The first day

• Take the cover off after 1 to 2 hours.
• Wash gently with lukewarm water and an unscented antibacterial soap (QV, Dermaveen or Cetaphil).
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel, not a hand towel, or let it air dry.
• Apply a thin layer of unscented barrier cream (Bepanthen, Hustle Butter or Ink Nurse).
• If your artist used Second Skin, skip to that section instead.

Healing, about 2 to 3 weeks

• Wash morning and night, then apply barrier cream, no more than 3 times a day.
• No other creams, oils or sprays.
• Showers are fine. No baths, pools or the ocean.
• Don't wrap it again.
• Skip the gym and heavy sweating.
• Keep it out of the sun, and no sunscreen or zinc on it yet.
• Wear loose, clean clothes.
• Don't pick, itch or scratch. A gentle pat is fine.
• A dry, milky layer near the end is normal.

Second Skin

• Leave the film on for four days. Showers are fine, but don't soak it or sweat heavily.
• Take it off straight away if it leaks, peels, gets punctured or the skin underneath gets very sore.
• Remove it in the shower, wash gently, apply barrier cream, then follow the healing steps above.
• Cloudy fluid, a blurry or bubbly look and ink on the film are all normal.

The next 3 to 6 months

• Keep the skin moisturised and clean, ideally with fragrance-free products.
• Avoid knocks to the area.
• Exfoliate gently now and then to stop ingrown hairs, but don't pick them, and avoid chemical exfoliants.
• Use SPF 50+ whenever it sees the sun.
• Once it's fully healed, swim as much as you like.

When to get help

• See a doctor and let your artist know if you notice any of these:
• Fever or chills (get medical help straight away).
• Redness that stays or gets worse.
• Oozing or pus after the first 2 to 3 days.
• A lot of swelling, a rash, severe itching or hives.
• Raised skin, lingering redness, distorted colour or pitting.