Transparent dressing is a breathable, non-penetrable bandage known commonly as Saniderm, Tegaderm, DermaFilm, DermaView, Tatu-Derm, Derm Shield, or 2nd Skin.

Originally created for burn victims, to allow their skin to heal safely from the inside out, this bandage allows oxygen to reach your skin/tattoo while protecting it from exterior bacteria/germs/debris (if properly sealed.)

By allowing the bodies lymphatic fluids to do their job without drying out and scabbing at the surface, your skin heals more comfortably, and limits the amount of interference posed by external factors.

The bandage is water-resistant, but not entirely water-proof, as it requires a tight, impenetrable seal around its perimeter to be worn in the shower/rain. If the seal is compromised, so is the bandage, and consequently, the skin.

Once you notice peeling or an air tunnel leading from the perimeter of the bandage to the tattoo itself, you must gently remove the bandage (with freshly washed hands) and wash and dry the tattoo according to the aftercare instructions previously provided.

Lymphatic fluids do have the tendency to pool under transparent dressing, especially for tattoos with more detailing.

If you have a more complex tattoo, you will notice what is commonly referred to as an “ink sac”. This puddle is just blood, plasma, lymphatic fluids, and excess ink rising to the surface of the skin.

Do not pop, cut, or peel the bandage when you have an “ink sac”. Only peel off the bandage if this liquid is weeping out of the bandage. The liquid shall dry on its own within a day or two of its emergence, if undisturbed.

Transparent Dressing is entirely safe to wear for 2-5 days if properly sealed, and left undisturbed.

This bandage is not similar to cling film in any sense, other than its transparency, and therefore can be worn for longer than a few hours.

Cling film is not a breathable material and does not provide a tight seal. Cling film should never stay on your tattoo for longer than a couple hours; it can lead to infection and poor healing.

**Neither Cling Film nor Transparent Dressing should be worn in extreme heat. If worn in extreme heat, your skin will be susceptible to heat rash.

Always use unscented liquid soaps to wash your tattoos. Bar soaps harbor bacteria & fragrance can irritate the skin.

I am not responsible for any reactions you may have to topical substances. Always do your research before trying something new. That said, I will list some products here that I (and other tattoo artists) have used and recommended to clients.

Only use products that you trust, and that are compatible with your skin.

** When trying new or unfamiliar products, always perform a patch test on a small section of skin away from the tattoo site. If any redness, irritation, or signs of allergic reaction occur, cease use of that product immediately. **

Soaps I Personally Use and Trust:

❊ Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash

❊ Naturium The Soother Sensitive Skin Body Wash

❊ Dr.Bronner’s Unscented Baby Organic Sugar Soap

❊ La Roche Posay LIPIKAR WASH AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

❊ La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foam Cleansing Oil

Commonly Recommended Soaps:

❊ Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, For Sensitive Skin

❊ Dial Kids 2-in-1 Body + Hair

❊ Dial Gold Advanced Clean

I am not responsible for any reactions you may have to topical substances. Always do your research before trying something new. That said, I will list some products here that I and other tattoo artists have used and recommended to their clients.

Only use products that you trust, and that are compatible with your skin.

When using new or unfamiliar products, always perform a patch test with freshly washed and dried hands on a small, clean portion of skin away from your tattoo and observe for a day or two prior to applying it to your new ink. At any sign of irritation or allergy, cease use immediately.

Petroleum-Free:

❊ Toad and Turnip Herbal Tattoo Balm (use discount code “ilia123” for 10% off your purchase) — Small Batch, Handmade, Locally-Sourced Ingredients, Queer-Owned, Found on Etsy

❊ Hustle Butter Deluxe — Cruelty Free, Vegan, Natural Ingredients, Non-Comedogenic, Phthalate-Free, Found at Ulta and Online

❊ Green Goo Tattoo Care Salve — Organic, Natural Ingredients, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Found in Some Pharmacies and Big Box Retailers

Petroleum-Based:

❊ Aquaphor — Affordable, Found in Most Pharmacies and Big Box Retailers

You can resume use of Sunscreen and Products containing SPF once your tattoo is fully healed and no longer peeling.