Tattoo Healing Guide

To download a digital pdf/printable version of my healing guide click here.

1) Instructions while your saniderm bandage is on:

  • Your saniderm bandage can be kept on for 3 - 5 days. Ensure it stays in good shape and is fully sealed on your tattoo. Remove the bandage when it's worn out and no longer looks sanitary. Do not exceed 5 days of wearing.

  • If you experience any allergic reaction or irritation, promptly remove the bandage. If it no longer maintains a sealed or airtight barrier around your tattoo, take it off to prevent the entry of water and dirt, reducing the risk of infection. It's also acceptable to remove the bandage earlier than the recommended 3 days if necessary.

  • Avoid working out, sports, or anything causing excessive heat/sweating while your bandage is on (risk of heat rash and bacteria build-up due to excessive sweat).

  • If the bandage edges peel or curl, use clean scissors to cut around the bandage to remove any loose or worn-out corners.

  • Avoid super tight or rough clothing that could chafe or irritate your tattoo and bandage.

  • It is fine to shower with the bandage on, but try to avoid soaking it (the more it gets drenched in water, the faster it will wear out). Once out of the shower, dab moisture off the bandage.

  • When it is time, remove the bandage in the shower under running water. The water will help loosen the adhesive. Gently stretch one of the corners away from the skin, avoiding unnecessary rough tugging on the tattoo. If needed, you can use unscented/fragrance-free bottled soap to lather on top of the bandage to help weaken the adhesive.

  • Once the bandage comes off, wash the tattoo with unscented/fragrance-free bottled soap. Then, dab/blot dry with a clean fresh towel or paper towel.

  • The tattoo no longer needs to be bandaged or wrapped from this point forward.

2) Instructions after the saniderm bandage comes off (OR if you were not given saniderm, directly start at section 2):

  • Wash the tattoo once to twice a day with unscented/fragrance-free bottled soap.

  • Keep your tattoo clean and dry for the rest of the time, If it gets contaminated, wash it again with unscented/fragrance-free bottled soap and immediately dab off the moisture.

  • Continue washing only until the tattoo starts to dry out (usually within 2-4 days). Then, start applying a THIN layer of fragrance-free/unscented moisturizer once to twice a day. Use a lightweight lotion that does not contain heavy oil or petroleum (no Vaseline, Polysporin, coconut oil, etc.). If the skin still feels tight and dry, apply more thin layers of moisturizer as needed. Do not over-moisturize if the skin is not feeling dry.

  • As your tattoo heals, it will start scabbing/flaking in the following days. Do not pick or itch at the scabs, as it can cause ink to be pulled out before it settles in the skin. It is normal for the tattoo to be itchy while scabbing. Avoid clothing that will cause rubbing, chafing, or disrupt the scabbing of your tattoo.

  • Continue washing and moisturizing until the tattoo has fully healed (once all scabs/flaking has finished). On average, tattoos usually heal within 3-4 weeks from the appointment.

  • No soaking or submerging your tattoo underwater (no baths, pools, saunas, swimming, etc.), no excessive sun exposure, sunscreen, or suntanning until the tattoo has fully healed.

3) Long-term maintenance of your tattoo:

  • Once your tattoo has fully healed, always ensure proper SPF is used when spending extended periods in the sun. Long-term sun exposure is harmful to the skin and can accelerate the aging/fading of your tattoo.

  • Always keep your skin healthy and moisturized to ensure your tattoo looks its best.

  • Be mindful of persistent long-term friction and over-exfoliation, as they can gradually wear down the tattoo over time.

You can research more about the saniderm bandage by visiting www.saniderm.com.