Tattoo Aftercare

Saniderm is a breathable bandage that promotes healing by “tricking” your body into thinking the tattoo is scabbed over. You may see blood, plasma, and/or ink pooling underneath the surface. This is normal and will not affect your tattoo!

Do note that some folks are allergic to the adhesive. If you begin noticing a reaction (redness around the border of the bandage, small red dots, etc) remove it and take an oral antihistamine.

  • Leave the bandage on for 2-5 days. The longer end is recommended for color-heavy designs, but outlines or designs with only light shading may be on the shorter end of that range.
  • Do not submerge your tattoo under water. While the bandage is waterproof, it is not water tight! Letting water run over it in the shower is OK.
  • Do not perform activities that cause excessive sweating. The sweat will become trapped in the bandage and may cause the seal to fail. You may need to take a break from exercising.
  • Remove the bandage immediately if it begins leaking, or you notice the seal around your tattoo has been compromised. If your tattoo becomes exposed to the air, or the bandage is punctured, or scratched – the bandage is no longer doing its job and may even trap bacteria. This is more likely to happen on highly mobile areas like joints.
  • To remove the bandage, gently pull on the edges parallel to your skin. Do not rip it off quickly, or pull up and away. I suggest doing it in the shower and letting warm water run over it to loosen the adhesive.
  • Once the bandage has been removed, follow regular aftercare procedures. This type of bandaging does “slow down” the healing process. Unless you removed the bandage early, expect it to be around Day 3 of the regular healing process – even if you wore your bandage for the full 5 days.

Maintaining sanitary conditions within the first 3 days are the most crucial! This is the period your tattoo is at its most vulnerable to bacteria or damage.

  • Day 1: Keep your bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours. I suggest leaving it on overnight, if you can. Make sure your bedsheets are freshly washed. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medication that thins the blood.
  • Day 3-5 days: Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized. Wash between 2-3 times per day. Treat this like an open wound – because it is! If your tattoo comes into direct contact with clothing, animals, public surfaces, bodily fluids (including sweat), other fluids (including unpotable water), or if it has been touched, it should be washed again.
  • Day 5-7: It will feel similar to a sunburn at this point, and may be itchy. Once your tattoo begins to peel, you can reduce washing to 1 time per day. Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion, and use several times a day – remembering to wash your hands first! Lotion can be applied as needed when it begins to feel tight/dried out.
  • Day 7-14: You should not feel the need to apply as much lotion at this stage, but continue to keep it moisturized. Continue avoiding sun exposure or submerging under water.
  • Day 15+: At this point, your tattoo should no longer be an open wound. You may now go for a swim or a soak.

Here are additional notes for your healing process to go as smoothly as possible:

  • Your tattoo may seep ink, lymph, or blood within the first several days of healing. This can stain clothing or sheets. To avoid this, I suggest purchasing STERILE non-stick pads and medical tape. First wash your hands, then your tattoo (skip the ointment), then apply the non-stick pad over your tattoo and use medical tape to adhere in place. The tape should not make direct contact with any part of your tattoo.
  • If you notice your skin is starting to break out in the area around your tattoo, you are most likely over-applying ointment/lotion. Use less or try switching to another product.
  • Avoid wearing constricting clothing directly over your fresh tattoo. Things like tight bra straps or waistbands can cause damage or irritation.
  • If your tattoo sticks to your clothes/bedding, wet the area with lukewarm water to gently remove from your tattoo. Don’t force it. Follow by washing your tattoo.
  • DO NOT submerge your tattoo in water for 2 weeks. No swimming, bathing, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, etc. Showering is OK but avoid running water over your tattoo unless you are actively washing it.
  • DO NOT expose your tattoo to sunlight. Keep your tattoo completely out of direct sun for the first 2 weeks. Sunscreen cannot be used until day 10+ in your healing process.
  • DO NOT use scented soaps, lotions, or ointments during the healing process. The fragrance will irritate your healing skin.
  • DO NOT pick, scratch, or peel any skin or scabs – even if they are actively flaking off. You risk pulling pigment out of your healing tattoo. They will come off when ready, usually while being washed. If the itchy stage is driving you nuts, you can VERY LIGHTLY slap it to help with the sensation – but generally it means it needs to be moisturized again.
  1. First wash your hands! Don’t skip this step.
  2. Gently wash your tattoo with a mild liquid soap. Run warm water over the tattoo while rubbing gentle circles with your fingertips. Make sure to remove any plasma buildup – but allow scabs or flaking skin to remain.
  3. Rinse soap off thoroughly.
  4. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use fabric towels, or re-use paper towels – both can harbor bacteria.
  5. Allow your tattoo to fully air dry. This may take an additional 5-15 minutes.
  6. Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment. Most folks over apply this – it should be thinner than you’d apply chapstick. Dab off any excess with a clean paper towel.

All of the following products should be FRAGRANCE-FREE, and ideally formulated for sensitive skin. Never use products with alcohol, peroxide,  calamine, Polysporin, or Bepanthen. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

Soap:

Dial Antibacterial, Dove Fragrance-Free, Dr. Bronners Baby Unscented, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Gentle soaps formulated for infants often work well!

Ointment:

Aquaphor (be careful not to apply too thick), Bacitracin, Vaseline Dry Skin, A+D. Some tattoo-specific products include Hustle Butter, Redemption

Lotion:

Lubriderm, Cerave, Eucerin Daily Hydration

Keeping your tattoos looking crisp and vibrant requires some vigilance! These are also good tips in general to have nice skin.

  • Protect your tattoo from the sun. UV rays break down the pigment in your tattoo and will cause it to fade as it ages, so even after it’s healed you should prioritize reducing exposure. Use daily sunscreen, or cover the tattoo completely with clothing.
  • Moisturize. Ashy skin makes your tattoos look dull.
  • Hydrate. Drink water!
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