At In The Flesh Tattoo, I recommend Saniderm for faster, sanitary healing.
Basic SaniDerm Care Steps
- The first piece of Saniderm can stay on for 12-24 hours.
- The length of time will depend on how much fluid your tattoo weeps but wear no longer than 24 hours with first piece.
- Remove bandage by finding a loose edge and pull the bandage back on itself in the direction of the hair growth.
- Rarely Saniderm sticks to some skin types more than others. If removal is difficult a warm shower can help to loosen the adhesive. If that doesn’t work apply a small amount of coconut, olive or baby oil to the edges of the bandage and it will weaken the adhesive.
- Wash your tattoo with your clean fingers using mild unscented hand soap. Absolutely no body wash!
- Rinse the tattoo by splashing water on it with your hands, avoid direct water spray.
- Pat tattoo dry with a lint free cloth or paper towel and let it air dry for 2-6 hours, the skin needs to be completely dry to re-apply your new bandage. DO NOT APPLY ANY PRODUCT TO YOUR SKIN!
- Apply your new bandage.
- Remove white paper layer and apply that side of the bandage to the skin, be sure to press edges down to the skin then use either plastic tab or creases on plastic layer to remove the blue grid plastic layer. Your bandage should now be properly applied.
- Your new bandage should stay on for 2-6 days, most clients are completely healed at this point but if you feel your tattoo needs more time contact your artist for additional bandages.
- At this point you may resume your normal skin care routines.
Tips for SaniDerm Aftercare
- For maximum comfort ensure skin is in a neutral position when applying Saniderm.
- When applying to elbows and knees, the joint should be in a neutral position, neither straight nor completely bent.
- When cutting your bandage to size, smooth rounded corners adhere best.
- For large areas you may need to use multiple pieces of Saniderm; just overlap them by ½ inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with Saniderm?
Saniderm will stay on skin even when immersed in water, so you’re able to shower as normal. Excessive exposure to water should however be avoided as it will weaken the adhesion. Total water submersion is not recommended for two weeks after getting your tattoo.
Can I exercise?
Exercise is fine, just be aware that sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off early. It’s probably best to take it a little easy and keep sweating to a minimum.
Can I sunbathe?
Saniderm does not contain any kind of sun protection so prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. It is not recommended that you expose your new tattoo to UV rays, ever, with or without Saniderm. New tattoos need 3-4 weeks to regrow the protective layers of skin, after that they should always be protected with high SPF sunscreen that is reapplied every 2-4 hours.
Saniderm will stay on skin even when immersed in water, so you’re able to shower as normal. Excessive exposure to water should however be avoided as it will weaken the adhesion. Total water submersion is not recommended for two weeks after getting your tattoo.
Can I exercise?
Exercise is fine, just be aware that sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off early. It’s probably best to take it a little easy and keep sweating to a minimum.
Can I sunbathe?
Saniderm does not contain any kind of sun protection so prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. It is not recommended that you expose your new tattoo to UV rays, ever, with or without Saniderm. New tattoos need 3-4 weeks to regrow the protective layers of skin, after that they should always be protected with high SPF sunscreen that is reapplied every 2-4 hours.
Recommended Products
I highly recommend Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Broad Spectrum SPF 100 sunscreen.
Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. If you experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation or other allergic reaction symptoms remove the bandage and contact your artist.