Saniderm Aftercare

Note: I mention Saniderm as the product multiple times in this page, the specific brand of medical adhesive bandage that I use is called Hypafix, but the execution is the same for all brands.

Note: I have a lot of traffic from google coming to this page, PLEASE refer to your actual artist for recommendations on your aftercare. In Canada artists are legally mandated to provide you with aftercare instructions. My recommendations might contradict their instructions, this doesn’t mean that either of us are wrong but more that everyone has personal preferences based on their tattoo technique and experience. You should contact your own artist if you need help! Thanks

Pursan soap, Tattoo Goo moisturser, After Inked lotion; Suggested products to heal your tattoo.

Tattoo which is 24 hours old, coated in it’s initial layer of Saniderm. Dark liquid (blood, plasma, ink) is still wet and contained within the plastic. Totally normal!

AFTER 24 HOURS:

Washing your tattoo for the first time:

You will need a liquid, medical grade, antimicrobial soap to clean your tattoo. I sell Pursan soap for $10 + HST, I personally use this for healing my tattoos and would recommend it. You will also need to buy a liquid water based unscented lotion for later in the healing process, you can find TattooGoo at most Shoppers Drug Mart.

Your Saniderm will most likely be quite wet, and might look a little crazy with the fluid inside. (See Figure 1 on the left.) The Saniderm may potentially almost falling off. Wash your hands with your soap, then peel off the Saniderm in the shower, at the end of your shower to avoid shampoo touching your fresh tattoo.

Do not let the shower spray full force onto your tattoo, just scoop the water and lightly wash with lukewarm water and a small amount of your soap. Ensure all plasma and blood is removed, but avoid scrubbing the tattoo.

Wash the tattoo and surrounding area again with lukewarm water, ensure that all of the soap residue is completely gone.

Dry off your tattoo and surrounding area with paper towel. Do not use a bath towel as it is too abrasive.

Saniderm website

Applying your new layer of Saniderm

Immediately once out of the shower, cut your Saniderm with clean scissors to the correct size, ensuring there is a good edge of Saniderm around the tattoo (ideally the Saniderm shouldn’t finish right where the tattoo does- this allows any extra fluid to collect in the space) . You can cut multiple chunks and overlap, I find that’s easier.

Remove the white paper side of the Saniderm. Do not touch the sticky side as it is sterile. Position your body part in a relaxed position, Place the Saniderm onto the area of your tattoo, start from the bottom and try not to get any bubbles of air in the Saniderm. ( Small bubbles are okay. If you find that the bubbles are big use the extra piece to patch the bubble.- Cut a small hole with clean scissors, place an extra piece over the top of the hole). There should be no air getting into your tattoo.

Peel off the clear gridded plastic layer & you’re done! Wash your hands!

Leave this layer of Saniderm on for 5 days.

Things To Remember

Your tattoo is an open wound. You are responsible for taking care of it once you leave the shop. Do not let other people, or pets, touch your new tattoo.

If any water from the shower gets inside the Saniderm, or if there is air visibly able to get in (like a gap in the Saniderm at the top) remove the Saniderm immediately. Follow these instructions instead. Potential signs of infection or allergy to Saniderm include; pulsing pain increasing as the days go on; redness spreading, swelling returning, radiating heat from the tattoo; stinging or burning Email me immediately if you experience any of these issues. If you experience discolored (green or yellowy) or foul smelling liquid inside the saniderm, reach out to me then contact a medical professional as soon as possible.

It is not imperative that you wear the Saniderm, it’s not for everyone! If it’s uncomfortable or bothering you, just take it off, but you must follow the regular instructions instead.

Keep it clean and dry as much as possible- even though your tattoo is somewhat protected inside the plastic you should avoid baths (soaking will disrupt the plastic), super hot showers, saunas etc. Be aware of your tattoo during your everyday activities, including exercising, at work and general exposure to bright sunlight. Submerging your tattoo in water is dangerous and is an infection risk- this includes swimming & plunges, so this must be avoided until your tattoo is totally healed. If you’re not sure if it’s good to go, email me a photo and I can advise. Light exercise is fine, but avoid excessive sweating (which will pool inside the plastic and potentially loosen it early).

Be careful not to let your pets touch your tattoo before it’s healed, if you notice any fur inside the saniderm remove it and follow the Regular aftercare instructions.

After 5 Days

Pull off the Saniderm starting at the longest side, pull down to stretch the plastic and release the adhesion to the skin- this can be done in the shower. Your tattoo may be almost healed, but removing the Saniderm will still feel a little spicy! There will be a print of your tattoo on the plastic, and lots of small creases in the skin, this is normal, it will go away within the next few days. You may find you have sticky residue around the tattoo- if it’s annoying you it can be removed with rubbing alcohol (not on the actual tattoo!).

Depending on your tattoo and skin type, typically your tattoo will be fully healed within around 10-12 days. You should continue to use your soap and moisturiser at this time. You might experience a very light peeling of the skin at this time, apply your moisturiser 2-3 times a day until it’s totally healed.

If you’re not sure if it’s good to go for swimming etc, email me a photo and I can advise. Be careful not to let your pets touch your tattoo before it’s healed, if you notice any fur etc on your tattoo, wash it with your soap (once the Saniderm is off).

Do not pick at the dry skin, you will damage your healing new layer of skin, potentially pulling out pigment and leading to permanently damaging your tattoo.

Once Your Tattoo is Healed.

Wear a broad spectrum SPF on your tattoo; it will protect your skin; keep the lines crisp and the colour vibrant. SPF is the most important factor in maintaining the look of your tattoo for years to come.

Don’t use exfoliants, harsh skin products (such as anti acne products, retinoids etc) or have the area of your tattoo waxed for at least 5 weeks after your have had the tattoo done. Continue to use your moisturiser after your tattoo is healed to keep it looking fresh, you can use any moisturiser of your choice on your tattoo once it is healed.

If you have another session coming up (Like if we are working on a sleeve), I highly recommend to continue to use your soap and moisturiser even if the tattoo is healed. This keeps the area hydrated, helps prevent irritation from hair growing back in and genuinely makes the tattoo process easier, and faster, the next time you come in.

Please send me healed photos!! I’d love to see your tattoo all healed up. My main concern is that you are happy with your tattoo! If you need a touch up please reach out to me within 90 days and I can book you in for a complimentary touch up. Click here for contact info.