taking care of your brand new tattoo

Saniderm

When your session is finished, your artist will clean and wrap your new tattoo using a Saniderm bandage. If you are unfamiliar with this revolutionary tattoo healing product then we recommend learning more about it here.

Below are the care instructions copied directly from Saniderm’s website:

“After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours. Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping. When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that’s your cue to remove or replace the bandage. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it’s okay to carefully replace it with a new one. If your tattoo exudes more plasma and blood than usual, you may find yourself having to change it earlier. This is common with heavy saturation and color work.

Regardless of how much fluid build-up you experience, you should always change the initial film at the 24-hour mark to clean the area. Before replacing your Saniderm with a new bandage, you may apply a thin layer of aftercare product. If you live in a climate with high humidity or have naturally oily skin, this is not necessary. But for those in low humidity climates or who have dry skin, a thin layer of moisturizer can help ease discomfort and itchiness due to dry skin.

Once you’ve applied the second bandage, it can be worn for up to 6 days. If you find the tattoo weeps into the second piece, remove it at the next 24 hour period. Then wash the tattoo, apply aftercare if needed, and apply a third piece. This third piece can be worn for up to 5 days. Saniderm should not be worn for more than 7 days total.”

Treatment After Bandage Removal

Once you remove your Saniderm bandage and won’t be applying another, gently wash your new tattoo with luke-warm water and antibacterial soap. Once washed, pat dry with a clean paper towel.

After the first 12 hours apply a white unscented lotion or a very small dab of Hustle Butter Deluxe 2-3 times a day.

tips and pointers

Your new work of art will take about 2 weeks to fully heal.

Do not pick, scratch, or submerge your new tattoo in water. Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming.

Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing while your tattoo is still healing. Try and avoid covering the area if possible.

Avoid excess/direct exposure to the sun while healing. Once healed, use a high (50+) SPF sunblock to protect the integrity of your tattoo.

The use of antibiotics shortly before or during the healing stage will likely affect the quality of your tattoo. Consult with your physician but try and avoid taking antibiotics within 30 days before & 30 days after getting a tattoo, if possible.