How can I protect my tattoo without Saniderm?

Author: Prof. Kacey Rice  |  Last update: Monday, April 7, 2025

My routine is this: first 3 days was twice a day with dial gold soap and pat dry, follow with thin layer of aquaphor. On fourth day switch aquaphor for lubriderm unscented lotion. Continue twice a day wash and thin lotion application for about two weeks or until mostly healed. Works perfectly for me.

What can I cover my tattoo with if I don't have Saniderm?

Cotton Cloth: A clean, soft cotton cloth can be used to cover the tattoo. Make sure it's breathable and washed in a gentle detergent to avoid irritation. Paper Bandages: Some brands offer biodegradable paper bandages that can be a good option for covering tattoos during the healing process.

Is it okay to not use Saniderm on a tattoo?

You don't need saniderm. It's not necessary. People have healed tattoos for thousands of years without it. Keeping it clean is all you need.

Can I use saran wrap instead of Saniderm?

Since oxygen itself plays a huge role in allowing the skin to heal properly, covering a new tattoo in plastic wrap or smothering it in petroleum-based products that limit oxygen supply can further complicate the healing process.

What can I wrap my tattoo with at home?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

Tattoo Healing Process With Second Skin (Dermshield / Saniderm)

What else can I cover my tattoo with?

While healing, cover the tattoo with clothing or a bandage whenever it might be exposed to the sun.

How can I temporarily cover my tattoo?

Arguably, the best makeup to cover tattoos is tattoo makeup—that is, makeup specifically formulated for tattoo coverage. That can be hard to find, though (not to mention pricey). If you don't have any tattoo makeup on hand, a color corrector, foundation, and concealer will get the job done, too.

Can you buy Saniderm at Walmart?

Saniderm tattoo bandage in 8″ x 8 yard roll Clear Adhesive Antibacterial bandage - Walmart.com.

What is the best thing to put on a healing tattoo?

Both Paul and Shuliar recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for tattoo aftercare because it's unscented and designed to create a protective healing barrier while allowing oxygen to pass through.

Can I put Saniderm on a 3 day old tattoo?

Can you use Saniderm more than 24 hours after getting a tattoo? The answer is, “yes.” As long as you are within the first 48 hours of your tattoo you can still apply a first bandage.

Do tattoos heal faster with Saniderm?

ACCELERATE THE TATTOO HEALING PROCESS – Saniderm tattoo care bandages help prevent scabbing, which means accelerated tattoo healing and less irritation. Less scabbing also means the risk of damaging your tattoo is greatly reduced.

What are the negative effects of Saniderm?

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.

How long to leave saran wrap on tattoo?

After you leave the studio you will have been cleaned and bandaged; remove the bandage after 3-4 hours. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.

What is an alternative to cling film for tattoos?

Second skin is a great alternative to cling film when healing your tattoos! As you can (barely) see, it's very discrete, breathable and flexible! The second skin stays on for a total of 4-5 days (with one change in between) rather than cling film, which has to be changed 2-3 times a day for two weeks!

How to protect a new tattoo from dirt?

Healing Tattoos in the Trades: How to Care for Tattoos in Dusty Work Environments
  1. Keep it Covered. Wear protective clothing: When possible, cover the new tattoo with clean, breathable clothing to prevent direct exposure to dust, dirt and other debris. ...
  2. Maintain Cleanliness. ...
  3. Moisturize Regularly. ...
  4. Avoid Direct Contact.

What lotions not to use on tattoos?

Seven Skincare Products to Avoid
  • Aquaphor.
  • A+D Ointment.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Vaseline.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Neosporin.
  • Lubriderm.

How to protect a new tattoo from clothes?

Indirect Wear Is Fine

As long as there is a bandage between your new tat and your clothes, things should be fine. That does not count as direct wear since there is a middle layer. As long as the clothing does not directly contact the tattooed skin, there should be no significant problems.

Do I really need Saniderm?

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.

Does Saniderm pull ink?

Saniderm's adhesive will not attach to the weeping area (the oozy part) of a tattoo, therefore it can never damage or pull out ink.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

What can you use to seal a temporary tattoo?

Seal with Clear Nail Polish

Clear nail polish can act as a durable sealant for your temporary tattoo. Apply a thin layer over the tattoo, and let it dry completely.

What can I use to cover my tattoo overnight?

To protect your tattoo from bacteria and other contaminants, be sure to keep it covered with a clean and breathable bandage. You can also use a specialized tattoo cover, such as an adhesive bandage specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.

Previous article
Can I use a diffuser as a humidifier?
Next article
How to do the 3 2 1 method?