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.
This happens to me sometimes. Take the Saniderm off, wash with that soap and put on some light unscented body lotion (aquaphor is too heavy to use right away) repeat that 2-3 times a day for the next two weeks and you'll be good to go. Saniderm is great but not necessary as long as you clean it.
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.
Don't worry! Take the entire saniderm off and start to care for it like it was on the entire time it was recommended. Leaving part on and having part exposed will have your skin heal at different rates and risks bacteria entering the remaining saniderm.
This is normal and part of the healing process. Risk of Damage: If you peel off the flaky skin prematurely, you risk damaging the underlying layers of skin and the ink. This can lead to issues like scabbing, color loss, or uneven healing.
There's usually some peeling, which is pretty much a given, but you still need to keep your tattoo protected, and of course, moisturized, to prevent anything more serious from happening.
The flakes should be thin, and you might see tiny bits of color in them. That's just the stained dead skin coming off in the majority of cases. It doesn't mean your tattoo is ruined. Bad Peeling: If the peeling is more intense, with redness or swelling, or it feels hot to the touch, you may have a problem.
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!
If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply.
If for some reason the liquid leaks out the bottom of the Saniderm, the saniderm rolls up exposing the tattoo, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, you need to remove the saniderm or re-apply the saniderm. * You cannot leave saniderm on your tattoo, if it is leaking.
It is perfectly normal to use up to four pieces of Saniderm during the healing process. When changing pieces, make sure to leave a gap of no more than 30 minutes between removal and reapplication. Wash and pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry before applying your next bandage.
Do not try to save the saniderm, switch to wet healing. Clean the tattoo with unscented soap like you have been doing, pat dry and apply a thin layer of lotion like lubriderm. Do this 3x daily until all of your scabs naturally fall off (don't pick them).
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.”
When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that's your cue to remove or replace the bandage. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it's okay to carefully replace it with a new one.
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.
If any breaks in the bandage or leakage occurs, remove the bandage immediately. When you are ready to remove your bandage, it's easiest to take a warm shower, and peel off the Saniderm as you would a band-aid: start at the top, and pull downward and with the direction your hair grows in the surrounding area.
If it peels so much that any part of the tattoo is no longer completely covered, take it all off and resume normal tattoo aftercare explained in the section above. If you notice any redness/discoloration, rash, itchiness or any other unpleasant reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash the area immediately.
You can leave SecondSkin™ on for up to seven days. We do recommend changing the bandage around the 24-36 hour mark. See our full instructions here (link opens in new tab/window). If you experience any irritation or discomfort discontinue use.
SANIDERM. Leave your Saniderm on for four full days after getting your tattoo. It is waterproof, so go ahead and shower as usual - however, please don't tempt fate with a bath or soaking. It is normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood.
Your first bandage applied by the artist must be worn for 24 hours, do not remove it early. You will have irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and ink collect under the bandage. You will notice plasma, ink, and blood trapped in the bandage, and it may leak out. This is NORMAL and part of the healing process.
Once the final 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 second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months.
There may be some sticky residue leftover from the second skin, this can sometimes be stubborn to remove, but do not try to scrub it off, you will only irritate the skin. It will eventually wash off in the next couple of showers with normal washing.
Don't scrub
You'll want to put down the sponge or loofah and just use your fingertips to apply a mild, gentle cleanser on your tattoo. Rinse well and remember to avoid any harsh or abrasive exfoliating skincare products.
When applied immediately after your tattoo session, Saniderm protects your tattoo from dirt and bacteria. and germs. Saniderm also reduce scabbing (which is detrimental your tattoo), reduces pain, and keeps your ink locked in for a more vibrant tattoo.