo clean at all times and not allow it to get too wet or too dry for at least 2 weeks. After that, the only enemy to your artwork is the sun! Using high factor sun cream will help your tattoo stand the test of time.

No one can tell you exactly how to care for your tattoo as each body is unique and will respond differently to different processes and products. We recommend you listen to your body and only follow guidelines from your tattoo artist or a qualified doctor.
Once your tattoo session is complete, it is down to you to ensure it is cared for and heals well to retain the image.

There are three main methods we use to protect your new artwork for your journey home from the studio. This will usually be dependent on the size/location of the tattoo, design type, or simply your own personal preference. Aftercare advice for each method can be found below.

 

YAYO Film

YAYO film is a thin self-adhesive film that provides a moist healing environment during the initial, and most critical, healing stage of a tattoo. It protects the worked skin from friction and provides a waterproof, antibacterial barrier that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from getting in. The film is breathable, letting oxygen in and allowing excess moisture vapor to escape. It’s flexible, allowing it to be placed almost anywhere on the body and stay on for several days. Benefits include reduced scabbing, reduced risk of infection, no rubbing on clothes or other external factors that will damage the tattoo, making it easier than ever to care for your tattoo.

You may experience a build-up of fluid under the film. This can contain ink, blood and plasma but does not mean you are losing any of your tattoo. The YAYO film, along with any fluid that has built up, will prevent scabbing whilst protecting your tattoo from the outside world, allowing your body to rebuild the skin with your artwork intact.

Only apply cream/ointment or moisturiser to clean dry skin. Applying cream to wet skin can trap water in the healing tattoo and cause soreness and infection, hindering the healing process.

If you feel something isn’t right at any time or have any concerns during the healing process, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to advise you or ask you to pop in for us to have a look.

Removing YAYO Film From The Skin

Follow these steps to remove YAYO film Protective Tattoo Film:

  1. Lift a corner of the film and stretch it horizontally along the skin surface to avoid breaking the adhesive bond.
  2. Continue stretching the edge of the film towards the center.
  3. When both sides of the film are partially removed, grab both sides at the same time and stretch them horizontally and parallel to the skin until the entire film lifts up.

Bandage

Some smaller or awkward to cover areas may have a gauze bandage applied. We recommend removing the bandage after 2-3 hours and cleaning the tattoo.
You can re-dress the tattoo with another Gauze bandage as required at any point during the healing process.

Cling Film

The old school method. Some swear by it where as others claim it is risky for various reasons such as incubating any germs that may find their way in, as well as excessive sweating or simply starving the skin of oxygen.

We recommend removing the cling film as soon as you get home, clean the area and allow to air dry fully (20-30 mins) before applying your preferred cream. Repeat this process as needed for at least 2 weeks, or until you feel satisfied your skin has returned to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I shower with YAYO Film on?

Yes, YAYO film is waterproof and should stay secured to skin in water, provided it is not for too long. Quicker washes around the area and not submerging it for long periods of time will help prevent any of the film from coming away from the skin.

How long do I leave YAYO Film on for?

We recommend a minimum of 3 days. Although many clients have left it one for up to 7 days with great results. Listen to your body, if you feel your healing is going backwards then take the film off.

Why is my tattoo is peeling?

Peeling skin over the tattoo as it heals is normal. This is just your body discarding the dead skin cells caused by the tattooing process.

Can I swim/go on holiday?

We strongly recommend against any swimming, sun bathing or sunbeds for 2 weeks. After this time you will want to use factor 50 at least to retain the image over the years as tattoos will fade much quicker in the sun.

Can I exercise?
We recommend staying away from physical exercise for a few days at least to allow your body time to concentrate on healing your skin and not your muscles

My clothes are rubbing on my tattoo.
It is best to wear loose clothing that wont rub on the tattooed area for the first week at least. Sometimes an absorbent gauze bandage can be used (shiny side against the skin) to reduce any friction.

What cream shall I use?
We recommend to only cream your tattoo once it has air dried fully after washing (20 mins after washing). You can use any unscented moisturising cream that suits your skin. There are many tattoo aftercare products out there to choose from, but it is best to do a spot test on the back of your hand before applying to a fresh tattoo.
We recommend – Palmers Cocoa Cutter
Other Examples – Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean, HustleButter, Bepanthen, unscented branded moisturizers.
AVOID – E45, anything with a strong scent.

Can I cover my tattoo in clingfilm for work?
We do not recommend using clingfilm on your tattoo after the first 24-48 hours as it becomes an incubator for any germs that may be present.

Does Colour take longer to heal than Black and Grey?
Generally speaking, solid colour and solid black will require more healing time than thin lines or light shading as there is more trauma to the skin and more work involved to fully cover an area of skin with solid tones. Lighter and more delicate tattoos will usually heal quicker.

If you have an aftercare questions, please contact us.