saniderm

If your tattoo was wrapped in a thin, adhesive plastic such as

Recovery Derm, Saniderm, Second Skin, or Skin Armor...these instructions are for you!

>Leave your derm on for five full days after getting tattooed.

>It‘s waterproof so go ahead and shower as usual; but try your best to avoid having your tattoo directly under the running water if possible to help the longevity of the adhesive.

​

>It's normal for your derm to accumulate the same plasma, ink and blood that a fresh tattoo typically exudes. In the event that any fluid leaks outside of the bandage, remove it and follow the instructions outlined in the subsequent section.

>Avoid high intensity exercise for at least the first 2 to 3 days if possible. Sweat can contribute to fluid buildup and can lead to leakage.

>After a few days, the fluid inside the bandage will dry out and you may experience some itchiness. Do not scratch your tattoo. You can gently pat it for relief.

​

>On the fifth day, the best way to remove your saniderm is to slowly peel it off at the end of a shower. You might see residual ink and plasma on the wrap once removed. This is not the result of the wrap pulling any ink out of the piece.

>If any sticky residue is left, you can remove it by gently applying coconut oil and rubbing it in with clean hands.

>Once you’ve taken the derm off, wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap, pat it dry with a paper towel and clean hands, then moisturize with fragrance-free lotion (all recommended products are listed at the bottom of this page). Continue to wash it twice a day and apply lotion every few hours for two weeks.

>Most importantly…leave it alone, friend! Do not pick at, roll, pop, trim, drain, scratch, or otherwise compromise the derm in any way. These are medical bandages that allow your tattoo to breathe while keeping bacteria out. If any part of your tattoo becomes exposed, remove the derm right away and follow the aftercare instructions below.

regular bandaging​

​

​>Leave the wrapping on for one to four hours.

​

>Remove the bandage, wash your hands, then gently wash the new tattoo with antibacterial, unscented hand soap and warm water. You will want to do this 3 times a day for about a week after getting tattooed.

​

>Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion or let it air dry.

​

>Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of aquaphor (about the thickness of chapstick application on the tattoo. Repeapply with clean hands every 2 to 3 hours. After four days, switch from ointment to more frequent application of unscented lotion

​

>Massage in thoroughly, this helps keep the itchy, flaky part of the healing process under control. Make sure to dab off excess ointment after application, you don't want your tattoo to be shiny. This essentially drowns your tattoo which can lead to clogged pores, ink loss, or infection.

>Do Not under any circumstance, rewrap your tattoo!!!

>Make sure that sheets, clothing, etc. are all freshly cleaned before coming into contact with your tattoo. Avoid tight clothing that will cause friction on your tattoo

​

​

​

“do”s and “don’t”s

>Don't freak out if your tattoo is red and/or irritated for a few hours after your appointment, this is totally normal.

​

>Don't re-bandage your tattoo for any reason, we want it to breathe in the fresh air.

​

>Don't overdo the ointment, it can clog your pores and ultimately mess up your tattoo – try to keep the applications thin and down to 3-5 times a day. This is the most common issue I see clients deal with.

​

>Don't pick! Its normal for the tattoo to be itchy, but resist the scratching! If you pick or scratch a healing tattoo, you can pull out pigments and create scar tissue

​

>Don't get into any hot tubs, swimming pools, baths or anything else that might submerge your tattoo underwater for long periods of time for two weeks

>Don’t use any unapproved products that are not listed below no matter how many times you’ve seen the posts promoted on your feed!

​

>Do contact me with questions! Although usually helpful, don't ask the internet or your friends for advice regarding tattoos. If you have any questions or concerns about your new artwork, please don't hesitate to email, call, or text.

>Do keep up the washing regimen at least once a day for 7 to 10 days after getting the tattoo

​

>Do remember that although rare, infections can happen. Severe redness that spreads outward or in streaks, extreme swelling, and yellow or green puss can all be signs of an infection. If you believe that you may be getting an infection, seek medical attention immediately! Infections that are not dealt swiftly can affect far more than the quality of your tattoo. Infection can lead to cellulitis, sepsis, and even death if not treated correctly. So don’t take them lightly!

products

​