Saniderm is a transparent adhesive dressing and acts like a second skin as your tattoo heals. Tattoos pierce the top layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, which protects you from minor scrapes and UV Light.
Freshly tattooed skin can be compared to that of sunburned skin, as such, it loses the ability to protect itself from germs, or retain moisture.
Saniderm acts as a temporary epidermis, it is transparent and breathable. allowing the skin to breathe, as well as protecting it from outside contaminants and direct contact or friction with clothes or bedding.
The barrier also allows for the skin to retain its lymphatic fluids, negating the need to moisturize your tattoo while the barrier is in place and skipping most of the dreaded scabbing stage of a conventional heal without the bandage
Placing Saniderm
1. With clean hands, remove the white backing of the barrier film after cutting it to the desired size.
2. In one motion, evenly apply the sticky side to clean skin.
3. Peel back the top plastic side of the barrier, leaving only the barrier itself adhered to the skin.
After care at home
The Saniderm can stay on for the duration of your tattoo healing process, however I recommend up to 5 days.
- The day after your initial tattoo appointment, you may notice a small amount of fluid has collected under the Saniderm.
This is normal, if you find the fluid is leaking or excessive, you can choose to remove the Saniderm , cleanse the area, and apply a new Saniderm for the next 3-5 days.
- After the 3-5 days, you may remove the Saniderm and continue your aftercare by applying a light unscented lotion to your tattoo as needed. It is completely normal to have really thin light flaking on the top layer of skin, and maybe even minimal tiny scabbing. Do NOT pick at the flakes or scabs. No matter how itchy the area may be, avoid abrasively scratching the area. Be gentle with your new artwork and fresh skin!
Healing with ointment
Healing with Aquaphor:
1. Remove any plastic wrap/non adhesive tattoo covering within 3-4 hours of your tattoo.
2. With clean hands, gently wash your tattoo with a mild unscented soap (I recommend orange dial soap), gently rinsing with water.
3. Allow to air dry and apply a small amount of aquaphoror recommended ointment to the entirety of your tattoo.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days. Then you may decrease the amount of washing to once a day.
After 3-4 days swap and apply a thin layer of unscented Lotion to your tattoo at least once a day and as needed for the duration of your healing process.
Tips for the first month:
Avoid picking and scratching your tattoo! Avoid direct sunlight Avoid tight fitting clothing that create friction against your fresh tattoo Avoid submerging your tattoo in any body of water. (hot tubs, baths, ocean, pool, lake, rivers, waterpark, etc)
It normally takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to be completely healed.
