PRODUCTS YOU NEED:

• fragrance and dye-free soap (We recommend unscented Dr. Bronner’s).

• fragrance and dye-free lotion (Lubriderm, Cetaphil, Cerave, coconut oil).

• Paper towels or freshly cleaned towels.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SANIDERM/ TEGADERM :

(If you went home in an absorbent bandage, please skip to step 3)

1. The bandage can stay on for a maximum of 5 days UNLESS it starts to leak. If you notice leakage or significant lifting of the bandage, then remove it at your earliest convenience. A second bandage may be applied on the SECOND DAY ONLY. Past that, it is too far in the healing process to apply a new bandage.

2. When it is time to remove the Saniderm, do so in the shower. Let hot water stream over the bandage for 1-2 minutes, then slowly peel it from the top. Peel in the direction that goes with the grain of your hair, and allow warm water to flow into the bandage as you’re peeling to help loosen the adhesive.

   
   

3. Once the bandage has been removed, with clean hands, soap up the tattoo and, using fingers only, make circular motions to lather the tattoo. The area will feel extremely slimy, and it is VERY IMPORTANT to get the tattoo as clean as possible during this first wash—you want to be able to feel your normal skin texture again. So lather the tattoo up with soap, rinse, and repeat this process 3-4 times or until the sliminess has gone.

4. Once you’re out of the shower and your tattoo is clean, pat and dab dry with a paper towel. Do not rub or create any friction.

5. Let the tattoo air dry for another 15-30 minutes.

6. With clean hands, apply a LIGHT layer of fragrance and dye-free lotion. It should be just enough to lightly moisturize.

7. Repeat the cleaning/lotion process 1-2 times daily until all of your scabs have naturally fallen off.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

1. NO swimming or baths within the first 2-3 weeks. The tattoo cannot be submerged under water. It’s fine to get it wet in the shower, but it should not be left soaking in water under any circumstances.

2. Please refrain from heavy workouts during this time as well. The tattoo cannot be smothered by sweat (especially if you are wearing Saniderm—the sweat will build up under the bandage).

3. No Aquaphor or other heavy ointment-based products - you want a lightweight lotion that dries quickly. Coconut oil is the ONLY oil-based product I recommend, but please make sure you use a fresh jar (you don’t want cooking oil on your new tattoo).

HELPFUL HINTS ABOUT HEALING YOUR TATTOO:

• Your tattoo will begin to scab/flake 1-3 days after the bandage has been removed. THIS IS NORMAL. The skin damaged during the tattooing process is beginning to fall off, allowing new, undamaged skin to form. DO NOT pick, scratch, or wear irritating fabrics that could remove the scabs before they fall off naturally. Scabs can remain on the tattoo for a couple of days to a couple of weeks —this is normal. Please let the tattoo heal at its own pace and let the scabs fall off when they are ready. They mostly come off during washing or when you apply lotion.

• Once all the scabs have fallen off, your tattoo will appear a bit shiny, waxy - this is your new skin, and again, this is a normal part of healing. A shiny/waxy texture may appear for 1-2 months. This stage of healing can last the longest as your tattoo and new skin settle. During this time, it is also not uncommon to notice some raised skin, especially black lines or fill. Again, it’s just the settling process.

• If your tattoo is a tender or difficult placement (inner limbs, ditches, bendy spots), it is very normal to see swelling and bruising in the area for up to a week afterwards. Take anti-inflammatories, ice the area, and keep it unbent and elevated as much as possible.

• Tattoos take a full three months to be considered fully healed! Please be patient and allow your body to do its thing. The more you leave it alone and forget about it, the better it usually heals!

• Don’t forget, once you are FULLY HEALED, to wear sunscreen to protect your tattoo. Keep it looking beautiful for years to come!