How Long to Keep Saniderm on Tattoo? Tattoo Aftercare

Saniderm is a protective item used to cover a new tattoo, which helps it to heal faster. However, you can only keep your body art covered for a certain period of time. Of course, after the recommended duration, you should remove the covering.
So, a question arises about how long to keep Saniderm on tattoo?
Keeping your ink design covered with Saniderm for three to four days is usually enough. However, if you wish to remove it earlier, you can leave it on for a minimum of 24 hours. After the recommended time, remove the Saniderm.
But the duration for keeping Saniderm on a tattoo also varies due to different factors. Keep reading this article to get the best possible answer for how long to leave second skin on tattoo. Further, how to remove it safely after recommended time.
What is Saniderm?
It is a bandage applied to a new tattoo design after getting it. The purpose of this bandage is to promote the recovery of the wound. Also, this covering is often used to keep the new ink design safe during healing process. However, how long tattoo takes to heal, depends on different other factors.
How Long to Keep Saniderm on Tattoo?
Tattoo artists have different opinions about keeping the second skin on the new tattoo pigment. As a artist, I recommend to leave Saniderm on for three to four days on ink design for best results. However, the duration may need to be extended depending on the condition of the new tattoo to protect it.
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 can apply a new second skin for protection.
How is Saniderm Helpful for New Body Art?
Many professional tattoo artists suggest this adhesive bandage due to its 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 because bacteria, germs, dust, and other environmental pollutants can cause an infection in tattoo.
But, using an adhesive bandage helps protect your tattoo area from such harmful elements. This second skin covers the tattoo 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 protect the new tattoos design 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 tattoo area. Too many scabs formation can cause damage to the ink design.
The adhesive bandage helps to maintain the internal moisture of the body art. And thus, it minimizes the chances of scab formation and helps to retain the art 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. And it cannot be easy, especially during bathing or working out.
Again here, saniderm helps to keep your tattoo waterproof. Its effective sealing action prevents the tattoo’s contact with water. Also, this adhesive bandage keeps the tattoo 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 the tattooed area might be dangerous also. 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 remove tattoo covering properly after three to four days. First, you need to 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 saniderm can be the best choice for this purpose.
But you must know how long to keep saniderm on a tattoo to protect your new body art. Leave the bandage for almost three days on fresh ink and then remove it carefully.
FAQs
Can I take saniderm off after three days?
Yes, it’s best to use an adhesive bandage for a few days only. After three days, remove it carefully under running water.
How long to leave saniderm on a tattoo?
Generally, you should cover the ink design for only three to four days with this adhesive dressing. But if your wound hasn’t properly healed and is still bleeding, you can leave the bandage for a few more days.
Can I take saniderm off early?
You can take off this protective covering after 24 hours. After removing it, clean the tattooed area with good soap and apply a second piece of the bandage.
Can i take saniderm off after 2 days?
If your body art has started healing, you can take the second skin off after two days. If you do not see any positive results, wait a few more days.
What happens if you take saniderm off early?
Taking off the second skin too early can result in infection and swelling of the body art. Try to remove the adhesive after one day.
Can I take saniderm off after a day?
It is recommended to apply the protective covering minimum for a day. So, wait few days after using the saniderm to protect the art from bacteria and germs.
Does saniderm heal tattoos faster?
It is breathable, soft, and the best aftercare product for tattoo healing. It promotes quicker recovery by keeping the ink design hydrated and waterproof.
Can I leave off saniderm after seven days?
Using this bandage for a prolonged time is not recommended. It is because it can cause skin irritation. Also, the prolonged use of this second skin leads to fading of tattoo.
But if you are still willing to apply for it for seven days, you should change it regularly.
Can I remove my saniderm after 12 hours?
No, removal of tattoo’s the protective covering too early is not recommended. If you do so, it will cause an infection in the tattooed area. Also, there are chances that your tattoo might not heal properly. However, after 24 hours, if your tattoo is showing positive signs of healing, you can remove the covering.
Can saniderm wipe out ink?
No, it is just an adhesive bandage that protects your tattoos from damage. It will not wipe out tattoo ink from your design. And also, this product will keep the tattoo of your inked art more vibrant and long-lasting.
When can I stop using protective bandages?
When you notice that your punctured skin has recovered entirely and no blood or fluid is coming out of the wound, you can stop the use of the second skin.
Can I leave Saniderm on for 5 days?
Although, as tattoo artist, I only recommend leaving Saniderm for three to four days. However, it’s fine to use it for five days.
Can you use Saniderm after 3 days?
No, it’s recommended to reuse Saniderm if you’ve already used it for two days.
Do I wash my tattoo after I take the Saniderm off?
After removing this second skin, wash your tattoo design with a good soap, and once it becomes dry, then apply lotion.

Flora Jones is a licensed professional tattoo artist with over 5 years of experience working at various studios in Arizona. In addition to her artistry, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise on various tattoo-related topics through her writing.