Aftercare
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Clean your tattoo
Remove the bandage after three (3) hours, but no more than twelve (12). DO NOT remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap (non-fragranced and anti-microbial is recommended) and warm water. Rinse it well with cold water, thoroughly cleaning off all of the slimy coating that may have formed over the tattooed area while underneath the bandage. Gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for ten (10) minutes.
Apply healing ointment
Sparingly, but thoroughly, massage a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to give the tattoo a slightly satin shine, and blot with a clean paper towel. Your skin will take in all the ointment it needs, so do not leave excessive ointment on the skin. For the next three (3) to seven (7) days, clean and apply ointment to your tattoo every six (6) hours, (about 3-4 times daily), blotting the small amount of excess fluid that may be secreted from the tattoo in between cleaning.
Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the ointment by blotting and air-drying after every washing. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel or become flakey, usually three (3) to seven (7) days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. AT ALL COSTS avoid picking at the cracked and flaking skin.
The peeling phase
DO NOT apply any more ointment. The area will become dry and itchy, sometimes very itchy. A good quality, fragrance-free lotion can now be used three (3) times daily instead of the ointment. Repeat each day until the skin returns to its normal texture.
If you feel a heavier lotion is required to prevent over-drying in between application (physically dry to the touch and not just skin that feels tight), you may switch up to a heavier lotion like Lubriderm for Normal to Dry, or Dry Skin. If you get any pimples in the area tattooed during this phase, you need to decrease lotion application times or switch down to a lighter or different lotion.
All about scabs
Scabs are the body’s natural way of protecting wounds while they are healing. HOWEVER, it is very important to maintain the appropriate aftercare to PREVENT scabs from forming as they can prolong and complicate the healing process which can lead to uneven healing and even scarring.
The first signs that may lead to scabbing often are moisture bubbles that appear during the first few days of a new tattoo, usually caused by negligent cleaning or the over application of ointment. At the first sign of these, clean the tattoo thoroughly and allow to completely dry. Do not waterlog (soak) the tattoo. Only apply ointment sparingly to the areas of the tattoo that do not have bubbles, allowing the bubbles to dry on their own.
If scabs do form, once the tattoo is in the full peeling phase, sparingly apply lotion to the entire area making sure to thoroughly massage and not over apply or soak scabs with lotion. Any developed scabs should not be picked at or prematurely removed.
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What is Saniderm?
Designed with tattoos in mind, Saniderm is a vegan polyurethane acrylic adhesive medical bandage. Saniderm tattoo bandages are breathable and flexible, yet durable enough to protect your tattoos from outside irritants. Saniderm also plays an important role in tattoo aftercare by sealing in the fluids that your body secretes during the healing process, further promoting regeneration. The medical community commonly uses products similar to Saniderm for aiding in the healing of cuts, burns and road rash.
Learn more at saniderm.com.
How does Saniderm work?
When you get a tattoo, you are essentially giving yourself a wound. Our bodies naturally produce healing elements to break down dead tissue and rebuild new tissue when it experiences injury — and under normal circumstances, these healing elements will dry up and evaporate quickly. When this happens, it hinders the healing process and can cause scabbing, scarring and discoloration. Saniderm’s tattoo bandage seals in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, allowing the body to regenerate more efficiently.
Additionally, airborne bacteria can penetrate through your broken skin after you get tattooed. For this reason, it’s important to cover the tattoo with a bandage or dressing. We advise against using saran wrap, as it can suffocate your tattoo. By design, Saniderm’s tattoo bandage is permeable enough for oxygen and water vapor to pass through. This is important, as it allows the wounded area to maintain optimal levels of breathability. Additionally, Saniderm protects against dirt and germs, while offering protection from friction and other irritants that may further interfere with the healing process.
When and how to remove Saniderm
Leave Saniderm on for two days. Remove the Saniderm in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove. Find an edge of the Saniderm and slowly pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so we don’t recommend it. If you’re having trouble removing the Saniderm, use a mild soap to loosen the bandage.
After Saniderm is removed
Clean your tattoo with anti-microbial Soap and warm water. Do not use bar soap, loofahs, rags or sponges as they harbor bacteria. Lather with soap first, then wash using your palm, gently removing any slimy residue. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean paper towel, then allow it to air-dry for 10 minutes.
The next stage of after care will depend on if your tattoo has reached the peeling stage or not. See the Peeling Phase under the Traditional Healthing Method.
Could I have an allergic reaction to Saniderm?
Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. However, some people may have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives. If you do experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap. Similarly, consult a physician if necessary, and never use Saniderm on infected skin!