Tattoo aftercare instructions

saniderm healing

  1. Keep Saniderm on for 3 days.

  2. Remove Saniderm the morning of the 4th day.

  3. Apply occasional very thin and light layers of unscented lotion/coconut oil if your skin feels dry or itchy after removing Saniderm.

  4. Stay out of submerged water for 2 weeks from the day of getting the tattoo. A healing tattoo is an open wound on your skin; keep it out of water to avoid infection. Taking showers is ok; the key is not to submerge it in water.

  5. Do not exercise while the Saniderm is on and avoid excessive sweating.

  6. Avoid direct sunlight while the tattoo is healing. Keep the tattoo protected from the sun if you need to be outside.

  7. If your skin feels dry or itchy after removing the Saniderm slap do not scratch the tattoo. You could compromise the integrity of your tattoo if you scratch it while it’s healing. The tattoo feeling dry and itchy is normal during the healing process.

  8. The tattoo is fully healed in 4-6 weeks.

If your skin is getting red and irritated around the edges of the Saniderm bandage remove it immediately. You could have an adhesive allergy or sensitivity to the bandage. I will always ask about allergies prior to applying the Saniderm.

Blood, pus, and ink will collect inside the Saniderm bandage; it will look like a soy sauce packet! This is normal. If these bodily fluids are dripping from the bandage and leaking remove it promptly and follow up with the natural healing aftercare below.

Natural healing

  1. Clean your new tattoo with liquid antibacterial handsoap 2x or 3x times daily (if you have naturally dry skin clean and moisturize 3x; if your skin is more oily clean and moisturize 2x; this is unique to the individual).

  2. Moisturize your new tattoo 2x or 3x daily with only a tattoo aftercare ointment or coconut oil (do not use Neosporin it has an ingredient which pushes foreign particles like tattoo ink out!). I like using Hustle Butter and Redemption Organic tattoo aftercare ointments.

  3. The first 2 nights before bed wrap your new tattoo in plastic wrap after cleaning and lightly moisturizing. If not your new tattoo will stick to the bedsheets and lift up freshly healing skin and ink which compromises how it will look healed.

  4. Stay out of submerged water for 2 weeks from the day of getting the tattoo. A healing tattoo is an open wound on your skin; keep it out of water to avoid infection. Taking showers is ok; the key is not to submerge it in water.

  5. Do not exercise for the first three days of getting your tattoo.

  6. Avoid direct sunlight while the tattoo is healing. Keep the tattoo protected from the sun if you need to be outside.

  7. If your skin feels dry or itchy do not scratch the tattoo. You could compromise the integrity of your tattoo if you scratch it while it’s healing. The tattoo feeling dry and itchy is normal during the healing process.

  8. The tattoo is fully healed in 4-6 weeks.

Long term aftercare

After 4-6 weeks even though your tattoo is fully healed there is regular maintenance! Tattoos are expensive; you want to protect your investment and take care of them.

  1. Always apply at least SPF 50 sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure on your tattoo.

  2. Reapply sunscreen every hour when your tattoo is exposed to the sun.

  3. Stay hydrated and apply lotion to keep your tattoo moisturized and happy!

Tattoo Touch-ups

You are eligible for a touch-up within the first year of receiving your tattoo. I want to ensure you are happy with your tattoo after it heals.

The touch-up session is complimentary and usually takes around 30 minutes.

Most people do not require a touch-up and their healed tattoos settle nicely in the skin, however if you are unsure if you need one please email me a photo of your healed tattoo at karipowelltattoos@gmail.com. I’m here to help with any questions you may have!