Saniderm Application & Aftercare
SPEAKEASY CUSTOM TATTOO SANIDERM/TEGADERM AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Application of Saniderm
- Clean and dry the tattoo thoroughly.
2. Cut Saniderm to the desired length and shape. You should account for an extra inch or two on each side of the tattoo to come in contact with un-tattooed, dry skin.
3. Expose a small section of the sticky side by peeling off the opaque backing.
4. Smooth Saniderm over the tattoo as yo peel the backing.
5. Once applied, remove the clear/shiny supportive backing (on the outside). The look of the backing on both front and back does vary by brand.
6. The bandage should be flat on the skin with no bubbles or wrinkles for best results. The bandage can leak if not applied properly.
How Does Saniderm Work?
Unlike Saran Wrap, Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. Saniderm is engineered to be permeable to gasses, like oxygen. These bandages alleviate many of the pitfalls that come with other tattoo healing methods. Primarily, Saniderm drastically reduces the risk of contaminants entering the wound site of a fresh tattoo. Wearing Saniderm protects the area from unwanted shear/friction and allows the body to keep itself moisturized.
Keep this bandage on for 3-6 days (or as directed by your artist) – the full six days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.
Saniderm Removal
1. To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
2. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free.
3. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Repeat the process, using a new piece of Saniderm starting at step one if you have fluid build up within the first day or two. In the first twenty-four hours there may be a build up of blood, ink, and/or plasma underneath the Saniderm. This is completely normal. You do not want to leave the build up for more than one day. Remove Saniderm when there is build up, clean and dry the tattooed area and re-apply.
5. If you develop an adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately.
6. Once you remove the Saniderm for good, if desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. Use a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less.
Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized.
If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for removal.
Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Saniderm
Once the bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period.
Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising
Showering while wearing Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.