As mentioned, the second skin is waterproof so you can shower without worrying about your tattoo. Once the 3 to 5 days have passed, it's time to remove the film! If it proves to be difficult to remove, you can lightly apply warm water to the area as you pull it off (e.g. in the shower).
The same piece will stay on for the full time unless otherwise directed at the session. SecondSkin is a semi-waterproof bandage so you can shower like normal during this time. It's alright if the SecondSkin gets wet but you cannot soak (no bathtubs, hot tubs, pools, etc.). Avoid hot showers and limit your time in them.
If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).
After the bandage is removed continue on with any further aftercare your tattooer recommends. I recommend a small amount of lotion 1-2 times a day until if stops looking shiny.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
You can leave SecondSkin™ on for up to seven days. We do recommend changing the bandage around the 24-36 hour mark.
SecondSkin bandages are waterproof and breathable. While we recommend avoiding prolonged submersion in water – baths, pools, and ocean – warm showers and handwashing will not seep into the healing area.
Second Skin should be kept in place for a minimum of three hours and can stay intact up to ten days, to protect your new tattoo. Make sure that when you're removing the product, you don't disturb any bleeding or ink that may have stuck right below where you cut the Second Skin.
DON'T ✗ EXERCISE
It is not suggested to exercise with or without SecondSkin.
If the Second Skin starts peeling or peels off straightaway after the application, don't panic. Just remove it, clean the tattoo and reapply.
You may experience some redness around the tattoo where Second Skin/Saniderm was applied to the un-tattooed skin. This is also completely normal and may occur with any type of medical adhesive. If you do develop any adverse reaction, discontinue use immediately.
It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
While we don't recommend taking a bath or going swimming after applying your Saniderm, taking a shower isn't an issue. Saniderm is a medical-grade, waterproof bandage, that allows you to shower anytime. Just be sure to leave the bandage on for the length of time as instructed by your artist.
This new layer you should keep for 3 to 5 days for the best results. If fluid continues to build up in significant amounts after the second application, you may remove and reapply a film once more. As mentioned, the second skin is waterproof so you can shower without worrying about your tattoo.
Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr. Bronner's, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes).
Second skin basically acts as a makeshift scab, but it's even better than a scab your body would create. It creates and maintains a moist environment for your skin to heal, and acts as a barrier to bacteria while still allowing the vapour barrier to pass through it.
So, when can you shower with hot water after getting a tattoo? The answer is simple: as soon as your tattoo is healed enough to withstand the heat! Otherwise, you'll just have to suffer through a few more weeks of lukewarm showers.
Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the tattoo!
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection).
It's best to keep it covered and away from the sun. It is annoying, but in the long run it's best to make sure every bit of color stays just as bright as it should, as UV rays can penetrate and bleach the tattoo and cause darker colors to spread.
If the tattooed area looks flawless with no signs of peeling, including thin dead skin cells that look like sunburn, then it's most likely healed.
Take 2 rest days after getting the tattoo and then start transitioning into running by slower forms of movement and exercise. You can also walk every day. Light stretching is also a good option. Finally, after day 7, your tattoo can be ready to a light run.