Saniderm is a brand of transparent adhesive film that is often used as a protective barrier for new tattoos. The Saniderm tattoo bandages are one of the most popular tattoo bandages that are recommended by tattoo artists. It can protect your new tattoo from water, germs, bacteria, dirt, friction, etc. But what about water? Are Saniderm tattoo bandages waterproof? If so, can you shower with Saniderm?
Not being able to take a shower right after getting a tattoo is a bummer. And a bigger bummer is you can’t go for a swim until the tattoo is initially healed. Because taking a shower right after getting a tattoo or submerging it in water before it is healed can cause ink dilution. This ink dilution could lead to tattoo fading. Who in their right mind would want their tattoo to be faded? Not to mention if you take a shower in an open water source you could catch an infection. That is why you may try to find a way to shower or swim that would not cause harm to your new tattoo. In today’s article, I will elaborate on if you can shower with a Saniderm or not.
Key Takeaways
- Saniderm is a transparent adhesive film designed for tattoo aftercare that acts as a protective barrier over your fresh tattoo.
- You can shower with Saniderm and it can provide many benefits including protection from water-borne bacteria and external contaminants.
- Make sure to wash the tattooed area, soak it dry, cut the bandage, and then properly apply it before showering.
- When showering with Saniderm, make sure to adjust the water to room temperature, avoid rubbing the area, be mindful of the tattooed area, and dry it off gently.
- Once you remove the Saniderm, follow proper aftercare instructions, including cleansing the tattooed area, applying moisturizer, and avoiding picking or scratching.
- There are a few potential challenges to showering with Saniderm, such as if it gets rubbed or smudged during the shower the film may get torn and your tattoo may get damaged.
Showering With Saniderm
Taking a shower is crucial as it helps us maintain hygiene and helps us stay fresh physically and mentally. But taking a shower right after getting a tattoo is not recommended. Even if you feel exhausted after the tattooing procedure and really want to get a shower, you should avoid taking a shower unless you have a Saniderm tattoo bandage. Saniderm tattoo bandages are waterproof so water cannot get through it. So is it safe to shower with Saniderm?
Yes, you can shower with Saniderm as it is completely safe. Saniderm can prevent water from getting inside the bandage. There are many cheap-quality tattoo bandages on the market that are not waterproof, have low-quality adhesive, and are not breathable. But Saniderm is not a cheap brand. Saniderm provides high-quality tattoo bandage that is waterproof, has quality adhesive to it, and are breathable. You can apply the Saniderm right after getting the tattoo and may take a shower without worrying about ruining your new tattoo. After 4 to 12 hours change the Saniderm tattoo bandage. You may need to change the bandage again after 24 hours, after that, you can apply a Saniderm bandage again and this time you can keep it on the skin for up to 4 days. Just do not rub the bandaged area while you shower, as rubbing it could break the bandage film and ruin your tattoo. Apart from being waterproof another crucial quality for any quality tattoo bandage is breathability. If it is not breathable your tattoo would feel suffocate and get damp. The new tattoo would have delayed healing if it does not get proper air and may even get infected. And Saniderm has fine breathability, so you do not have to worry about your tattoo getting delayed healing because of using a tattoo bandage.
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How Does Saniderm Work?
Before we jump into the details of showering with Saniderm, let’s take a moment to understand what it actually is and how it works. Saniderm is a transparent adhesive film specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. The bandage is considered medical-grade bandage so it cannot be harmful to your skin. It acts as a protective barrier over your fresh tattoo, shielding it from external contaminants while allowing your skin to breathe.
By using Saniderm you will be protecting your tattoo from:
- Dirt
- Water
- Friction
- Germs
- Bacteria
The film is breathable, flexible, and waterproof, making it an ideal option for those looking to shower without worrying about damaging their new tattoo. You can move around easily while using Saniderm as it has decent stretchability and flexibility. You can do pretty much any daily activity while you have Saniderm on your tattoo. Because of its transparent nature, you will be able to see the condition of your tattoo. Water, germs, dirt, and bacteria won’t be able to come in contact with your tattoo because of the protective film of Saniderm. Friction can also damage a new tattoo by delaying its healing or infecting it. Saniderm can prevent any possible friction on your healing tattoo. But make sure you do not vigorously rub the bandaged area as the thin film of Saniderm may get torn easily.
You can apply the Saniderm bandage right after getting the tattoo and take it off to wash the tattoo after 4 to 12 hours. You can re-apply the bandage and again take it off after a day to wash the tattoo. After 1 to 2 days the ink and plasma leaking from the skin should be stopped and then you can apply the Saniderm tattoo bandage and keep it on for 3 to 4 days on your skin.
How to Apply Saniderm Before Shower?
Applying Saniderm properly is crucial, as an improper application could lead to a tattoo getting damaged while you shower.
So make sure to follow the steps below:
- Wash the tattoo
Before applying any bandage, ointment, or moisturizer you should wash the tattoo with a soap that is gentle on the skin. So you should wash the tattoo before applying Saniderm too. - Soak the tattoo dry
Do not apply a Saniderm tattoo bandage over a wet tattoo. Make sure to use a paper towel to soak the tattooed area dry before applying. - Cut the bandage
Now that your tattooed area is ready, to prepare the bandage you should cut it using a scissor according to your need. The bandage might be much bigger than your tattooed skin which is why usually it is better to cut it and make it the appropriate size to apply. - Remove the white layer from the bandage
After cutting the bandage, peel or remove the white layer from the bandage. After removing it you will find the adhesive side of the bandage. - Apply Saniderm
Apply the adhesive side on the tattooed area and press firmly. You don’t have to press too hard, gently press it should do the job. - Remove the transparent layer
After properly applying Saniderm, remove the transparent layer from the top side. Be very careful and gently remove it, if you are not careful you also remove the layer underneath it which is the actual bandage film that supposes to stay on your skin.
That’s it! Now you are all set to take that shower you were eagerly waiting for.
How to Shower with Saniderm: Step-by-Step Guide?
To properly shower with Saniderm, make sure to follow the steps below:
- Preparing the shower area
Ensure that the shower area is clean and free from any potential contaminants. It’s also a good idea to remove any items that could potentially come into contact with your tattoo. - Enter the shower
Gently enter the shower, and be cautious as getting the tattooed area rubbed or smudged may tear the Saniderm bandage and damage your tattoo. Take your time and move slowly to avoid any accidental trauma to the tattooed area. - Adjust water temperature
Room temperature water is recommended for showers when you have Saniderm on. Extremely hot water can weaken the adhesive of Saniderm, while very cold water may cause discomfort. That is why room temperature water is the most suitable temperature for showering with Saniderm. - Be mindful of the tattooed area
Position yourself in a way that the water doesn’t directly hit the Saniderm-covered area. Allow the water to flow over your body, avoiding any concentrated water pressure on the tattoo. Direct water pressure can dislodge or weaken the Saniderm and may end up damaging your healing tattoo. - Drying off gently
After your shower, gently pat the Saniderm and the surrounding area with a paper towel. Make sure to avoid rubbing the tattooed area to prevent any potential damage or disruption to the healing process. Allow the tattoo to air dry for a few minutes before proceeding with aftercare steps.
How to Remove Saniderm After Shower?
Even though it is waterproof, Saniderm contains adhesive and because the bandage is on over your sensitive tattooed area, it is crucial to apply the proper method to remove it. I have elaborated on how you can safely remove the Saniderm tattoo bandage below.
- Wash your hands
Start by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap to ensure they are clean and free from any potential contaminants. If you use dirty hands to remove your tattoo bandage your tattoo might get infected. - Prepare the removal area
- Find a clean and comfortable area where you can safely remove the Saniderm without any distractions or disturbances. You may choose to remove it when you take a shower.
- Apply warm water
Saniderm has adhesive so you can apply hot water to the bandage to loosen up the adhesiveness of the bandage. Or else it might be difficult to remove the bandage. - Rub oil on the edges
If applying warm water does not feel enough, you can gently rub oil like olive oil or coconut oil on the edges. This will help to loosen up the adhesiveness even more. - Gently peel the bandage
Pick an edge and gently remove the film from your skin. The film is quite thin so make sure you do not tear it while peeling. - Cleanse the tattooed area
After removing the Saniderm, gently cleanse the tattooed area with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use your fingertips to gently wash away any residue from the adhesive. - Pat dry with a paper towel
Once you’ve cleaned the area, pat it dry with a paper towel. A regular towel may contain germs and bacteria which could cause tattoo infection, that is why a paper towel is a better choice when it comes to whipping a healing tattoo. Be gentle and avoid rubbing the tattooed skin to prevent any unnecessary friction.
Things to Do After Removing Saniderm
There are a couple of things you should do after removing a Saniderm. I have listed them below:
Let the tattoo breathe
After removing Saniderm, it’s essential to let your tattoo breathe and air out. Even though Saniderm tattoo bandages are breathable, still the amount of air your tattoo gets while covered by the bandage is not enough. After removing the Saniderm, make sure to let your tattoo breathe before you reapply Saniderm or apply any sort of moisturizer or healing ointment.
Avoid picking or scratching
You may feel the urge to pick on the scabs or scratch the tattoo after removing Saniderm. But avoid doing so as it can lead to tattoo fading or infection. You can apply soothing ointment or lotion to reduce the itchiness of your healing tattoo.
Apply moisturizer or healing ointment
Apply a quality moisturizer or healing ointment on your healing tattoo before reapplying Saniderm. Many people think that applying any tattoo product before using Saniderm will suffocate the tattoo and cause irritation. Saniderm is made of breathable material, so you can apply moisturizer or any tattoo product before using Saniderm and you won’t be facing any issues regarding suffocating the tattoo.
Reapply Saniderm
If the healing phase of your tattoo is not over you may choose to reapply Saniderm on the healing tattoo. As long as your tattoo is not healed, Saniderm can provide you tattoo with protection.
The Potential Challenges of Showering with Saniderm
While showering with Saniderm has its benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Saniderm requires proper application and adherence to ensure its effectiveness. If not applied correctly or if it starts to peel off, it may not provide adequate protection. And while showering make sure not to rub the bandaged area. You have to remember this is a unique type of bandage that is made of thin film. It can get easily ripped if you put too much force over it. Avoid rubbing the area and just take your shower. Additionally, some individuals may experience discomfort or irritation due to the adhesive or the film itself. If your skin reacts negatively to the adhesive or the film then remove the bandage immediately and wash the tattooed skin using a gentle soap. If the skin shows rash, redness, or swelling then go see a doctor.
It’s essential to be mindful of these factors and monitor your tattoo and skin’s reaction during the healing process. Just because Saniderm is a quality tattoo bandage that many people use, does not mean it is for everyone.
FAQs
Can I shower with Saniderm on any type of tattoo?
Saniderm can be used on various types of tattoos. The size of the tattoo or color does not matter, you may use Saniderm on black and gray work, color tattoos, and even intricate designs. However, it’s always recommended to consult your tattoo artist for their specific advice, as they may have preferences or recommendations based on the tattoo style or size.
How many Saniderm tattoo bandages to use to cover my tattoo?
Generally, 2 pieces of Saniderm tattoo bandage are enough to cover a tattoo. But you may use as much as you want considering the size of your tattoo.
What if my Saniderm Gets Wet?
Saniderm is designed to be waterproof, so it can withstand contact with water during showers. However, it’s important to avoid excessive soaking, such as spending long periods in pools, hot tubs, or baths. If your Saniderm does get wet, gently pat it dry with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture.
Can I swim with a Saniderm?
No, you should not swim with a Saniderm. Even though Saniderm tattoo bandages are waterproof, when you go for a swim, water pressure and your swimming movements may tear the bandage or loosen up the adhesiveness of the bandage. As a result, water may get inside the bandage and fade or infect your tattoo.
How long should I keep Saniderm on?
The recommended duration of Saniderm application varies depending on the tattoo size, location, and advice of your tattoo artist. Typically, Saniderm should be kept on for 1 to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the answer to the burning question, “Can you shower with Saniderm?” is a resounding yes! Showering with Saniderm can be a game-changer for your tattoo aftercare routine. It offers a protective barrier, keeping your fresh ink safe from water-borne bacteria and external contaminants. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your tattoo getting soaked in the shower. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, like proper application and monitoring for any discomfort or peeling, still I would say showering with Saniderm is a convenient and effective way to keep your tattoo safe.
Just remember to follow the step-by-step guide: prepare the shower area, adjust the water temperature to room temperature, be mindful of the tattooed area, and gently pat dry after your shower. These simple steps can make all the difference in maintaining the integrity of your fresh tattoo. If you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist. They are the experts and can provide personalized advice based on your specific tattoo and healing process. So, go ahead and enjoy your showers without the worry of damaging your new ink. With Saniderm, you can keep your tattoo protected while embracing good hygiene. Happy showering and happy healing!
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