TATTOO AFTERCARE

Saniderm is a vegan polyurethane film with acrylic adhesive, designed specifically for tattoo aftercare. Breathable, flexible, and tough, Saniderm bandages shield new tattoos from external contaminants while maintaining a moist healing environment by retaining the body’s natural fluids, which supports faster recovery. Similar medical-grade films are routinely used by healthcare professionals to treat cuts, burns, and abrasions.

A tattoo is an open wound. Your body releases healing fluids to repair it, but they dry out quickly in open air, slowing recovery and risking scabs, scars, or color loss. Saniderm seals in these fluids and enzymes for faster, cleaner healing. Bacteria can enter fresh tattoos, so protection is key—avoid plastic wrap, which blocks air. Saniderm allows oxygen and vapor through while blocking dirt, germs, and friction.

Remove Saniderm in a warm shower—the heat softens the adhesive for easy removal. Lift an edge and peel it back slowly over itself, following hair growth direction. Avoid pulling upward, as it causes pain. If stuck, apply Opti-Scrub Antimicrobial Soap to loosen it.

Wash your tattoo with antimicrobial soap and warm water. Avoid bar soap, loofahs, rags, or sponges, as they can harbor bacteria. Lather the soap first, then gently clean with your palm to remove residue. Rinse with cool water, pat dry with a clean paper towel, and let it air-dry for 10 minutes.

Apply a tiny amount of Tattoo Aftercare sparingly but evenly, massaging it in to keep the tattoo lightly moist—not greasy. Do this every 4–6 hours after washing. Use just enough for a subtle sheen, then blot excess with a clean paper towel. Let skin absorb what it needs; remove surplus. Blot and air-dry after each wash to prevent trapped moisture. Avoid petroleum-based products (e.g., Vaseline, Aquaphor).

Your tattoo will begin to peel, like a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch the flaking skin.

Stop using ointment now. The area will feel dry and itchy. Switch to aftercare lotion, applying it 3–4 times daily for at least two weeks. Continue daily until skin regains normal texture and elasticity.

If skin feels physically dry (not just tight) between applications, add a small amount of avocado oil to dry spots or switch to a heavier lotion like Lubriderm for Normal to Dry or Dry Skin.

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Scabs are the body’s natural way of protecting wounds while they are healing. However, it is important to maintain the appropriate aftercare to prevent scabs from forming as they can prolong and complicate the healing process, which can lead to uneven healing and even scarring. If scabs do form, once the tattoo is in the full peeling phase, sparingly apply lotion to the entire area making sure to thoroughly massage and not over apply or soak scabs with lotion. Any developed scabs should not be picked at or prematurely removed. If you get any pimples in the area tattooed during this phase, you need to decrease lotion application times or switch down to a lighter lotion.

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You may have heat rash, a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin. Heat rash usually clears on its own but you can help relieve symptoms by cooling your skin and preventing sweating. If your symptoms last longer than a few days, the rash seems to be getting worse, or you notice signs of infection, contact a trained physician.

Saniderm is both latex free and hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are very rare. However, some people may have sensitive skin or allergies to adhesives. If you do experience a rash, abnormal skin irritation, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and wash with mild soap. Similarly, consult a physician if necessary, and never use Saniderm on infected skin!

• After all flaking and peeling is gone, normal activities in water can be resumed.

• The use of sunblock on the tattooed area may be resumed after all the flaking and peeling is gone. When in the sun or swimming, it is vital to apply and allow to dry, a sunblock of at least 60 SPF every two (2) hours as listed by FDA regulations. Please be aware that sunblock of 100 SPF and higher is available. Sun burning will permanently damage and fade your healed tattoo

• Intentionally tanning your skin will make tattoos look dingy. If you must tan, use a minimum of 60 SPF on your tattoos even if you choose to use other methods for the rest of your non-tattooed skin.

• After all flaking and peeling is gone, light to moderate cardio may be resumed. However, muscle specific training involving the tattooed area may be resumed when the collagen returns to the area. This takes roughly three (3) to four (4) weeks to allow for complete return of elasticity to the skin.

• Daily moisturizing and staying hydrated (8 glasses of water a day – 64 fl. oz. or 2 liters) keeps the skin healthy which inevitably keeps the tattoo looking good. The healthier the skin, the better the tattoo will look. Exfoliating and/or shaving/trimming the hair on the tattoo can also keep the tattoo looking better.

• The healing tattoo should never be submerged or soaked in water. You should also avoid saunas or other steamy and sweaty environments until the tattoo has finished flaking and peeling. Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers that DO NOT allow steam to build up on bathroom mirrors.

• Do not swim until the flaking and peeling are all gone naturally by itself. Usually, this takes around two (2) to three (3) weeks. The Texas health department lists that there should be at least a two (2) week waiting period.

• While your tattoo is healing, do not allow it to be exposed to sun or other forms of UVA/UVB radiation including tanning beds. This significantly increases your risk of scaring as the tattooed area is still an open wound. Also be aware that there is an increased risk to skin cancer as the skin is highly vulnerable in any healing condition.

• Refrain from any workout or physical activity heavier than walking, especially in cases where the new tattoo is in a direct sweat zone of the body. It is also important that a fresh tattoo be kept out of the sun and dirty environments, as it is still an open wound.