The protective film is an all-in-one tattoo aftercare solution for the initial healing stage of a tattoo: a film that acts as a second skin’ to protect stick and poke tattoo wounds from germs and bacteria and at the same time, is permeable allowing the skin to ‘breathe’. The film assists the skin to heal naturally from the inside out, by locking in the body’s natural fluids and enzymes, which guarantees beautifully healed stick and poke tattoos.
The thin self-adhesive film provides a moist healing environment during the initial, and most critical, healing stage of a hand poked tattoo wound. It protects the new tattoo from friction and provides a waterproof, antibacterial barrier that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from entering the wound.
SO WHAT IS THIS FILM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hand poke tattooing this leads to abrasion (injured tissue) and in response the skin needs to heal. The body’s natural reaction to injured tissue is to bleed and form a scab, which is created by the body to keep germs and bacteria from invading the wound and leading to infection. The body naturally goes through a process of removing dead and dying tissue (autolytic debridement). As a result the body produces fluids and enzymes to break down this dead tissue, which then dries up and evaporates. When a new tattoo wound dries up this can lead to scabs forming and this increases the risk of scarring. Scabs on tattoos cause fading, uneven colors and can even lead to permanent scarring, which is not exactly the desired reward for hours of hard work.
The protective tattoo film is the all-in-one tattoo aftercare solution for the initial healing stage of a tattoo. By using it you make sure that the body’s natural fluids and healing enzymes (autolysins) are locked in to keep the healing tattoo moist and prevent scabbing. Because the protective tattoo film is breathable you can wear it for up to several days. The film allows oxygen in, and excess moisture vapor to be released from the wound, so the skin will continue to function normally and heal faster. The film creates an antibacterial barrier that keeps your new tattoo safe from infection. No more scabbing, no risk of infection, no rubbing clothes or other external factors that will damage the tattoo. Just beautifully healed tattoos like you intended to!
WILL THE FILM STICK TO THE TATTOO AND AFFECT THE QUALITY OF THE TATTOO?
No, the adhesive component of the protective film will only stick to the dry skin around the tattoo; it won’t adhere to the weeping area of the tattoo wound. If used as intended, on a tattoo that is moist, it is not possible for the film to stick to the tattoo and pull out ink.
The film is breathable, letting oxygen in and allowing excess moisture vapour to be released from the wound. It’s light to wear, flexible and stretchable which allows it to be placed anywhere on the body and will stay put for up to several days. No more scabbing, no risk of infection, no rubbing clothes or other external factors that will damage the tattoo. Just beautifully healed tattoos like you intended to!
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WEAR IT FOR?
The first sheet of the film can be left on the skin for the first 12 to 24 hours, the exact time will depend on the amount of fluids the wound exudes, which will vary from person to person. In case of excessive bleeding or weeping the film can be replaced with another piece before. In most cases people choose to wear the first piece for 24 hours. When removing the film make sure to carefully wash the area with soap and water, and gently dry the tattoo. Once the skin is completely dry you can apply a second sheet of the protective film. This second application can be kept on for another 48 hours to five days. The total use of the film, applying both sheets is between three and six days.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER REMOVING THE SECOND APPLICATION?
Once you have removed the second sheet of the protective film it’s not necessary to apply any more film to the tattoo. By using the film you have created a ‘fake scab’ that has allowed the skin to heal from within the deeper layers. The top layer of the skin will start to dry, and in most cases this will look like the tattoo is covered with a whitish cracking thin layer of skin. This top layer of skin will start peeling and flaking. Don’t be alarmed if these flakes contain some ink, this is perfectly normal. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to not scratch, pick or peel the skin as this could cause new wounds and scarring. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to look as bright as the day you got it.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE IT?
Follow these steps to remove the protective tattoo film:
- Lift a corner of the film and stretch horizontally along the skin surface to break the adhesive bond.
- Continue stretching the edge of the film towards the center.
- 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.
In case the film is particularly resistant, you can use some water to aid breaking the adhesive bond from the skin.
SHOULD YOU BE ALARMED AT BLOOD AND FLUIDS COLLECTING UNDER THE FILM?
There is no need to worry, the film is designed to lock in those fluids produced by the body so that the healing enzymes keep the healing tattoo moist and prevent scabbing. These fluids will sometimes even include some color of the ink, which is completely normal and doesn’t mean that your tattoo is fading. In some cases the body generates larger quantities of fluids. If you see fluids starting to drip from underneath the film you should remove the film, wash the area with soap and water and let it dry to apply new film. Make sure to leave about 3-5 cm of the film in contact with the dry undamaged skin around the tattoo for it to adhere properly.
COULD YOU HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
Allergic reactions are very rare. The film is made of a hypoallergenic adhesive film and is latex free. A small number of people with very sensitive skin and are allergic to adhesives (bandages, tapes, etc.), could show a faint redness, which should immediately disappear, once the product has been removed and the skin is washed with a mild soap. In case you experience abnormal skin irritation, a rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction you should discontinue the use of the film and contact a physician. IMPORTANT: the film should never be used on infected skin.
CAN YOU SHOWER?
Yes, you can shower and bathe normally. The film is waterproof and will stay put on the skin even when immersed in water. To avoid the adhesive bond from weakening, excessive exposure to water should be avoided.
CAN YOU SUNBATHE?
We do not recommend exposing your new tattoo to the sun.
