Do not put another bandage on it. The saniderm coming off is no big deal. I would go get some liquid dial to wash it, let it dry for a while before applying lotion or aquaphor. I usually put on a very small amount of aquaphor 2 days after I get a new tattoo.
It is okay if your Saniderm Bandage begins to peel off early. If this happens, remove the tattoo wrap and apply a new tattoo bandage as needed.
What should I do if the Second Skin peels off before time? If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply. You can also peel it off, clean the area and continua with the normal after care.
So, for anyone else coming to ask this question in the future, YES, it is OK to take it off after 24 hours. If possible, try to salvage your bandage and seal the areas that may be lifting with more saniderm or some medical tape.
What are the consequences of removing Saniderm prematurely? It's sticky and can't be filled with water. It pulls out the color. It can rip skin off and cause bleeding. It can cause an allergic reaction. Itchiness. Sensitivity in the area. Clear rash around where the Saniderm was. Skin itches and gets blisters.
Below are the care instructions copied directly from Saniderm's website: “After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours.
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.
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.
NOTES ON SANIDERM
If at any point your Saniderm peels up to expose part of the tattoo, or fills up with liquid from an outside source (such as water from the sink or shower), remove the Saniderm completely and swap over to the dry heal method for the remainder of the healing period.
Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. Leave the Tegaderm on for 5 days and do not lift, change, or remove it. Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from infection, abrasion, irritation and contamination while healing.
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.
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).
After you leave the studio you will have been cleaned and bandaged; remove the bandage after 3-4 hours and clean the skin with mild soap and warm water.
Use your clean hands, not a washcloth or towel. Chances are, it's a gross, gooey mess of blood, ink, lymph, and plasma. It's important to clean all of this off, as the plasma will harden and cause excessive scabbing on your tattoo, which might complicate the healing process.
It is normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it Alone.
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!
How to deal if the second skin is coming off early!? No need to worry if your second skin is peeling off early - jump in the shower and warm water (never hot water straight after being tattooed) will relax and soften the adhesive, allowing you to remove it with ease.
Remove Saniderm within 24 hours of getting a tattoo.
It's completely normal for a new tattoo to weep and it won't affect how the design looks, so you don't need to worry. You can remove a Saniderm bandage as soon as 8 hours after it's first applied if the adhesive starts to weaken.
Apply a thin film of "Aquaphor" as needed to keep moisturized for the next 3-4 days (1 day if Saniderm was used). Blot any excess amount! DO NOT overuse!
If the adhesive bandage begins coming off, do not stick it back down, instead remove the plastic early. Additionally, the adhesive bandage will accrue body fluids and ink underneath, your tattoo is not falling out or staining your skin.
Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once you remove the last Saniderm bandage after 5 days. However, deeper layers of the skin will still be fully healing for up to 6 months.