TATTOO afterCARE
DOS & DON’TS
Firstly; I would like to thank you for joining me in my studio & trusting in me as your artist to bring this form of body art to life. It was truly a pleasure to meet you and connect with you in this unique bonding experience. Please take care of your new tattoo, I hope that you have a smooth healing process and your new tattoo provides you with a constant source of joy.
I know how exciting it is to have new artwork on your body, and in the midst of admiring your new piece and the delirium the session can cause it is easy to forget exactly what you need to do to take care of a fresh tattoo.
Saniderm is a water-resistant adhesive which locks in the body’s natural fluids and enzymes, which would otherwise be lost to evaporation or scabs as the tattoo heals. These fluids keep cells hydrated and more effectively break down and remove dead tissue, so growth of new cells is stimulated and pain is significantly reduced. Studies show that wounds that kept hydrated heal faster than dry wounds.
Saniderm also provides a barrier against dirt, bacteria, and friction, while at the same time being completely breathable – inviting oxygen to the skin and eliminating bacteria growth.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BANDAGE
care & REMOVAL
While Saniderm is water-resistant, using a luffa or a soap containing any sort of scrubs/exfoliants (i.e., coconut shells, micro beads, loofah’s, etc.) is NOT recommended as it will lift off the adhesive.
While wearing Saniderm, keep your showers short and avoid putting your new tattoo directly into the running water. Taking a bath, going in a sauna, a hot tub, or a still body of water is NOT recommended, Chlorine is a hard no.
You are to keep Saniderm on for 3-5 Days.
When removing the bandage, have a warm shower and remove it at the end. Soak the bandage in the warm water to help the adhesive loosen ints grip from you skin. Find a corner you can lift peel it off slowly. With an antibacterial soap cleanser (Cetaphil gentle foaming cleanser is great), NEVER USE A BAR OF SOAP. Wash any blood or fluids from your tattoo by massaging gently with your fingertips / an open palm. Make sure to get off all of the adhesive. The area should not be tacky. If its still sticky, you need to work the area a bit more.
Once you've cleaned the area, pat your new tattoo dry with a paper towel. Do not use your towel.
The ONLY time Saniderm is to be removed earlier than the 3rd day is if the adhesive lifts and/or fluid leaks out, leaving your new tattoo exposed. If that does happen, remove Saniderm as it is no longer sealed, no longer sanitary, and no longer providing any of the benefits described above.
In the rare case but it does happen, where you have a reaction to the bandage. i.e. redness, itchiness or blisters occur under the bandage, remove it immediately by following the removal steps above.
With that being said, it is normal for the Saniderm to ‘bubble’ due to the ‘pooling’ of fluid underneath it. Please, DO NOT pop the ‘bubble’. That its just part of the healing process sometimes while using these types of bandages. It may look weird but its a part of the process.
TIPS
If you notice your tattoo getting red or irritated or there is too much fluid underneath the Saniderm bandage, remove it immediately. Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands, do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. Wash until the tattoo is completely clear of blood and plasma. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.
Do not expose the tattoo to extreme sunlight for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is completely healed. Once the tattoo is healed, apply sunblock to your tattoo if you know you’ll be out in the sun for long periods of time. Sunblock is always advised to help your tattoos last longer and stay for vibrant.
Do not swim or submerge your tattoo in water until the tattoo is completely healed.
If you work out, limit workouts to light workouts or take a break from it. Profuse sweating may delay the healing process.
If possible, wear clothing that will allow your tattoo to breathe.
DO NOT, we repeat, DO NOT pick at or scratch your tattoo. This can damage the design of your tattoo and your skin. After a few days out of the bandage it will start to get dry and flake off a bit. This is completely normal. Use a non scented moisturizer, just use as little as possible at first.
Remember, all tattoos heal at a different pace.
AT ANY TIME, IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE HEALING PROCESS OR SANIDERM, YOU CAN:
EMAIL ME AT: ELANMARKS.CREATIVE@GMAIL.COM
DM ME ON INSTAGRAM @ELANMARKS