With Second skin
Protect/Isolate
I recommend keeping it on for 2 to 3 days to prevent any irritation on your fresh tattoo upon contact with clothes/towels/sheets. The fluids your skin will be expelling will loosen up the adhesive where the tattoo is located promoting the perfect barrier to make sure your healing will be smooth. The second skin barrier is fully water proof so you can shower normally and dress however you want.
Peel/Wash
Whenever you choose to remove the film, make sure to do it in the shower as the running water facilitates the removal and clean it as you go. I advise the use of a moisturiser for a couple of days afterwards to help your skin bounce back to normal and still avoid sun exposure , swimming pools and oceans for 2 weeks to make sure no bacterias will get in touch with you freshly healed tattoo.
Without Second skin
Wash/Mosturise
Leave the plastic protection applied after the end of the procedure at the tattoo shop for at least one hour. After that, remove it and wash your skin with water and soap. There’s no need to reapply the plastic, it’s more beneficial for your skin to breathe with no contact with clothes or barriers. Starting on the second day apply the cream (Bepanthen or your cream of choice) twice a day for a week and a half to two weeks. Make sure to wash and fully dry your skin before applying it.
Let it heal
For a smooth healing process it’s important to take the cream application seriously and also avoid scratching it, sun exposure, swimming pools and ocean water. General exercise is allowed as long as you are not putting extra strain on the healing area. The general healing time overall is 2 weeks but it might take up to 4 week for it to settle fully.