How Long Should I Leave Saniderm On My New Tattoo?

Getting a new tattoo is exciting enough, but equally worrying if you have any doubts and questions about tattoo aftercare. Now, chances are your tattoo artists have pretty much explained everything, but if you missed any information, you’ve come to the right place. In the following paragraphs, we will address the most common questions of all; how long should I leave Saniderm on my new tattoo?

This may seem like a trivial question that almost every tattoo enthusiast knows the answer to, but being properly educated on the right aftercare routine is essential for the overall healing process. So we decided to provide you with the answer and insight into Saniderm’s journey, so be sure to keep reading! Let’s get straight to the point!

How long should I leave my new tattoo on?

What is Saniderm?

Before getting into the main topic of this article, we feel it is very important for people to actually learn about Saniderm and what it does.

Thus, Saniderm is a tattoo bandage designed to protect a new tattoo, also known as an open wound, until it begins to close and heal. The open wound stage of a tattoo is the most critical and requires the most follow-up and attention.

You may have noticed that your tattoo is still bleeding and oozing blood, plasma, and even excess ink in the first 24-48 hours. This is a normal occurrence and part of the initial stages of healing. Under normal circumstances your tattoo will stop oozing and bleeding within the first day or two, it will start to dry out, close up, scab over and eventually heal completely.

However, without any initial protection, a new tattoo, which is an open wound, can get infected quite easily. Without any protection, the “wound” is exposed to different types of germs, irritants, dirt, pet dander, and chafing. However, by using a Saniderm dressing, the tattoo is protected from potential germ buildup and infection. The bandage traps essential healing and ensures that water does not pass, but because it is breathable and permeable it allows oxygen to dry the tattoo and ensures proper healing.

How it works?

As mentioned, the Saniderm bandage works to protect the tattoo from infection-inducing external particles, but allows the tattoo to heal. Because the bandage is breathable and permeable, the tattoo begins to dry out and goes through its initial healing phase with minimized potential for infection.

Saniderm works by locking the tattoo into its natural environment and into your body’s natural healing fluids. For this reason, the bandage actually helps to minimize potential scabs and scarring in the following days of healing, which could otherwise mess up the tattoo design. And, of course, the most important notion about this bandage is that it allows oxygen to enter the restricted tattoo area, which is essential for the tattoo to heal perfectly.

It also prevents you from getting the tattoo wet while showering or sweating, which could otherwise introduce unwanted germs into the tattoo and cause infection. When using Saniderm, there is no need to use antibacterial ointments and different products (which should not be applied to a new tattoo in the first place).

So how long should I leave it on?

According to Saniderm’s website instructions, here’s everything you need to know to leave the bandage on your new tattoo;

• After applying the first Saniderm dressing, you should leave it on your new tattoo for 8 to 24 hours. This is usually when your tattoo will stop oozing and bleeding, and begin to heal. Everyone’s healing time is different, which means that the so-called weeping phase of the tattoo will vary in duration.
• You should definitely remove your Saniderm dressing when the adhesion of the dressing begins to weaken. This is a bad sign, which means that dirt, germs, water and all other infectious particles can enter the tattoo area and potentially cause infection – if the adhesion is weakened, your tattoo will not is more protected.
• You should remove or change your Saniderm bandage if you notice that your tattoo is bleeding or oozing more than expected (regardless of how long you applied the bandage). This usually happens in tattoos with color and high saturation because there is more damage to the skin and more excess ink that the tattoo gets rid of in the first few hours.
• Regardless of fluid buildup, you should NOT leave your Saniderm dressing on for longer than 24 hours. After the first 24 hours, you must clean the tattooed area, and only can you actually replace the bandage, obviously using a new one.
• It is recommended to apply a thin layer of conditioner or moisturizer between the bandages just to keep the tattoo hydrated and hydrated. This is especially recommended for people living in low humidity climates or those with dry skin. Now, we’re not sure about this recommendation from Saniderm, as it’s generally recommended not to apply ointment to a new tattoo, so be sure to consult your tattoo artist about this.
• Now the second dressing can be worn for up to 6 days, according to Saniderm instructions. They always recommend that you change the bandage if you notice a tattoo leaking. In this case, you need to clean the tattoo again and apply a third bandage. Be sure to leave the third dressing on for about 5 days.
• The Saniderm bandage should not be worn for more than 7 days in total, according to the instructions on the Saniderm website.
• Once you have removed your final Saniderm dressing, be sure to clean the tattoo area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Then pat it dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry as well. At this point you should be able to use thin layers of tattoo lotions to keep the tattoo moisturized. But, do NOT over-hydrate, as you can cause moisture buildup, prolonged healing, and infection of the tattoo.

Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare

So, you’ve removed your last Saniderm bandage and cleaned/dried your tattoo. Now what? Well, your Saniderm tattoo aftercare should be your usual tattoo aftercare routine. You should regularly clean your tattoo and moisturize it.

It’s essential not to over-cleanse and moisturize, as extra moisture can prolong the healing process and make your tattoo more susceptible to inflammation and infection. Once or twice a day should be enough to cleanse and moisturize your tattoo. Here are some other tips and recommendations for a good tattoo aftercare routine;

• First, you need to be patient with your tattoo; it can take between 4 and 8 weeks for the tattoo to heal completely.
• Do NOT touch, pick, scratch or peel your tattoo or you may introduce bacteria and cause infection as well as healing and design issues.
• DO NOT submerge your new tattoo under water and avoid swimming until the tattoo is completely healed. exposure to water can cause moisture to build up and prolong the healing process, which can make the tattoo a perfect place for bacteria to build up and infections to develop.
• Be sure to wear loose cotton clothing while your tattoo heals. It’s best to avoid covering the entire tattooed area, but it depends on where the tattoo is placed. So, if the tattoo needs to be covered, make sure you wear your loosest clothing possible. This way you will avoid chafing, potential sticking of the fabric and potential exposure to bacteria and germs.
• While your tattoo is healing, do NOT expose it to the sun; this also includes sunbathing and tanning. Your tattooed skin is very sensitive, so exposing it to the sun can cause further irritation, prolonged scarring, and other problems. Once healed, be sure to always apply sunscreen, a minimum of 30 SPF, to protect the tattoo from fading.
• It is strongly discouraged to drink alcohol or take antibiotics while your tattoo is healing. This could compromise the healing process of the tattoo as it both dilute the blood and make it more difficult for the tattoo to close and heal. As for alcohol and antibiotics, it is also recommended not to take them before the tattoo. You should not drink alcohol at least a few days before the tattoo appointment, and you should not take antibiotics at least 30 days before and after the appointment.

Final Thoughts

The Saniderm bandage is one of the best options for tattoo protection. In its initial stage, the tattoo is an open wound and is most susceptible to inflammation and infection. As such, it requires significant protection, provided by the Saniderm dressing. However, for the tattoo to heal, it must dry and close, which the bandage fully allows. So if you were wondering what Saniderm does and how it helps your tattoo heal, now you know. For more information, check the official Saniderm website or talk to your tattoo artist.

Also Read: What Is A Tattoo Ink Bag: All You Need To Know

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