GetTattoosIdeas.com – Get Amazing Tattoo Ideas

How To Remove Saniderm Tattoo Bandage?

• Julia
• 15.01.2023
• 0
• 83

How Does Saniderm Work?  Unlike Saran Wrap, Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. Saniderm is engineered to be permeable to gasses, like oxygen. 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.

Plus, it conveniently eliminates sessions of washing and applying aftercare to a new tattoo. The result is a tattoo healing experience that is safer, smoother, and more efficient. Saniderm Pre-Application Instructions Before applying Saniderm, be sure that the skin around the tattoo has also been shaved.

Removing a bandage from hair may be unpleasant. After finishing a tattoo session, make sure the tattoo is clean (no residue leftover from the tattooing session) and dry the area. Do not clean a fresh tattoo with products containing isopropyl alcohol or glycerin.

Isopropyl alcohol will certainly kill any bacteria in the area, but it will also kill all of your body’s own healing elements in the process. This will cause the wound to dry out under the bandage when it’s applied. If using astringent on a new tattoo, we suggest using an alcohol-free, unscented variant of Witch Hazel. Saniderm Application

1. Cut and trim Saniderm to fit around the tattoo – include an extra inch around all sides. TIP: Cutting the edges of the bandage to be round will help it adhere better and feel more comfortable.
2. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side first and place gently over the tattoo.
3. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the see-through second layer from the top side and smooth bandage over the tattoo.
4. Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere from 3-24 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours.

Saniderm Removal and Reapplication of 2nd Bandage

1. To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making the removal much more comfortable. Dry removal of Saniderm may cause discomfort and added trauma to the skin.
2. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free.
3. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. If you plan on applying another bandage, apply the product to the tattoo only and avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/moist skin.
5. Apply a second bandage by following the application steps listed above.

Additional removal and reapplication information:

• Keep this second bandage on for 3-6 days – the full six days being ideal. If the skin appears irritated, there is fluid buildup, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.
• Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself bandage-less during this phase, make sure you’re keeping the area thoroughly moisturized.
• If there is adhesive residue leftover on the skin, or the adhesive is not loosening enough with water, coconut oil and baby oil are helpful for removal.

Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Saniderm 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. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period. Wearing Saniderm While Showering, Swimming, and Exercising Showering while wearing Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum.

Additionally, glycerin can react with the adhesive of Saniderm, causing many issues from rashes to the adhesive binding too strongly. Water may weaken the adhesive of the bandage, which allows for unwanted contaminants to enter the bandage, putting you at higher risk for infection.

It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo. For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged.

• Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating;
• Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid;

Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it. Source Signs & Symptoms of Infection -Severe redness -Swelling -Tenderness of the procedure site -Red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart -Elevated body temperature -Purulent drainage from the procedure site -Discharge from site may be green/yellow and foul in odor *Contact the shop and seek immediate medical attention if any signs or symptoms of infection develop * TOUCH-UP POLICY There is one (1) complimentary “normal” touch-up service provided after completion of all sessions for this tattoo.

“Normal” is defined by healing inconsistencies that have occurred within the “normal” two (2) week healing period. Instances in which the complimentary touch-up service would be null and void are: soaking while healing, scratching or scratches, or fading due to excessive sun or tanning bed use.

Changes made to the completed tattoo are considered a new tattoo and are totally separate from the original piece. Hourly rates will apply for any changes made to the completed tattoo. The complimentary touch-up service must be used within one (1) calendar year of the completion of the tattoo.

When can I take the bandage off my Saniderm tattoo?

Can removing Saniderm damage tattoo?

Getting a new tattoo comes with many worries—keeping it clean and free of contaminants, using the correct healing products at the right time, and staying out of the sun, water, and harsh elements. How are you going to get through the awkward peeling stage of tattoo healing? Many of these worries can be put at ease by using Saniderm.

1. The adhesive film protects your tattoo from numerous risk factors;
2. There is no need to worry about applying ointment frequently to keep the tattoo from drying out;
3. You don’t have to worry about foreign bacteria entering the wound from an outside source;

Your tattoo is protected. Saniderm’s adhesive will not attach to your tattoo as it will be in the weeping phase of the healing process when you apply the initial piece. During this phase, your body will be pushing excess ink and plasma to the surface, preventing the adhesive from attaching to the freshly tattooed area.

This means Saniderm can never damage or extract your ink. Of course, you may be wondering what happens when you apply the following piece(s) of Saniderm, as the tattoo will have moved out of the weeping phase of tattoo healing.

This is where applying a non-petroleum, non-greasy aftercare lotion comes into play. Our favorite is Sanibalm. This helps to prevent the adhesive from sticking directly to the fresh tattoo until the tattoo begins to peel. Once this stage occurs, the peeling skin will cling to the film itself.

Can I take Saniderm off after 3 days?

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. Its 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;
• After a couple of days, the liquid will start to harden up under the saniderm;
• If you experience redness around the saniderm that lasts longer than a couple of days, you may be having a slight reaction to the adhesive on the bandage;

You can always remove the saniderm if you feel like you’re having a reaction – You know your body best. But, if something feels wrong, please reach out to your artist directly with a photo of the area you’re concerned about as this may save you un-necessary trauma to the area, caused by removing the bandage too soon.

• 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. If bacteria can get out of your bandage, it can get in – leaving you susceptible to infection. You cannot Tape saniderm back on, this is not a sanitary way to re-attach your saniderm. You cannot re-apply saniderm if it has been over two days since your tattoo session, at this point in the healing, re-applying new saniderm can cause more harm than good.

• If you would rather not re-bandage the tattoo or its been over two days since your tattoo was done , please remove the saniderm immediately and care for your tattoo using the directions provided below;

If you would like to Re-apply saniderm to your tattoo and it hasn’t been over two days since your tattoo was done, please follow these instructions: Wash your hands and remove the original saniderm slowly, THOROU GHLY CLEAN THE TATTOO WITH ANTIBACTERIAL, FRAGRANCE FREE SOAP.

(This step is crucial as any bacteria left on the tattoo will be trapped underneath the new application of saniderm, possibly causing infection. ) Then, let the tattoo air dry – do not touch any towels to the area.

Once area is completely dry and your hands are also clean and dry, re apply the saniderm with at least an inch border on every side of the tattoo. You can purchase replacement saniderm on Amazon Prime, or buy it at target or Walmart. Sometimes its called Teccaderm – however its the same product.

Please only re-apply the saniderm if you can follow the instructions perfectly. If you cannot follow these instructions perfectly, you should not replace the saniderm. Any fault in this process, can result in complications that I, nor any other tattoo artist, will not be liable for.

After four days, the best way to remove your saniderm is to slowly peel it off in the shower. It might be sore, so don’t panic if it’s tender. After the saniderm is removed, wash and moisturize your tattoo as usual using the directions below. REGULAR BANDAGES Leave the bandage on for one to four hours.

Remove the bandage, wash your hands – then gently wash the new tattoo with Dial Antibacterial Unscented hand soap and warm water. You will want to do this 3 times a day for about a week after getting the tattoo.

Stick to unscented until the tattoo is healed to avoid a nasty stinging sensation on your fresh tattoo. Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion, or let it air dry. For Larger Tattoos: Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or Coconut Oil on the tattoo.

• After three or four days, switch from the thicker ointments to a gentle unscented lotion of your choice, THIS STEP IS CRITICAL;
• Massage in thoroughly, this helps keep the itchy, “peely” healing process under control;

Make sure to dab off excess ointment after application, you don’t want your tattoo to be shiny. For Smaller Tattoos: No need for ointments of any kind, just use a gentle unscented lotion of your choice. Massage a thin layer into your tattoo thoroughly, apply 3-5 times a day.

1. This helps keeps the itchy, peely healing process under control;
2. Don’t freak out if your tattoo is red and/or irritated for a few days after your appointment, this is totally normal;
3. Don’t re-bandage your tattoo for any reason, we want it to breathe in the fresh air;

Do keep up the washing regiment at least once a day for 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It helps speed up the healing process and relieve the itching. Don’t overdo the ointment , it can clog your pores and ultimately mess up your tattoo – try to keep the applications thin and down to 3-5 times a day.

This is the most common issue I see clients deal with. Don’t pick! Its normal for the tattoo to be itchy, but resist the scratching! If you pick or scratch a healing tattoo, you can pull out pigments and create scar tissue.

Don’t get into any hot tubs, swimming pools, baths or anything else that might submerge your tattoo underwater for long periods of time for two weeks. Avoid saunas and tanning beds for two weeks as well. Do call us with questions! Although usually helpful, don’t ask Google or your friends for advice regarding tattoo stuff.

1. If you have any questions or concerns about your new artwork, please don’t hesitate to call or stop by the shop – that’s what we’re here for! Remember, severe redness that spreads outward or in streaks, extreme swelling, and yellow or green puss can all be signs of an infection;

If you believe there is an infection, go see your doctor. However, stopping by the shop to have a trained artist look at your tattoo, may save you a trip..

Do I apply anything after taking off Saniderm?

Tattoo Aftercare Routine: Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing Saniderm – Once the final Saniderm bandage is removed from your tattoo, continue to care for it by gently washing it with unscented antibacterial soap and pat or air dry. After, apply a layer of aftercare moisturizer 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is not peeling, dry, or cracked.

1. Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off;
2. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months;
3. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period;

Our product Sanibalm was formulated specifically for this purpose.

Can I leave Saniderm on for 7 days?

Treatment After Bandage Removal – Once you remove your Saniderm bandage and won’t be applying another, gently wash your new tattoo with luke-warm water and antibacterial soap. Once washed, pat dry with a clean paper towel. After the first 12 hours apply a white unscented lotion or a very small dab of Hustle Butter Deluxe 2-3 times a day.

What happens if Saniderm comes off early?

Here at The Edge we want to ensure you have a happy, safe and effective healing process. In order to meet these promises we use a product called Saniderm,  a clear bandage that is applied to your tattoo after completion. If your artist does not use saniderm, follow the verbal instructions they gave you in the studio.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO WHILE WEARING SANIDERM : Keep it on for 24 hours. Normal showering and activity is fine, however do not excessively soak, submerge it under any water, or expose it to any pool, ocean, river, lake, or pond water.

If the Saniderm begins coming off, do not stick it back down, instead remove the plastic early. Additionally, the Saniderm will accrue body fluids and ink under the wrap, your tattoo is not falling out or staining your skin. However, if you notice water under the wrap, then it also must come off early.

1. After the 24 hour period, remove the Saniderm;
2. We recommend doing this slowly after cleaning your hands with antibacterial soap and soaking it thoroughly in a long warm shower;
3. Once removed, simply wash the area gently with antibacterial liquid soap using warm water and skin to skin contact;

Afterwards let it air dry. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO AFTER REMOVING SANIDERM : Still keep it out of any previously described water for 2 weeks. Wait until the area is completely air dried to apply any moisturizer. The main theme of how to moisturize your tattoo is to apply it frequently and lightly.

Ensuring that only enough to keep the area moisturized is applied, as you do not want to suffocate the area with over application of the moisturizer. The first week of moisturizing will be done using Aquaphor, no other ointments such as A&D, Neosporin, or triple antibiotic will heal the tattoo properly.

Following the first week, an unscented and undyed lotion will be used, a thicker lotion such as a Palmer’s Coacoa Butter is best as it requires less frequent reapplication. If any product stings when applied, do not use it again. There should be no visible moisturizer left on the skin.

1. If you do over apply or if your skin looks slimey, then moisturize to the areas around the tattoo, don’t wipe away the excess;
2. Moisturize throughout the day, at least 7 times per day, for the first 4 weeks;

After that taper off to at least 3 times per day for the next 3 weeks. There is no maximum amount of times, just do not over apply. If the skin looks like dry skin or feels itchy, then moisturize again. The tattoo area will look red and irritated for a bit, this is normal, as you did just get stabbed with a needle.

1. During the healing process it is also normal for the area to flake and maybe lightly scab,  DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO, rather continue to moisturize;
2. Contact your tattoo artist with any questions or concerns, we are here for the entire process and to answer any questions you may have;

Clean bedding and clothing are important, as dirt, body oils and other substances can find their way into your new tattoo. THINGS TO AVOID : For the first 3-4 weeks, please avoid any activity that would involve soaking the skin or the tattooed area such as hot tubs, baths, swimming in pools or ocean water, pedicures, etc.

Regular showering is fine. The tattoo only needs to be cleaned with antibacterial soap the one time that the bandage comes off. Any further cleaning should be done in a normal daily shower with soap that does not irritate your skin or sting.

DO NOT WASH EXCESSIVELY, it will dry your tattoo and cause improper healing. It is VERY important to keep a new tattoo out of the sun, as the skin is already traumatized. Any other damage such as a sun burn will have increasingly adverse effects on your new tattoo healing properly.

1. The most important thing to do in the long term is to use SPF 45 or stronger sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours anytime your tattoo is subject to the sun;
2. The sun can damage Tattoos through clothing, so UPF clothing or using SPF under your clothing is the best way to remain protected;

Keep in mind that the sun can fade your tattoos at any point. Therefore, if you want to keep those pigments bold, bright, and beautiful and details from blobbing up, then invest in sun protection. Apply this at least every 2 hours and do not use alcohol based or aerosol sunscreen.

We guarantee our work and offer free touch ups within the first four months with the artist who originally did your tattoo. This policy does have some exceptions depending on the area of the body the tattoo is located.

There are a million different ways that people claim the healing process should be handled, this method is what we recommend, as this is what has worked best for us. Please do not refer to the advice of a non-professional or an artist who did not do your tattoo for something as important as the safety of your body and the quality of your permanent artwork.

Should I keep my tattoo wrapped for 5 days?

⏳ How long should I keep my tattoo covered with cling film? – After you leave the salon or your tattoo artist, you need to keep the tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours if you use simple cling wrap (plastic foil). If you have a protective tattoo film, then keep it for 3-5 days.

Is it okay to have air bubbles in Saniderm?

You notice an air bubble under your freshly applied Saniderm bandage — now what should you do? While an air bubble under Saniderm is not necessarily “bad,” it will likely cause problems with adhesion further on down the line. If you find yourself in this predicament, we recommend these two options: A:  Simply make a small cut, let the air bubble out, and apply an additional small piece of Saniderm over the newly exposed area.

This is the option we generally recommend, just because it’s fast and easy. Be cautious when making the incision, however, as you don’t want to harm the tattoo below. Don’t apply too much pressure and try to make the smallest slit possible—just enough to release the air trapped inside.

B: Or, perhaps you don’t have any more Saniderm on hand. If this is the case, gently attempt to push the air bubble out by hand. Take caution during this process — go slowly and be attentive. It is important that you keep your tattoo completely sealed. If you poke a hole in the air bubble, it is vital that you apply an additional piece of Saniderm over the top.

1. Leaving this hole exposed puts you at risk of infection as bacteria can enter the film through the open hole;
2. In addition to bacteria, showering with an exposed hole in your Saniderm will allow water to collect inside the film and loosen the adhesive;

Have additional questions about Saniderm? Read more about  how Saniderm works ,  where Saniderm came from , and  why Saniderm is better  than its alternatives in  Saniderm’s tattoo knowledge base !.

Does Saniderm speed up healing?

What is Saniderm? –     Saniderm is a thin, clear protective bandage that adheres to the tattoo site. It’s water-resistant, breathable, and does a great job of keeping out dirt and bacteria. Saniderm uses your body’s own healing abilities to heal the tattoo quickly and effectively.

Do tattoos scab with Saniderm?

Saniderm is Different – By design, Saniderm’s tattoo bandage is permeable enough for oxygen and water vapor to pass through. This is important, as it allows the wounded area to maintain optimal levels of breathability. Additionally, Saniderm protects against dirt and germs, offering protection from friction and other irritants. No worries about your furry friend rubbing against your tattoo or trying to stop nosey people from rubbing their hands on it.

1. Saniderm works by locking in your body’s natural healing fluids so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring;
2. In addition, we engineered Saniderm to be gas permeable so your skin can breathe and get all the oxygen it needs to heal perfectly;

Another perk—because it is breathable, you can wear Saniderm for several days at a time while your tattoo heals. This allows you to skip out on the frequent washing and ointment applying involved with traditional tattoo aftercare. Have additional questions about Saniderm? Want to know what we think are the best products to put on a new tattoo?  Ask our tattoo aftercare knowledge base !.

Is it OK if my Saniderm is wrinkled?

Your tattoo may be almost healed, but removing the Saniderm will still feel a little weird. There will be a print of your tattoo on the plastic, and lots of small creases in the skin, this is normal.

Should I remove Saniderm if I sweat?

Tattoo Care and Saniderm after Exercising – If you do exercise or workout with Saniderm and experience zero to minimal sweating, you should at least take a shower and rinse off. If you notice any peeling of the bandage whatsoever, remove it. Additionally, if the sweating was excessive and you feel contaminants may have entered, you should remove it.

But don’t pull off the bandage anywhere! You want to avoid exposing your new tattoo to environmental toxins. After all, your new tattoo is technically an open wound and should be cared for as such. The easiest and most convenient way to remove Saniderm is in the shower under running water.

After exercising with Saniderm, use soap and water to clean your body and rid any excess sweat or body fluid. Then find an edge of the bandage and pull the bandage back over itself, in the direction of hair growth. After removal, clean the tattoo with a mild cleanser and allow the tattoo to dry.

Apply an additional bandage, if desired. If you’re not going to apply another bandage, begin moisturizing immediately. And remember, throughout the entire tattoo healing process, be sure you are using clean towels, linens, and wearing fresh clothes.

Also, avoid tight fitting clothing and instead opt for loose-fitting, cotton material that will permit oxygen to flow freely. Need more information about tattoo aftercare? Check out our knowledge base for information on Saniderm removal or read through our extensive guide to new tattoo care !.

Why does my tattoo look smudged under the wrap?

– Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin’s surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.

How fast do tattoos heal with Saniderm?

The healing process usually takes a week to two weeks. Saniderm sends you in a completely different direction. Your first Saniderm bandage goes on for 8-24 hours and is removed when the lymph (that sticky clear fluid) build up breaks the seal. A thorough wash, and then you apply a second Saniderm bandage.

Can I take Saniderm off after 1 day?

After you apply the first Saniderm bandage , we recommend leaving it on your new tattoo for between 8 to 24 hours. Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping. 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;
• If your tattoo exudes more plasma and blood than usual, you may find yourself having to change it earlier;

This is common with heavy saturation and color work. Regardless of how much fluid build-up you experience , you should always change the initial film at the 24-hour mark to clean the area. Before replacing your Saniderm with a new bandage, you may apply a thin layer of Sanibalm or aftercare product.

If you live in a climate with high humidity or have naturally oily skin, this is not necessary. But for those in low humidity climates or who have dry skin, a thin layer of moisturizer can help ease discomfort and itchiness due to dry skin.

Once you’ve applied the second bandage , it can be worn for up to 6 days. 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.

What happens if you take the wrap off your tattoo too early?

Fresh tattoos can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to heal. During this healing phase, there are 7 things that can ruin your new tattoo before it has even healed. Bad art from a bad artist It’s possible to ruin your new tattoo by choosing an unskilled artist.

When speaking about skills, I’m not referring to their artistic skills. This would be about the artists’ tattooing procedure and application skills. Everyone’s skin is different skin. Healthy, unhealthy, plump, loose, tight, oily, or dry.

Our skin’s surface, thickness, and tightness are also different throughout our bodies. These differences can have a detrimental impact on how the ink lays into your skin. An inexperienced artist can further implicate this. Finding and choosing an experienced artist goes without question 2.

Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and after the tattoo session, the artist will cover your new tattoo. Every artist has a different preference for what they use. Some still use the old school plastic Saran Wrap crap made for sandwiches.

Try to avoid using this food cellophane wrap on new ink. Fresh tattoos should be wrapped with a sterile bandage. The best options are medical-grade adhesive bandages and protective tattoo films like Saniderm or Dermalize. Wrapping a fresh tattoo is essential to help the initial healing while providing protection from environmental contaminants like dirt, germs or anything else that should not go near an open wound.

• After the wrap has been on for a few hours, you will start to see blood and plasma underneath;
• Once this happens, it’s time to remove the wrap, as this can block your skin pores from breathing;
• This can ruin your new tattoo before the first day is over;

And trust me, I’ve ruined two tattoos by leaving the wrap on too long as per the artist’s instructions. The bandage or wrap should stay on no longer than 6-8 hours max. If using products like Saniderm or Dermalize, you can always remove it, clean the tattoo and apply a new layer.

Tattoo Infections As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected. Once unwrapped, keep your skin clean and follow proper tattoo aftercare instructions. This will ensure your new tattoo heals without getting infected.

During tattoo healing, avoid touching your ink unless washing or applying aftercare. It’s very easy to transfer dirt and germs onto your fresh tattoo (open wound) from dirty hands. Sleeping with a fresh tattoo Getting a goods night’s sleep can be awkward during the tattoo healing process.

Even more awkward is the size and location of your new tattoo. Try to avoid laying on the tattoo, and or having it covered under the sheets or blankets. Covering a fresh tattoo under blankets or sheets can cause a risk of infection.

The bed is a great place for hidden germs that you do not want to get into an open wound. The same as above, your skin needs to breathe, so not covering up under the sheets helps. Then there’s the issue of laying on the tattoo. You risk having the tattoo stick to the bed or pick up dirt and germs.

1. You can always lay down a clean towel on the bed if you need to;
2. Another option for sleeping is applying a breathable medical wrap like Saniderm;
3. Make sure to remove it as soon as you wake up so that there’s not too much blood and plasma accumulation;

Cleaning and excess water exposure Keeping a fresh tattoo clean goes without question. So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo.

1. When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day;
2. You can read our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos here;
3. Picking or scratching itchy or peeling skin During the tattoo healing stages, some people experience itchy and scabby skin;

The reason for this to happen is part of your skin’s healing process. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick or peel your skin as this can damage the color and lines of your new tattoo. To avoid or end any itchy peeling skin during tattoo healing, always use a good aftercare product.

1. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized several times throughout the day;
2. Don’t let your tattoo get dry, and only apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare after every cleaning;
3. Now, in regards to peeling and itchy skin, I have never suffered from this;

I followed the above directions and none of my 21 tattoos have ever peeled or got itchy. Excessive sun exposure Excessive sun exposure is a fast way to ruin a new tattoo. Be aware of any direct sun exposure on your fresh ink. If you must be outside, always keep your tattoo covered, for at least the first 40 days.

Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing. A list of nasty skincare ingredients will be for another blog.

After your new tattoo has healed, make sure to keep it protected with quality sunscreen product if going outside. Excessive direct UVA/UVB sun exposure  accelerates skin aging, which causes tattoo fading.