How Long Should I Keep Saniderm On My Tattoo?

After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, leave it on your new tattoo for between 8 and 24 hours. Everyone heals differently, and the length of time will vary depending on how much fluid your tattoo is weeping. When the adhesion of the Saniderm bandage begins to weaken, that’s your cue to remove or replace the bandage. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid under your currently applied piece of Saniderm, it’s okay to carefully replace it with a new one.  After you apply the first Saniderm bandage, the second and third bandages can be worn for 3 to 5 days before needing changing. For further information on this, check out our full article on using multiple bandages in succession!

How Do You Remove Saniderm?

The best way to remove Saniderm is to find an edge of the bandage, and then to pull it back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so I don’t recommend it. In some rare cases, people can “stick” to the Saniderm bandage better than others, which can make it more difficult than normal to remove. In cases like this, try removing the Saniderm in a warm shower. The warmth will loosen the adhesive, and make it easier to remove.

Can I use Saniderm more than 24 hours after getting a tattoo?

Can I use Saniderm more than 24 hours after getting a tattoo?  The answer is, “yes.”  As long as you are within the first 48 hours of your tattoo you can still apply a Saniderm bandage. However, if the tattoo is no longer bleeding or weeping, or if there is any scabbing whatsoever, apply a very thin layer of an aftercare ointment or lotion (our favorite is After Inked) to the tattooed area only.  This lotion will prevent adhesion to the tattooed area. Even without scabbing, we still recommend using a thin layer of aftercare ointment before applying the Saniderm bandage.

What Do I Do If I Get An Air Bubble Under Saniderm?

You notice an air bubble under your freshly applied Saniderm bandage — now what should you do? While an air bubble under Saniderm is not necessarily “bad,” it will likely cause problems with adhesion further on down the line. If you find yourself in this predicament, we recommend these two options:

A:  Simply make a small cut, let the air bubble out, and apply an additional small piece of Saniderm over the newly exposed area. This is the option we generally recommend, just because it’s fast and easy.

B: Or, perhaps you don’t have any more Saniderm on hand. If this is the case, gently attempt to push the air bubble out by hand. Take caution during this process — go slowly and be attentive.

Have additional questions about application or removal of Saniderm? Read more about how Saniderm works, where Saniderm came from, and why Saniderm is better than its alternatives in Saniderm’s tattoo knowledge base!

How Many Saniderm Bandages Should I Use?

I recommend applying 2-3 pieces per tattoo in succession to allow ample time for healing. Your first piece should be used for 8-24 hours, and the next two pieces can be kept on for between 1-6 days each, depending on how much fluid the tattoo is weeping. If you believe that your tattoo needs more time to heal beyond that, you may continue applying additional Saniderm bandages. However, most customers report complete healing after 2-3 applications.

Is it okay to exercise and workout with Saniderm?

Exercising and working out while wearing Saniderm is fine. However, be aware that sweating can weaken the adhesive of Saniderm and cause the bandage to come off prematurely. That being the case, we advise you to take it easy and keep the sweating to a minimum!

Are There Areas That I Shouldn’t Be Using Saniderm?

When using Saniderm, it’s completely safe to apply anywhere externally on the skin for an exceptional healing experience.

However, depending upon the area, using Saniderm and removing the tattoo bandage can be more or less difficult. Moreover, if you would like more information on applying and removing Saniderm tattoo bandages, read our detailed articles on removing and applying Saniderm.