If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
Second skin is typically recommended for 3-5 days, but it depends on the person and the tat!
If the 2nd skin comes off before your ready, don't reapply it, the area is now no longer sterile and you could trap new bacteria under the second skin, just start with your regular aftercare as below :)
Second skin basically acts as a makeshift scab, but it's even better than a scab your body would create. It creates and maintains a moist environment for your skin to heal, and acts as a barrier to bacteria while still allowing the vapour barrier to pass through it.
You shouldnt keep saniderm on for 7 days. 3-4 days is the correct length of time. At this point if the tattoo isn't completely sealed in the saniderm then you should just remove it and care for it as usual. Keep it clean and your hair out of it if your hair is long.
If you find the tattoo weeps into the second piece, remove it at the next 24 hour period. Then wash the tattoo, apply aftercare if needed, and apply a third piece. This third piece can be worn for up to 5 days. Saniderm should not be worn for more than 7 days total.
Healing With Saniderm
Alternatively, if the fluid that collected beneath your Saniderm has dried out or has become itchy or uncomfortable, it is perfectly okay to remove the bandage and begin washing/caring for your tattoo -- even if this happens before the 3-5 day mark!
Provided the wearer does not have an allergy to adhesives, second skin is arguably the greatest game-changer in the tattoo industry, making the healing process faster, safer and more efficient!
By using the body's natural repairing fluids to keep the wounded area in a hydrated state, Saniderm accelerates cell recovery and therefore heals your tattoo faster. Saniderm bandages are made from high-quality materials and are composed of three primary components.
While you're wearing the second-skin, you might notice the surface underneath accumulating slight moisture, which can make the tattoo look blurry. This is plasma building up from your skin and pulling up micro fragments of ink – it's a completely normal part of the healing process.
Aftercare for normal healing without Second Skin:
Rinse well and pat dry with paper towel. Do not re-bandage. Apply a VERY THIN layer of Bepanthen or our aftercare ointment 2-3 times a day for 3 days. On the 4th day switch to a small amount of unscented hand lotion.
Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.
Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.
Once you remove our SecondSkin™ bandage, keep your tattoo clean and start using our aftercare cream as needed. You may experience some redness around the tattoo where SecondSkin™ was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is also completely normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive.
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.
SANIDERM. Follow these instructions if a clear film bandage was applied at the end of your appointment. If given one piece of Saniderm: Leave this piece on for 3-4 days, depending on amount of fluid collected under the bandage.
As mentioned, the second skin is waterproof so you can shower without worrying about your tattoo. Once the 3 to 5 days have passed, it's time to remove the film! If it proves to be difficult to remove, you can lightly apply warm water to the area as you pull it off (e.g. in the shower).
It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks. At this point, you can stop washing your tattoo with soap, as it will be protected by its own layers of skin.
Is It Better To Use Wet Healing Techniques for a Tattoo? Research suggests that wet healing is superior to dry healing for almost every kind of wound, including a tattoo. Dry skin has a hard time regenerating itself because it gets scabby and crusty and pulls away from itself (ouch).
A minimum of two days and as much as a few weeks are generally recommended to hold off on more moderate and intense activity. Yet even yoga and other low-intensity exercises could be in risky territory if they lead to friction, sweating, or stretching the tattoo.
SANDIDERM / TEGADERM / TATTOODERM / SECOND SKIN:
During this time, the tattoo may look blurry due to excess blood and/or plasma that may leave the skin. It may look like a blob of ink, but this is totally 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.
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.
Second Skin (also known as Tegaderm, Saniderm or Derma-Shield) is a breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier that covers your new tattoo. The bandage will protect your tattoo from contamination while also keeping any excess ink, or fluids from getting on clothes and sheets.