7 Simple Steps to Remove a Saniderm Bandage from a Tattoo

The best pain-free way to take off a Saniderm bandage

Co-authored by Burak Moreno and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: October 19, 2024 Fact Checked

So you just finished getting a new tattoo, and your artist put on a Saniderm bandage to protect your fresh ink. Now it’s time to take the bandage off, but the adhesive is really sticking to your skin. We're here to help you take off the bandage without any pain or damage to your tat. Read on for all the best tips and tricks to get Saniderm off your skin and keep your tattoo safe and looking great.

Things You Should Know

Wet a Saniderm bandage with warm water to loosen the adhesive. If it still sticks, apply baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to the edges.
Pull the bandage slowly off of your skin in the direction your hair grows so removal is less painful.
Wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Remove the first Saniderm bandage within a day after getting your tattoo. Apply a second bandage and leave it on for up to 5 days.

1

Remove Saniderm within 24 hours of getting a tattoo.

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Taking the bandage off after a day prevents fluid buildup. Within the first day of getting a new tattoo, it may start “weeping,” which means plasma and ink push out from your skin. When you notice the fluid building up underneath your bandage and covering your tattoo, then it’s time to take the Saniderm off.^{[1]
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- It’s completely normal for a new tattoo to weep and it won’t affect how the design looks, so you don’t need to worry.
- You can remove a Saniderm bandage as soon as 8 hours after it’s first applied if the adhesive starts to weaken. This is more common on tattoos that have heavily saturated colors or shading.^{[2]
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2

Loosen the adhesive under warm water.

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Wet the bandage to make it less painful to remove. Wash your hands before you remove the bandage to stop germs from getting on your tattoo. To take off a sticky Saniderm bandage, hop into a warm shower or run it under a faucet to get it wet. The running water will help loosen the adhesives on the bandage so you can easily peel it off without pain.
- Avoid submerging the bandage or your tattoo in standing water since it could increase your risk of infection.^{[3]
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3

Rub oil around the bandage’s edges if it’s stuck.

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Oils break down the adhesive so it doesn’t feel as sticky. If water isn’t enough to make the edges of the bandage peel off, take a dab of baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil and rub it around the edges with your fingers. As the oil breaks down the adhesive, gently try to peel up a corner of the Saniderm bandage so it’s easier to pull off.^{[4]
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- Alternatively, you can apply Sanibalm around the edges, which is specifically made for tattoo aftercare.

4

Peel the bandage off in the direction your hair grows.

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Slowly remove the bandage to prevent damage to sensitive skin. Hold onto a loose edge of the bandage and gently peel it off of your skin. Work slowly and wet the Saniderm whenever the adhesive is giving you trouble. Once you remove the entire bandage, toss it directly into the trash.^{[5]
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- New tattoos can make your skin pretty sensitive, so avoid aggressively pulling or yanking on the bandage so you have a pain-free removal.

5

Wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap.

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Clean your tattoo to stop it from getting infected. Wet your tattoo with clean, lukewarm water and gently massage antibacterial soap on your skin. Rub the soap in with your fingers using circular motions until the suds cover your entire tattoo. Then, just rinse the soap off under running water.^{[6]
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- Avoid using a washcloth or rag to wash your tattoo since they can harbor bacteria and could cause an infection on your tattoo.

6

Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel.

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Paper towels keep you from spreading germs onto your tattoo. Press a fresh piece of paper towel onto your tattoo to lift up the water. Avoid rubbing your skin with the towel since it could cause more pain and irritation around your new tattoo.
- Alternatively, you can let your tattoo air-dry for a few minutes.
- Steer clear of using a regular towel to dry your tattoo since they’re more likely to contain germs that could infect your skin as it heals.

7

Apply a fresh Saniderm bandage over your tattoo as it heals.

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Keep your tattoo protected for the first 3–5 days of healing. Trim a Saniderm bandage so it extends about 1 inch (2.5 cm) past the edges of your tattoo and round the corners so it fits more comfortably. Remove the white paper backing on the bandage and gently press it onto your tattoo. Smooth the bandage out from the center towards the edges before you remove its clear outer layer. Leave the second bandage on for another 3–5 days before you remove it under warm, running water.^{[7]
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- Try not to flex your muscles as you apply the bandage since you could cause the Saniderm to bunch up or loosen prematurely.
- You can easily shower with a Saniderm bandage on. Just avoid picking or rubbing the edges while you’re washing up so it doesn’t come off prematurely.^{[8]
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- Keeping your tattoo covered while it’s healing during the first week protects it from getting irritated or infected.

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Tips

It usually takes about 3 weeks for a new tattoo to fully heal. Take care of your tattoo by applying unscented lotion once or twice a day to keep it moisturized after you remove the second bandage.

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Warnings

Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight until it completely heals since your skin is sensitive and the ink could fade.

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Try not to scratch or pick at a new tattoo while it’s healing since it will only cause more irritation.

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If your tattoo has red sores or pus draining from it, you may have an infection. Treat the infected tattoo with antibacterial cream or by getting a prescription from your doctor.^{[9]
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