How Long to Leave Saniderm on Tattoo?

Saniderm is a protective item used to cover a new tattoo, which helps it to heal faster. However, you can only keep your ink design covered for a certain period. Usually, I recommend to my clients to cover tattoo with Saniderm for three to four days. However, if you wish to remove it earlier, you can leave it on for a minimum of 24 hours. After the recommended time, remove this protective item.

However, the duration may need to be extended depending on the condition of the new tattoo. And it is because everyone’s skin takes different times to heal. Regardless of the duration, you must change the first bandage after 24 hours. If your body art is still bleeding, you again can apply Saniderm for protection.

What Is Saniderm?

 It is a bandage applied to a fresh tattoo after it is received. The purpose of this bandage is to promote quick healing of tattooed skin. Also, this covering is often used to keep the new ink design safe during the healing process. However, how long a tattoo takes to heal depends on different factors.

How Long Does It Take to Leave Saniderm on a Tattoo by a Different Expert Artist?

In a recent discussion with some of the industry’s top tattoo artists, including Kat Von D, Ami James, Dr. Woo, and Sasha Unisex, I sought expert advice on a common question: how long to keep Saniderm on a tattoo? Each artist gave a unique answer to this crucial aspect of tattoo aftercare. Here’s a concise breakdown of their recommendations:

• Kat Von D: Advises leaving Saniderm on for 3 to 4 days to strike a balance between protection and allowing the tattoo to breathe.
• Ami James: Recommends a similar timeframe of 3 to 4 days, emphasizing the importance of the healing process.
• Dr. Woo: Suggests a longer duration of 5 to 6 days, prioritizing optimal healing and ink setting for best results.
• Sasha Unisex: She recommends leaving Saniderm for 4 to 6 days to ensure both protection and perfect healing.

How Is Saniderm Helpful For New Body Art?

Many professional artists suggest different bandages like Saniderm and Tegaderm to cover tattoos due to their number of benefits. It is soft and porous and readily sticks to the tattooed area. Some of its main advantages are:

Protection Of Tattoos From Infection  

Keeping a new tattoo uncovered can be harmful to the wound. Bacteria, germs, dust, and other environmental pollutants can cause an infection. But, using an adhesive bandage helps protect your tattoo area from such harmful elements. This second skin covers the ink design entirely and doesn’t allow bacteria and other germs to enter the dermis. In this way, a Saniderm helps minimize the possibility of infection and safe the artwork from dangerous environmental conditions.

It Helps To Minimize The Chances Of Scab Formation

Excessive dryness of the body art area may cause increased scabbing and scarring on the tattoo area. Too many scabs formation can cause damage to the ink design. The adhesive bandage helps maintain the internal moisture of the body art, minimize the chances of scab formation, and retain the art’s body structure.

Helps To Speed Up The Recovery Of The Tattooing Area

The fresh tattoo design should be kept waterproof and sweat-proof for faster healing. This is not easy, especially while bathing or working out. Again, Saniderm helps to keep your tattoo waterproof. Its effective sealing action prevents the tattooed skin from coming into contact with water. This adhesive bandage also keeps inked skin airy, which is essential for the speedy recovery of the wound.

Disadvantages Of Using An Adhesive Bandage For A Prolonged Time

Although the second skin can be helpful for tattoos, leaving Saniderm on too long in the tattooed area might also be dangerous. For example, using this bandage for a long time can cause skin irritation. Also, prolonged usage of the second skin results in pigment discoloration and damage to the art. So, it’s best to remove it once the recommended time has passed.

How To Remove Saniderm Easily?

You should properly remove the tattoo covering after three to four days or whatever the recommended time is. First, locate the corner of the bandage to pull it off quickly. Removing the Saniderm in the direction of your hair growth is recommended. Pulling the adhesive bandage in the opposite direction of the hair might be painful. Also, the removal procedure should be done in running water. The water will minimize the bandage’s adhesiveness and make its removal easier.

Conclusion

The use of Saniderm is good for initial tattoo protection. The early stages of body art healing require proper protection from infection and scabbing. And these aftercare products can be the best choice for this purpose. But you must know how long to keep it on a tattooed area. Leave the bandage on fresh ink for almost three days, and then remove it carefully. 

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