Aftercare Instructions

Read this so you know how to care for your new tattoo!

Removing the Tattoo Aftercare Bandage and Cleaning the Tattoo

Before touching your new tattoo for any purpose, it’s important to make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. You’ll also want to be prepared with your soap (unscented, antibacterial) and clean towel, lotion or balm, and (if needed) new bandage nearby. 

Start by carefully removing the bandage as described above. Again, if the bandage sticks, you can use some lukewarm water to help remove the adhesive. Very gently, remove and discard the used bandage.

Wash your hands again, and then use a circular motion to gently wash off any remaining ink, blood, and plasma with your hand, some warm water, and a small amount of fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. (You want to avoid building up too much lather, which can be difficult to remove.) Avoid scrubbing the new tattoo, which could damage your skin and slow healing.

Again, gently rinse off the tattoo until the skin is clean. Rather than placing the tattoo under running water, use your clean hands to splash lukewarm water onto the tattoo until your skin is rinsed clean. 

Finally, allow the skin to dry for around 10 minutes (or until completely dry). Alternatively, you can gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Now that the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a light layer of balm made specifically for tattoos, such as Sanibalm. Avoid over moisturizing the tattoo, which could make it more difficult for the tattoo to breathe.

Tattoo Aftercare Routine: Caring for Your New Tattoo After Removing the Bandage

Once the bandage is removed from your tattoo, continue to care for it by gently washing it with unscented antibacterial soap and pat or air dry. After, apply a layer of aftercare moisturizer 2 – 3 times a day for 2 weeks or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked. 

Keep in mind that the tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface once your second Saniderm bandage comes off. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2 – 4 months. I recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period.