Start with the care instructions below. If you still have questions, send your artist a check-in at the end of this page.
Support from your studio A personal reply by email
A little care, every day.
Your artist may tailor your routine to your skin and tattoo. If your instructions differ from the bandage directions, check with us before changing your routine.
01 / WITH A FILM BANDAGE
Healing with Saniderm
The first bandage. Saniderm recommends changing the first piece after 8–24 hours, and no later than 24 hours. Some ink-colored fluid underneath is expected; don’t puncture or drain the film.
Remove gently. Under warm running water, slowly peel the film back over itself, close to the skin, in the direction of hair growth. Don’t pull straight up. Wash and dry as described below.
A replacement, if planned. Only apply a fresh piece if your artist has shown you how, using clean hands and clean, dry skin. Never reuse film. A second piece may stay on up to six more days; total wear must not exceed seven days. If it continues collecting fluid, contact us about changing it at 24 hours.
After removal. Continue with the uncovered-care routine below. Don’t lift a sealed bandage to wash or moisturize underneath.
If fluid leaks out, water gets in, or the seal exposes the tattoo, remove the bandage and clean the area. Don’t patch a broken seal. Remove it if burning, a rash, or blisters develop; stop using the adhesive and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Remove the initial covering. Follow your artist’s removal time for a regular dressing. The Saniderm schedule does not apply to plastic wrap or other bandages. Ask us if you’re unsure which you have.
Wash gently. Wash your hands first. Clean the tattoo two to three times daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Use fingertips, not a scrubber.
Dry without rubbing. Pat with a fresh paper towel or let it air-dry.
Moisturize lightly. Use only a thin layer of the aftercare product your artist recommended. Once initial weeping has settled, a light fragrance-free lotion can help dryness. The skin should not stay greasy or soggy.
Let peeling skin and scabs come away on their own. Don’t scratch, pick, shave, or exfoliate the healing area. Don’t rewrap it unless your artist has instructed you to.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
What to use
Hustle Butter
A studio favorite. Use a very thin layer as directed by your artist. Prefer the fragrance-free version if you’re sensitive to scent; the original Deluxe contains fragrance. Check ingredients for allergies and stop if it irritates your skin.
Lubriderm
Choose Daily Moisture Fragrance-Free for lightweight moisturizing once weeping has settled. You don’t need to layer it with a balm.
A gentle cleanser
A mild, fragrance-free wash is enough. Skip scrubs, perfumes, alcohol, and peroxide. Use medicated or antibiotic products only if a clinician directs you to.
While it heals
Take short showers; avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs, and soaking until fully healed—even with Saniderm. Wear clean, loose clothing and avoid friction and workouts that irritate the area.
Keep it out of direct sun. Once fully healed, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Surface healing often takes 2–4 weeks; deeper healing takes longer.
Know when to get help
Mild early tenderness, redness, and later itching or flaking can happen. They should improve, not intensify.
Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, worsening pain or swelling, pus, red streaks, fever, or chills. For trouble breathing, faintness, or swelling of the face or throat, call 911. Don’t wait for an email reply.
