Saniderm is a product that applies to the skin in order to help heal tattoos faster. It comes in three different types: classic, pro, and tattoo cover-up. The type you should use depends on your specific needs.
Tattoos are permanent, which means you want to take the time to make sure that your tattoo is done right. This includes how long you should leave Saniderm on a new tattoo. Many factors will determine what the best answer is for this question, so we have included some helpful information below.
What are Saniderm Features?
Saniderm is a medical-grade, adhesive bandage that can be used to help promote the healing of tattoos. It does this by covering the tattooed area and protecting it from outside elements that could impede healing such as germs or bacteria in dirt & water.
Saniderm is a hypoallergenic adhesive dressing made of a soft, thin sheet that sticks to the skin. It’s designed for use on new tattoos and piercings to protect them from unwanted germs throughout the healing process. Each box contains 4 sterile bandages sealed in individual packets with an alcohol wipe to clean your hands before application.
Saniderm treatments refer to the application of a hydrocolloid dressing on an open wound.
It consists of 3 layers:
- a thin, transparent film for comfort and pain relief;
- a thick foam pad that provides pressure treatment with or without compression bandages;
- an adhesive gel layer that seals in moisture while protecting your tattoo from bacteria;
The first two layers are removable after 24 hours allowing you to change it as many times as needed until all residue has been removed but the third remains intact throughout the entire healing process.
Saniderm seals out dirt and germs while allowing sweat or body oils just outside of it so there would be no direct contact between you and what is inside your tattoo (the ink).
The Saniderm will stay on for up to 5 days depending on what type you’ve purchased (Standard/Ultra) and how your body reacts to it during those days. If you do not have an allergic reaction after applying the first piece, then reapply another one once it falls off naturally – if there are any gaps left open or holes that were created through removal, cover them with a new sheet until they heal over again. Ultra lasts longer than standard, but both are effective.
How long do you have to leave Saniderm on a tattoo? It depends. How old is the tattoo and how well did it heal last time around? Is there something new that you’re doing differently this time such as a different artist or location of your body with which to place the ink in comparison with before, exercising more than usual (the sweat can cause irritation), etc. All these things need to be taken into consideration when deciding how long to keep Saniderm on tattoos.
The most important thing is not leaving them on too long so they don’t come off prematurely and getting an infection from germs & bacteria seeping through the holes created by a removal/when it falls off naturally.
FAQ
Can you take Saniderm off after 3 days?
Some people choose to leave Saniderm on their new tattoo for up to a week, while others only keep it on for a couple of days before they remove the wrap. Leaving the wrap around your fresh tattoo too long will cause some problems that might be hard to reverse.
If you are used to wrapping your tattoo for a short period, then take it off after about 3 days. After that point, the skin may start peeling and scabbing all over again which will only lengthen the recovery process. If this happens, be sure to apply more Saniderm before leaving it on any longer than recommended by the manufacturer.
The best way to prevent these problems is using common sense when making decisions around how long you should leave your wrap in place.
What happens if you take Saniderm off early?
The tattoo can develop a scab. This is not what you want to have happened because the scab will fall off and leave behind an inkless spot on your skin. It’s important that you don’t take Saniderm off early, so it stays in place for at least two days after applying it.
If you take Saniderm off a couple of hours after applying, there will be no harm done. However, if it is taken off after only one day or so of being on the skin, then you’ll have to deal with scabbing and inkless spots. This occurs because the tattoo was not properly protected by Saniderm during its development process.
Can Saniderm ruin a tattoo?
Saniderm is designed to protect your tattoo while it heals, but there are some instances when Saniderm should not be used. If the area that you want to apply Saniderm to has any open wounds or scrapes then please do not use this product. It will trap bacteria and germs that can lead to infection.
If you have a history of keloid scarring, experts recommend consulting with your doctor before using this type of product on tattoos located around scars because it may cause these types of scars to grow larger than usual.
What if water gets under Saniderm?
Saniderm is designed to stay on the skin underwater for up to 3 days. In fact, it will not come off with regular showering or bathing. However, if you accidentally get soap suds underneath Saniderm that’s another story. You need to soak in a warm bath and remove your tattoo bandage gently before drying it completely and applying a new one.
Can you shower with Saniderm on your tattoo?
Yes. Just as long as the bandage is not completely submerged in water. Water will not harm your tattoo at all. You can gently wash it with soap and water, but do not scrub the area too hard because that will irritate the skin around your new tattoos.
Be careful when washing without submerging to prevent irritation of surrounding skin areas for tattoos. However, be gentle since this might aggravate other parts of your body near where you have a brand-new tattoo on you.
Can you put Saniderm on a week-old tattoo?
The answer is no. You can leave Saniderm on for about 2-3 days maximum when the tattoo has healed, but not any longer than that. If you want your tattoo to look fresh and new, then remove the patch after 48 hours at most. If you are still using Saniderm for your tattoo after that point, then the quality will deteriorate.
Is Saniderm hard to remove?
Saniderm is not painful to remove. Saniderm will start peeling away from the skin as it starts to dry out and fall off naturally, along with dead cells on your tattoo. You can help expedite this process by rubbing the skin with your fingers. For better adhesion, make sure that you avoid any contact with water while wearing Saniderm; including showering and swimming.
Is it okay if your Saniderm leaks?
Saniderm is designed to stay on your tattoo for up to one week. If it does start to leak, simply put more of the product onto the patch. If it continues to leak, double up on the Saniderm.
Does Saniderm speed up healing?
Leaving your tattoo exposed is not a good idea for many reasons. First of all, you risk infection if there are open wounds or scabs that haven’t healed yet. Secondly, your new tattoo will start to fade and lose vibrancy with exposure to sunlight (UV rays).
Saniderm allows tattoos to heal. Also, it is protecting them from outside elements like dirt and bacteria in addition to UV radiation which can cause fading over time to its transparency allowing skin tones underneath along with the natural color spectrum emitted by light sources such as lamps & suns directly. It especially corresponds to an uncovered tattoo that fades ink colors (or discolor over) time even when using sunscreen.
Saniderm has been proven to provide optimal protection for your tattoo while allowing it to breathe. Saniderm’s breathable adhesive film allows the skin enough oxygen exchange, which speeds up the healing process of the new tattoo. Without proper air circulation on a fresh tattoo, you get more swelling and tenderness around the healed site, but with Saniderm this is not an issue!
Are air bubbles in Saniderm bad?
Air bubbles are a sign that you have not removed the plastic wrap from your tattoo. If there is excess air between the Saniderm and your new tattoo, then it will need to be re-dressed with additional Saniderm. Also, ensure that there is no contact between the skin of your hand and this area as well since these two surfaces don’t make good bedmates for tattoos.
Should you use Aquaphor after Saniderm?
After you take the Saniderm off, use an unscented lotion. You can also apply Aquaphor ointment to a tattoo for a couple of days after it’s healed and stop using it as soon as your skin feels comfortable again. Don’t expose new tattoos to direct sunlight until they’re completely done healing because doing so may cause fading or damage the design.