Aftercare
Remove the bandage after 2-4 hours.
Gently wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. (We recommend using orange, liquid Dial.)
Wash your tattoo with your fingertips and the soap until all the ointment and plasma have been removed.
Softly pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry for 30 minutes.
For the next several weeks, when the tattoo feels very dry and/or tight, apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment up to 2-3 times a day. (We recommend Hustle Butter, Coconut Oil, or Aquaphor.) Make sure to gently wash your tattoo, with antibacterial soap, in between each application.
Always make sure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo while it is healing.
*Optional
If it is later in the evening when you get your brand new tattoo, then you can keep the bandage on overnight. (This can also help to prevent getting plasma and ink stains on your bedsheets.)
If you choose to sleep with your bandage on overnight, then remove your bandage in the morning and proceed with the first step of the aftercare.
Friendly Reminders
The normal healing time is 2-4 weeks
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it is healing
Avoid tanning beds while it is healing
Do not submerge your tattoo underwater while it is healing. This includes: Hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, etc.
After your tattoo is healed, always use sunblock (30+SPF) while in the sun or tanning, and remember to frequently moisturize your skin with lotion. It will help keep your colors fresh.
If you experience redness, swelling, tenderness at the tattooed area, red streaks going from the procedure area toward the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent (foul-smelling) drainage from the procedure site you should seek medical help. THESE ARE ALL SIGNS OF INFECTION AND ARE SERIOUS. You should seek a doctor for medical attention if that happens.
Saniderm Aftercare
After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours.
Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping.
When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that’s your cue to remove or replace the bandage.
If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it’s okay to carefully replace it with a new one.
If your tattoo exudes more plasma and blood than usual (this is common with heavy saturation and color work), you may find yourself having to change it earlier.
Regardless of how much fluid build up you experience, you should always change the initial film at the 24-hour mark to clean the area and replace the bandage.
After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, the second bandage can be worn for up to 6 days.
If you find the tattoo weeps into the second piece, remove it at the next 24 hour period, wash the tattoo, and apply a third piece. This third piece can be worn for up to 5 days.
Saniderm should not be worn for more than 7 days total.
Saniderm Application
Cut and trim Saniderm to fit around the tattoo – include an extra inch around all sides. TIP: Cutting the edges of the bandage to be round will help it adhere better and feel more comfortable.
Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.
Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth bandage over the tattoo.
Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3-24 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours.
Saniderm Removal and Application of 2nd Bandage
To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. If you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, use a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. Coconut oil is the perfect remedy for dry skin! If you plan on applying another bandage, apply the product to the tattoo only and avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.
Apply a second bandage by following the application steps listed above.
Additional Removal and Reapplication Information
Keep this second bandage on for 3-6 days – the full six days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.
Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized. For a tattoo moisturizer, we strongly recommend Sanibalm.
If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for removal.
*For more information on Saniderm, then please visit Saniderm’s website here