Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

General Guidelines

When You Get Home

Remove the bandage within 1–2 hours. Do not re-bandage.
Gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial liquid soap using only your hands. No washcloths or exfoliants.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub.
Wash 1–2 times daily unless it gets dirty. Overcare can cause irritation.

First 3–4 Days

Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (like Cetaphil) or tattoo ointment—nothing greasy or shiny, applying 1-2 times daily.
Always use clean hands and avoid dipping back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.
Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm.
At night, you may wrap your tattoo in saran wrap to prevent sticking to bedding. Avoid cloth bandages.

Clothing & Foot Tattoos

Wear clean, soft clothing for the first two weeks—nothing abrasive.
For foot tattoos: Go barefoot as much as possible. If wearing shoes, wrap the tattoo in saran wrap and cover with a clean cotton sock. Avoid sandals/flip-flops to prevent rubbing.

After Day 3–4

Things to Avoid

❌ Picking, scratching, peeling, slapping, or rubbing your tattoo.

❌ Soaking for two weeks—no swimming, baths, or hot tubs. Showers are okay.

❌ Sun exposure for at least three weeks—use sunblock after that.

❌ Wearing abrasive clothing, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.

❌ Letting others touch your tattoo without washing their hands.

❌ Gym equipment—clean it well before use.

You Can Also

✔ Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.

✔ Elevate it to minimize swelling.

✔ Take short showers to avoid overexposure to water.

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
Clean and dry your new tattoo and surrounding skin (do not use any lotions or ointments).
Peel off the paper backing of Saniderm/Second Skin to reveal the adhesive side.
Gently apply over the tattoo, leaving about 1 to 2 inch(es) of the bandage in contact with undamaged skin around the tattoo. More than an inch may be needed in highly mobile areas such as knees, hands, etc.
Remove the top surface backing, leaving only the Saniderm bandage on the tattoo.
The first piece of Saniderm/Second Skin should stay on for 10-20 hours, depending on how much the tattoo bleeds. It’s normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.
Remove the bandage, clean and dry the area and wait 1 -2 hours and then apply the second piece (do not use any lotions or ointments before applying the second piece of Saniderm/Second Skin) If you just got linework or a very small tattoo the artist might suggest to keep the first piece on for 3 to 4 days.
The second piece can be worn for up to 4 days. Your body will typically tell you when it’s ready to come off. It will be itchy or just uncomfortable when it is ready to come off.

Application Tips:

For maximum comfort ensure skin is in a neutral position when applying Saniderm
When cutting to size, rounded corners provide the best adhesion.
For large areas, pieces of Saniderm/Second Skin may be overlapped by 1/2 inch (1 cm).
When applying to elbows and knees the joint should be in a neutral position, neither straight nor completely bent.
Do not use Saniderm/Second Skin if you have allergies to adhesives.

Things to Avoid

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub.
You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.
Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
Do not let anyone touch your tattoo, unless they wash their hands.
Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.

You Can Also

Aftercare Instructions How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo