Self Adhesive films are a revolutionary healing product being used in tattooing. There are lots brands of film, but we currently use one called Dermalize. Heres a link to their site, it contains some great information.
Dermalize is a great solution for tattoo healing - its a protective covering for your new tattoo that stops it from being open to the air and irritants, and stops it from drying out too fast, which in turn limits scabbing and dryness. we use dermalize on a lot but not all tattoos. sometimes something is too big to cover, and some tattoos are easier to heal such as some linework tattoos.
Applying the Dermalize
Where you finish getting tattooed either we will cover your tattoo with clingfilm, or a first piece of dermalize. over the following 24 hours your new tattoo will weep some lymph fluid/white blood cells/general gunk and excess ink thats been trapped in pores and micro creases of your skin. this is totally normal and expected. We will ask that you have slept the first night with your tattoo wrapped in cling film. In the morning you will need to remove the cling film or first piece of dermalize if you had one, wash the tattoo gently in warm soapy water or the shower, rub very gently with your fingertips or a gentle palm to remove and thicker slime, then pat it dry. Once dry, you will need to apply the dermalize.
Remove the thin back strip and part of the larger backing
Using the arrows on the film to centre the sheet, line up the sheet to cover the whole tattoo with at least 2cm at the bottom -if you have a larger tattoo needing two sheets of film, place the first sheet to half cover the tattoo -ie. a 2cm margin around all of the left side, top and bottom, the second sheet will got to the right hand side
Gently smooth down the film until its all stuck, trying to avoid air bubbles. Don’t worry if there are some bubbles, they won’t be an issue. if they are close to the edge try gently squeeze them towards the edge and out, but don’t worry too much.
Peel the top sheet off by peeling the green arrows away from each other to leave only the thin film.
If you have a larger tattoo needing two sheets of film, repeat the process, overlapping the first sheet with the second by around 2cms
Voila! all done. leave it now for around 4-5 days.
Once you’re all wrapped up and stuck down you can still shower, get the film wet (but not prolonged submersion) wear tight clothes like tights or leggings and move around. you can pretty much try to forget its there. If at any point it starts to catch and peel back you can trim the wrinkled edge carefully with nail scissors, but if it peels back enough to uncover any part of the tattoo take it off and wash it, then follow normal aftercare instructions - keep it clean and apply a little aftercare cream to it when it feels dry or tight.
Eek! have I had a reaction to the dermalize?
Whatever you do, Never google ‘is my tattoo infected’ - chances are its probably not, and all you’ll see is either worst case scenarios or more scary stuff that will put you off your dinner. If you genuinely think that your tattoo is infected contact us as soon as possible to cast an eye over it, and/or go to your GP or walk in clinic. Back to dermalize. The sticky bit of dermalize is a hypoallergenic, non latex or natural rubber adhesive. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that no one will get an allergic reaction to it. Lots of people use it successfully, but every now and again someone will have a reaction. reactions can range from simple redness or itching to a more obvious painful reaction. In hot weather more people are likely to get a heat rash under it and as you’re probably already a bit nervous about looking after your new tattoo you might think its an infection. Generally if you experience anything itchy or mildy sore in the first 24 hours of using the film take it off, give the area a good (gentle) wash, and then let the area dry out for 24 hours before putting any creams or lotions on it.
If you have reason to believe you have developed an infection please seek medical advice from a GP or walk in centre. We take every measure professionally possible to avoid any contamination within the studio but as soon as you leave we cannot control anything that may contaminate your new tattoo, or avoid allergic reactions to films or creams.
You can always get in touch with us for advice if you need it.
Removing Dermalize
Time for the big reveal! you probably have some slimy gunk under the film by now that is a mix of colours, this is totally normal. To remove the film, rub gently against the edge of the film until it wrinkles and gathers, and then pull the film along the skin instead of up and away, as you can see in the video. Some people find it easier to remove in the shower whilst getting it wet. It is not unusual to have slight redness of the skin around the tattoo or a wrinkled texture due to the film being on for the time period. This should disappear in a day or two. Give the tattoo a good wash with warm soapy water and for the next few days use a gentle moisturiser as the tattoo sheds some thin flakes.