Tattoo Care
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 Reapplication 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. Sanibalm 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.
Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Saniderm
Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period. Our product Sanibalm was formulated specifically for this purpose.
Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising
Showering while wearing Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Water may weaken the adhesive of the bandage, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the bandage, putting you at higher risk for infection. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.
For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.
Results of New Tattoo Care Using Saniderm
Saniderm has helped hundreds of thousands heal their new tattoos with ease. Tattoos using Saniderm heal faster, experience less scabbing and peeling, and undergo significantly less early tattoo damage. Saniderm grants an effortless and convenient tattoo healing experience, leaving behind vivid and stunning tattoos. Ask your tattoo artist or shop if they carry Saniderm and if they believe you’d be a good candidate!
To find more information and tips on proper application and usage, visit the Saniderm Product Usage section in our Knowledge Base.
Instructions for aftercare if not using saniderm.
Keep on wrapping from 1 to 3 hours, after which time remove and wash the tattoo clean. When washing your tattoo make sure to use some sort of mild soap. Dial is acceptable.
Morning and night for the next week wash just like before and allow to dry. With clean hands rub into the skin a small amount of lotion that is scent free and dye free. Unscented Lubridem or Aveno soothing oat are two examples. Aquafor is also acceptable in the first 2 days of healing. Continue for first 5 to 6 days.
At this point you should back off of the ointment/lotin and allow to heal dry, hopefully your tattoo is peeling or has a smooth thin hard layer. Allow skin to do its thing, if it is not scabbing a little bit of lotion here and there is ok. If it does scab be patient and allow those parts to heal.
During healing time stay out of water other than your regular showers, and keep out of direct sunlight.