Aftercare for Second Skin or Saniderm

Caring for a new tattoo with a "second skin" bandage (like Saniderm or Dermalize) is a popular and effective method that creates a moist healing environment, often leading to faster healing and less scabbing.1 However, proper care is still essential. Here's a guide to the best way to care for your tattoo with this type of bandage:

Immediately After the Procedure:

• Follow Your Artist's Instructions: Your tattoo artist will apply the bandage and give you specific instructions.2 They know your tattoo and their products best, so always prioritize their advice.3

• Leave the First Bandage On: Most artists will recommend leaving the initial bandage on for a certain period, usually 24 hours.4 During this time, it's normal to see a buildup of blood, plasma, and excess ink under the bandage.5 This fluid is actually beneficial for the healing process.

During the Healing Period with the Bandage:

• Keep it on for the Recommended Time: The typical recommendation for the second bandage (if you apply a new one after the first 24 hours) is to leave it on for 3 to 7 days, depending on the tattoo and your artist's advice.6 This is the most critical period for the bandage to protect your tattoo.

• Showering is Fine, But Avoid Soaking: The bandage is waterproof, so you can shower as you normally would.7 However, avoid taking long, hot showers or letting a strong stream of water hit the tattoo directly, as this can weaken the adhesive. Do not submerge your tattoo in water. This means no baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools.

• Watch for Leaks or Lifting: If the bandage starts to peel up and expose any part of your tattoo, or if the fluid leaks out, it's time to remove it. A compromised seal can allow bacteria to get in, increasing the risk of infection.8

• Avoid Sweat and Sun: Don't engage in strenuous activities that cause a lot of sweating, and keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.9 Sweating under the bandage can cause irritation, and sun exposure can damage and fade a new tattoo.

Removing the Bandage:

• Remove it Gently: The best way to remove the bandage is in a warm shower. The warm water will help to loosen the adhesive. Pull the bandage back over itself slowly, in the direction of your hair growth. You can let the water run under the bandage as you peel to make it easier.10

• Clean the Tattoo: Immediately after removal, gently wash your tattoo with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and warm water.11 Use your clean fingertips—no washcloths or loofahs—to remove any residual adhesive or fluid.12 Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.13

After the Bandage is Removed:

• Moisturize Regularly: Once the bandage is off and the tattoo is clean, apply a thin layer of an unscented lotion or an approved tattoo aftercare product.14 Do not use petroleum-based products like Vaseline, as they can suffocate the skin.15

• Continue Aftercare: Continue to wash your tattoo gently 2-3 times a day and apply a thin layer of lotion as needed to keep it from getting dry or tight.16 The tattoo may still flake and peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Do not pick or scratch at the peeling skin.

• Continue to Avoid: For the next few weeks, avoid prolonged sun exposure, soaking the tattoo in water, and heavy exercise.17 Use sunscreen on your tattoo once it is fully healed to protect it from fading over time.18

Remember, every tattoo and every person's skin is different. If you have any concerns or notice signs of infection (including but not limited to redness, swelling, tenderness, or unusual discharge), contact your tattoo artist or a medical professional immediately.

Aftercare for Cling Wrap Method

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Here at Nirvanic Tattoo we want you to be completely happy with your fresh ink. If you read and follow these instructions very careful, you can be assured that your ink will look its’ best for years to come. These are the aftercare instructions if your artist applied ointment and wrapped your tattoo with clear plastic clingwrap.

1.                         The most important part is not to pick, scratch, or scrape the fresh tattooed areas. For the first couple of days the area will be vulnerable to infections and physical damage. Treat it with care!

2.                         After 2 hours take the bandage off and wash the area with soap and warm water. Don’t use anything but your fingertips to wash your new tattoo. Pat it dry with a clean towel.  Never scrub your tattoo while it is healing.

3.                         Apply a NON-SCENTED or FRAGRANCE FREE hand lotion such as Lubriderm or Jergens to the tattoo. PLEASE DO NOT USE VASELINE, AQUAPHOR, BACITRACIN OR NYTHING WITH A PETROLEUM BASE!!!  Make sure you use just enough to cover the tattoo and rub in. Don’t leave it shiny.  You may want to try letting the lotion sit on top of scabs in order to ‘soak in’ a little. Be VERY careful though, because getting too much moisture may suck some of the colors out. Make sure you rub the lotion in after a few minutes.

4.                         Keep the tattoo clean and keep your hands off it!  Do not use anything with petroleum in it EXCEPT if you think you may be vulnerable to infection you may try Neosporin, Bacitracin, or Triple-Antibiotic Ointment. Only use these products for the first three days and no more! Use these products sparingly!

5.                         It is very important to keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for the first month. If you are going to tan in a tanning bed, cover your new tattoo with a bandage of some kind. It is best to use a strong (spf 30 or higher) sunblock on the tattoo whenever it will be in the sun, FOREVER! UV rays are what make a tattoo look old and faded.

6.                         Don’t soak your tattoo in a swimming pool, hot tub, or water for two weeks! This is very important because soaking will also make your tattoo look dull. If you accidentally get your tattoo too wet, simply pat it dry and let it dry out some. Remember, the better you take care of your new tattoo the better it will look!

7.                          With our hospital quality sterilization here at Nirvanic Tattoo, getting and infection is rare but it is always possible. To ensure your safety and our own we utilize up-to-date sterility procedures and practice universal precautions when it comes to bloodbourne pathogens, If you think you may have an infection and your tattoo is red and swollen, sore, and has green puss coming out of it then you are most likely right. It is important that you consult a physician if these symptoms occur. We also urge you to call us so we can help you out.

TOUCH-UP POLICY

                       Touchups are another possibility. One touchup is fincluded with the price of your tattoo. Please call us if you see some spots on your tattoo where it looks like the ink didn’t absorb properly. We will set you up an appointment and you will get the tattoo touched up by the artist who did it. A touchup does not cover fading from the sun so you might want to come in and have us look at your tattoo if you ever expose it to excessive sun or tanning. TOUCH-UPS ARE NOT DONE ON A WALK-IN BASIS!! PLEASAE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!! CALL 970-551-2758

8.                           If you have any questions please feel free to call us or come in. We want you to be happy with your tattoo because we take great pride in our work and we believe that the art of tattooing is the most noble form of art since the beginning of mankind. Thank You.