We've learned about applying and removing TransTape, but we haven't gone into a lot of detail about after-care. After-care can mean applying healing salve but it can also mean letting your mind rest along with your skin. And if you're new to TransTape, this is especially important.
Hello, you wonderful people!
And hello to the jerks too, I guess.
As per usual, I have summoned you all here today to discuss TransTape.
And how to take care of yourself in-between your applications.
Regardless of how many times you have used TransTape, it is extremely important to take care of yourself after every single use.
But for the newer users, it's even more important to take time for your body to recover.
I've personally been using TransTape for at least 4 years and I always try to take at least 12 to 24 hours for my skin to rest.
But, it isn't just about the skin.
And that's going to be our topic of the day.
However, let's chat about what exactly TransTape is and why we should include them in our wills.
What Is TransTape?
If you've used TransTape a million and one times, and nothing less than one million and one, you may skip this section.
Don't feel pressured to read this section, it'll only break my heart.
In all seriousness, we're just going to go over what exactly TransTape is before we really get into our topic of after-care.
It's a backless, strapless and waterproof alternative to binders, bras, gaffes and other self-affirming products.
If you're someone who packs, TransTape can also replace those expensive packing briefs and you can even stand to pee with it, if that's your thing!
The fabric to this amazing stuff is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making it comfortable and flexible.
And to keep this fabric attached to our delicate skin, TransTape uses a hypoallergenic medical grade acrylic adhesive that is latex free and non-medicated.
And what I mean by that is, it's made with everyone in mind.
Everyone can use TransTape, whether you use it to ease gender dysphoria or replace an overpriced bra that isn't even comfortable.
Some people don't realize that the "Trans" in TransTape stands for transformation and not transgender. This seems to be a very common misconception!
TransTape is for everybody, and don't forget it!
Regardless of your lifestyle, from an adventure craving daredevil to a relaxed homebody, TransTape has you covered.
Workout in the gym, float in the ocean, read a book in your favorite chair or do all three this week with the same application!
Enjoy the best things in life as your authentic self.
Find your freedom.
What Is After-Care?
That is an excellent question.
I would describe after-care as taking necessary steps to cure or heal yourself.
And healing yourself can be mental or physical, by the way. We're going to talk about both, so don't worry.
After-care is extremely important when it comes to TransTape.
At least I think it is, anyways.
Not only does your skin need a break in-between your applications, so does your mind.
More often than not, we're usually handling parts of our body that are far from our favorite and that can really take a toll on us.
For me, the removal process is the most difficult. I'm handling a vulnerable part of my body and removing what helps me feel comfortable in my body at the same time. It isn't always easy and that's okay.
After-care doesn't end after removal though, that's just where it begins!
Let's talk about it.
Physical
When I refer to physical after-care, I'm talking mostly about what you can do to help your skin recover.
This includes giving your skin some rest time, using removal oil to remove tape or using salve.
After we remove our tape, our skin is uncovered for the first time in what can be a week or in some cases, even longer.
And not to mention, it had some pretty good adhesive stuck to it for that whole time.
Using Removal Oil is always recommended for removal because jojoba has natural healing properties that help re-hydrate the skin, improve elasticity and it even helps regulate our body's natural oil production.
Personally, I think jojoba oil should be a part of everyone's daily skincare routine.
But like I said before, removal is only the beginning of TransTape after-care.
After you remove your tape, it is also recommended to invest in some Repairing Salve.
Similar to the Removal Oil, Repairing Salve possesses natural healing properties.
These healing properties are derived from organic coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax and monarda, cedarwood and frankincense essential oils.
This salve helps treat and prevent skin irritation.
After removing an application, even if you use oil, it isn't completely abnormal to have some slightly irritated or raised skin.
It happens, even to me sometimes.
But that's why it is recommended to apply to any irritated areas after removal. This does not include open blisters or broken skin. Salve should never be applied to an open wound. If you have an open injury, wait until there is a healed layer of skin over it before applying salve.
But above all else, give your skin some time to breathe before reapplying.
I understand that TransTape may be your only option, I do.
It's pretty much my only option, too.
That doesn't change the fact that our skin needs time to breathe though.
Even if it's just overnight.
Ideally, you want to give your skin 24-48 hours to fully recover before you go ahead and reapply your TransTape.
If you are a new user, the longer wait time will likely be more beneficial for you too.
I say this because the more you tape, the more your skin will start to adjust. And before getting used to TransTape, it may take longer to recuperate between applications.
Which is totally okay, all of our bodies are different. You know your body the best!
Now let's move on to the juicy stuff.
Mental
I personally feel like mental after-care is underrated.
It is so crucial to our TransTape experience and our human experience!
Our mind is a funny place and we spend a lot of time there, so we should take the time to make it a pleasant place to be.
Easier said than done, believe me I know.
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't at least try.
Mental after-care can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
It can mean going for a long, or short, hike.
It could mean lighting your favorite candle.
It could mean watching your favorite movie.
It could even mean grabbing a Redbull from the gas station.
Regardless of what it means to you, it's important to set aside time for it.
I'm talking about everyday, too. Not just once a month or only when you remove your TransTape. Mental after-care, mental health, is extremely important and we should all make time for it. You're not alone.
Mental after-care plays a big role in TransTape after-care, because like I mentioned earlier, it's pretty likely that you're working with a part of your body that may not be your favorite.
Now, that may not be true for you and that's totally cool! But for some of us it is and that's why it's important to talk about it.
Body dysmorphia and/or gender dysphoria can be a huge challenge, or a consistent challenge, that we have to face in our everyday lives. And when we work closely and directly with the source of those feelings, that challenge gets a whole lot scarier and real.
Getting into the right mindset before and after taping can make an incredible difference in how we feel about ourselves.
Especially after we remove it.
That's why taking a few extra steps, like creating a pleasant environment or planning to do something you enjoy afterwards, is well worth your time.
Your skin isn't the only part of your body that needs a break, your brain needs one too.
Next time you remove your TransTape, set aside some time to set off happy sparks in your brain. Figure out a few things that bring you joy and have at it.
Your brain will thank you.
How Do I After-Care?
I just talked your ear off about after-care and mental health after disguising it as TransTape after-care (because it is), but now you're wondering, "What does after-care look like for me?"
Unfortunately, I really can't answer that question for you.
Aside from reminding you that using removal oil and salve aren't as much suggestions as they are demands.
And I can also remind you that it's a little bit different for everybody.
All of our bodies are different and that includes our minds too.
For some of us, we like to enjoy a peaceful environment or the sounds of nature on a beautiful fall evening.
Covered in repairing salve.
And some of us would prefer blasting music at home where we can let unapologetically let ourselves loose.
Personally, I'd be happy with either.
But, it doesn't matter how you practice as long as you are taking care of yourself and giving your body time to rest in-between every application.
The next time you take your tape off, practice after-care and check in with your body.
And treat it with love and kindness.
Until next time,
Stay awesome,
Stay beautiful,
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
Welcome to the cool kids club!
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 and Find Your Freedom with TransTape!
