Northern Belle Tattoo

Aftercare

All tattoos, application styles, and skin types are different. The information given to you by your artist is the most relevant for you and always supersedes anything else. The information below is intended to be supplemental.

Visit Saniderm’s website HERE

  • Saniderm should stay on for 24 hours while skin is open and producing fluid. After 24 hours the Saniderm can be removed and replaced. If the tattoo is done lightly (just linework or black and gray) and there is little to no fluid buildup the initial application can stay in place longer (up to 5 days).
  • To remove Saniderm, peel it back SLOWLY from the edge or corner. Peel it back over itself, not away from the body. Avoid stretching the skin. This can be more easily accomplished in a warm shower using a lather of soap to work the edges up.
  • More information about Saniderm can be found on their website here
  • Once Saniderm is removed, clean with antibacterial soap (dial, softsoap) and let the area dry. Air dry or pat dry with single use paper towel, never a cloth towel. Proceed with aftercare as follows:
  1. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of AQUAPHOR or Belle Balm. (If too much ointment is caked over your tattoo it may not be able to breathe and heal properly. You may also notice blemishes around the tattoo- too much ointment tends to clog pores. Not enough ointment leads to excessive drying, cracking, and scabbing.)
  2. Once you notice the “flakey” stage beginning in your tattoo you may switch to a lighter lotion such as Eucerin, Lubriderm,  Palmers Cocoa Butter, or continue with Belle Balm and apply liberally as needed (this could be more than 3 times a day).
  3. Continue moisturizing with unscented lotion for the duration of the healing time. (Tattoos take up to a month to heal fully. Skin type, climate, intricacy of design, medications, life style, and attention to aftercare all play a huge part in how well a tattoo heals.)
  • Showering with a fresh tattoo is OK but avoid direct impact from the water. DO NOT go swimming in any body of water. DO NOT take baths.
  • DO NOT expose your tattoo to tanning beds or direct sunlight for 2 weeks. (Never put sunscreen on a healing tattoo.)
  • Every body heals differently- that’s why length of healing time varies and different options for healing products are listed. Clients have some flexibility to figure out what methods works best for them. It’s important to listen to your body. If something does not seem right, do not go to internet forums for advice.
  • If you notice excessive swelling, redness, puss, fever or any other sign of infection- contact your doctor.
  • For general questions consult your artist, and at the first sign of infection or allergic reaction consult your health provider.