Skin Barrier Film

The popularity of using a skin barrier film on a fresh tattoo has grown in recent years. There are many brands out there, however, Second Skin is aptly named as it is essentially a transparent film that sticks to the skin. You can’t really tell that your tattoo’s is covered.

This is a way of allowing the plasma to collect during the healing process, plasma is known for its healing properties and is naturally produced when there is any trauma to the skin.

Skin barrier films were originally made for burns, as the skin around the burn needed to excrete plasma in order to heal. Traditional bandages would stick to the skin and cause further damage. This thin medical grade barrier adheres directly to your skin. It is breathable protects from bacteria, is waterproof and protects clothing from any leakage whilst the tattoo is healing. 

If there is a lot of plasma held within the skin barrier film, it should be easier to remove. But never pull the film directly off your skin, go very slowly and hold the skin taught around the area. It may hurt slightly when being removed due to the adhesive that is used. 

It is recommended that you change this barrier film within 24–36-hour timeframe and clean the skin before applying a new barrier film.

You may experience some redness around the tattoo where barrier film was applied. This is normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive. 

If you do develop an adverse reaction on the tattoo, discontinue use immediately. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to flare ups of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, urticaria and dermatitis use with extreme caution, or perhaps avoid altogether. Anything with adhesive could cause a reaction and/or a flare up with a skin condition.

Skin barrier films may be used, and are recommended for smaller tattoos, but not always for certain areas of the body or large pieces. 

What can sometimes happen is air bubbles can form and you can get lifting where debris tends to stick to the outer edges of the skin barrier film which can introduce bacteria into the tattoo.

If done on larger areas, or areas of the body that generally have more movement, the skin barrier film will crease and loosen which can lead to the plasma leaking in areas. This is a reason why some artists would not use it over a large surface area.

Your tattoo artist will be able to advise you on the best aftercare advice for the particular tattoo you have been given.