If you’ve spent any time in a tattoo shop, chances are you’ve seen Recovery in action. For years now, Recovery has been raising the bar for pre-, during-, and post-care routines across tattooing, PMU, piercing, and laser removal. But Recovery’s expertise goes beyond what happens after the procedure. Part of the reason they've become a household name comes down to one fundamental understanding: that outstanding healed results start long before aftercare even enters the picture. They start with the best skin prep, the right products during the session, and a complete approach to caring for the skin from start to finish. That philosophy is now built into Recovery’s new 3-step system. Here’s everything you need to know. What Is the Recovery 3-Step System? Think of this new system as a roadmap for skin care before, during, and after a procedure—whether you’re tattooing, piercing, performing PMU, or helping a client through laser removal. It’s designed to connect every step of the client experience, giving every product a clear purpose and helping artists build a more consistent routine from start to finish. The system is broken down into three key stages: START preps the skin and workspace before any session. SET supports a sanitary, smooth, and skin-friendly workflow SUSTAIN helps protect and care for the skin after the appointment. So, what does that mean for you? A complete system means less guesswork and a more consistent routine. Instead of thinking about the end result only when the client walks out the door, START, SET, and SUSTAIN encourage you to consider healing from the very beginning, before you even put needles to skin. And with Recovery’s extensive lineup of professional skin care products, knowing what belongs where can make all the difference. This system helps simplify your setup by showing you exactly where each product fits into the process. START: Prep the Skin Before the Procedure As you know, skin prep sets the foundation for a successful procedure, no matter what kind of artist you are. A clean working surface, a stencil that stays put, and a comfortable client can make a major difference in how smoothly your session runs. START focuses on the products that help you get everything ready before the real work begins. PRODUCTS IN THE START STAGE From antiseptics to Stencil Lock and Recovery's robust line of numbing products, START includes the essentials that help you create the ideal starting point for your work. These products help prepare the skin, improve client comfort, and keep your setup running smoothly before you ever begin tattooing, piercing, performing PMU, or laser removal. SET: Support Your Workflow Once the procedure begins, your workflow becomes the focus. Every wipe, pass, and adjustment matters—and the products you use during the session can help keep things moving. SET focuses on the tools that support the process while you work, helping you maintain a clean, efficient, and comfortable experience for both you and your client. PRODUCTS IN THE SET STAGE Tattoo glides (a MUST), cleansing products, and sanitary workspace solutions like Petrify all play a role here. From reducing friction and keeping the skin workable to helping you maintain visibility and organization throughout the appointment, SET products are designed to support the moments where precision matters most. SUSTAIN: Support Healing After the Appointment The procedure might be finished when your client leaves the studio, but the healing process is just getting started. The right aftercare routine helps clients protect their investment and properly care for the skin as it recovers. SUSTAIN focuses on the products that support healing long after the final wipe-down. PRODUCTS IN THE SUSTAIN STAGE From protective bandages like Derm Shield to Aftercare Soap, Soothe Gel, and Tattoo Lotion, SUSTAIN products help clients care for their skin through every stage of recovery. These products support the healing process, help maintain healthy skin, and give your clients the tools they need to protect your work. Why a Complete Care System Matters You already have countless details to consider before, during, and after an appointment. This system simplifies your product selection across all three stages. So, as a quick refresher: START creates the foundation. SET supports the session. SUSTAIN helps protect the results. With a system this simple, you can spend less time sorting through products and make informed decisions through every stage. Explore the full Recovery lineup and start building your own START, SET, and SUSTAIN arsenal.
