Saniderm is a semi-permeable bandage (meaning oxygen can pass through it but outside irritants cannot). It acts as a breathable second skin that seals in the body’s natural moisture and healing enzymes, allowing the body to regenerate more efficiently. These medical-grade bandages protect your healing tattoo from scabbing, infection, and other irritants that damage tattoos, so your work stays bright and saturated, just like you want it to. You will experience faster tattoo healing, reduced scabbing and peeling, brighter colors, and darker blacks. Saniderm allows for effortless tattoo healing with zero mess, all while providing a semi-waterproof barrier against irritants.

Leave the Saniderm bandage on for 3-5 days. During this time your tattoo will start to look different under the Saniderm. Lines might appear blurred or colors might look darker. This is your body’s healing fluid obscuring the view of the tattoo and will come off with the Saniderm. You will NOT replace/change out the Saniderm unless instructed to. The same piece will stay on for the full time.
Saniderm is a semi-waterproof bandage so you can shower like normal during this time. It’s alright if the Saniderm gets wet but you cannot soak (no bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, etc.). Do not wash the Saniderm when you are in the shower.
DO NOT SWEAT while your Saniderm is on. Avoid high intensity workouts, saunas, or any other activities that make you sweat. This includes taking a bath/getting in a hot tub with your tattooed limb hanging out of the tub. Even though the tattoo isn’t directly in the water, the bath/hot tub will cause sweat to pool underneath the bandage. Although Saniderm is a breathable bandage, it does trap sweat underneath it. This can cause Heat Rash (a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts and trapped sweat beneath the skin) which can permanently damage your tattoo.

While the Saniderm is on you there are usually a few things that look concerning but aren’t: liquid under the Saniderm is normal*. It may look dark or murky. This liquid is a combination of blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink (AKA your body’s natural healing fluids). This liquid oozes from your skin when your body is repairing itself as you have a fresh wound created on your body.
Redness underneath the Saniderm is normal. It’s just residual signs of irritation from the tattooing process. However, redness in the form of a distinct perimeter line of the bandage should be addressed. If you have a distinct red line along the edge of your Saniderm, gently peel up the edge of the bandage to release the tension caused by it tugging on your skin.
The edges of the Saniderm may roll up as the week goes on and your clothes rub on it. If you need to do patchwork, use extra pieces of Saniderm or paper/surgical tape to hold edges down. Always be sure to clean the area with alcohol before you address patchwork. It is also important that the pieces of Saniderm overlap each other to ensure a proper seal.

Remove the bandage at the end of a warm shower. Do not remove it dry as it is painful and can damage the tattoo. The warmth in the shower will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
I recommend finding a top corner and pulling down, diagonally, and slowly will be the easiest and most efficient way of removing the bandage.
After the bandage is removed, while you are still in the shower, gently clean your tattoo with mild soap (liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap — no bar soap) and water. All product recommendations are based off my personal experience and I know they work. DO NOT use bar soap, loofahs, rags, or sponges as they harbor bacteria and can be abrasive. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Allow the tattoo to air dry and decide what direction of care will be needed next.

OPTION A: YOUR TATTOO HAS NOT STARTED TO PEEL

Sparingly, but thoroughly, massage a very small amount of salve/ointment into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Do this every 4-6 hours (washing before each application). Use just enough to give the tattoo a slightly satin shine, and blot with a clean paper towel to remove any access sitting on your skin. Your skin will take in all it needs, so DO NOT leave excessive aftercar on the skin. Ensure that extra moisture doesn’t get trapped under the salve/ointment by blotting and air-drying after every washing.
DO NOT use petroleum jelly or products containing petroleum (e.g. Vaseline, Aquaphor, etc.) or products with high oil content (will suffocate the skin). I recommend using tattooer-approved aftercare such as After Inked, Hustle Butter Deluxe, and so forth.

OPTION B: YOUR TATTOO HAS STARTED TO PEEL

Your tattoo will start to peel, similar to a sunburn. AT ALL COSTS DO NOT PICK at the cracked and flaking skin.
At this point, DO NOT apply any more salve/ointment. The area will become dry and itchy. A good quality, fragrance-free, colorless lotion can now be used up to 3 times daily instead of the salve/ointment. Repeat each day until the skin returns to its normal texture.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM, PLEASE REACH OUT WHILE IT IS HAPPENING AND NOT AFTERWARDS. I AM HERE TO HELP YOU.