When Can I Use Regular Lotion On My Tattoo?

When Can I Use Regular Lotion On My Tattoo
You should start moisturizing your tattoo as soon as it starts to dry — not before. This can generally take about 1–3 days after you got your tattoo. Be sure to wash and dry your tattoo with antibacterial soap and choose the appropriate moisturizer as well.

  • If you’re new to tattoos, we recommend that you educate yourself on the complete healing process;
  • We go into detail on the precautions you need to take, how to get the job done, and how often to moisturize;

If you’re a tattoo-head, it might be worth your while to get a refresher, as well.

Can I use regular lotion on my tattoo?

Should I apply lotion to my tattoo? What kind of tattoo care products do you recommend? – Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used! We recommend these fragrance-free, white cream lotions:  Aveeno , Curel , and Eucerin . Be warned: your favorite fragranced lotion is not a good option for moisturizing your tattoo – this can cause an excruciating burning sensation when applied to the tattoo, which is essentially an open wound. The fewer chemicals in the product, the better! Pure cocoa butter or shea butter is also popular for darker skin tones and is a fine option. There are some manufacturers who design products specifically for tattoo aftercare that work well for long-term care (such as Tattoo Goo , H2Ocean , and Hustle Butter ). Do NOT use aloe vera gel to moisturize, and we don’t recommend A&D ointment either, as the oil in these products can extract some of the ink from your tattoo.

What happens if you use scented lotion on a tattoo?

Abstract – Although tattoo artists provide tattoo aftercare instructions to their clients, recommendations are often not cost-effective or supported by evidence. A 22-year-old man developed a pruritic red rash over his healing tattoo one week after receiving the tattoo.

Although multiple queries were negative, the patient did note use of a scented lotion before the eruption. We determined that allergic contact dermatitis from the scented lotion caused scarring and premature fading of the new tattoo.

Tattoo artists should recommend avoidance of scented lotions and instruct clients to care for their new tattoo like a wound in their aftercare instructions.

Does lotion fade tattoos?

Healing Quality – The healing and aftercare stage of your tattoo is immensely important when it comes to tattoo fading. For the first couple of weeks, the tattoo ink will not be correctly set, and therefore you should care for the ink as best as you can.

  • Not only this, but over the course of the first couple of weeks, your tattoo will go through stages where it scabs and peels;
  • The scabbing and peeling skin will look like it’s ready to come off, but while it’s still attached, it still has the ability to affect the ink if it’s accidentally pulled at or ripped off;

For this reason, you should try the best you can to leave your healing tattoo alone, no matter how unsightly it may look with scabs and pieces of flaky skin hanging off. Pulling off any  scabs  or pieces of flaky skin will very possibly contribute to areas of patchiness and fading within the tattoo.

Another thing you must be careful of when the tattoo is healing is which  lotions or ointments  you decide to use on the area (and how much of it). Using lotions that are too harsh for the very delicate healing skin can draw ink out of the area and cause patchiness.

Likewise, using too much lotion can saturate the area and seep into the skin, diluting the ink and contributing to premature fading. The best tattoo lotion I’ve ever personally used is a vegan aftercare product called  After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion.

This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by keeping your tattoo really well hydrated but also by soothing any annoying itching and irritation. When using it from the very start of the healing process, this lotion will help to decrease tattoo healing times and work towards eliminating any lingering dryness and scabbing.

Finally, not keeping the tattoo clean and bacteria-free while it’s healing could cause an infection to take hold within the area. If not treated quickly enough, a tattoo infection can quite easily cause permanent fading and even scarring. If you notice that your tattoo has faded during the healing process through no fault of your own, most artists will generally offer a free touch-up to replenish areas where ink may have been lost.

However, you must realize that most tattoos will fade at least somewhat once they’re done peeling , and your tattoo will likely never look quite as vibrant as it did the very second you left the tattoo studio after your sitting.

This is completely normal. When Can I Use Regular Lotion On My Tattoo.

How do you know your tattoo is healed?

– It’s important to know the signs that your tattoo isn’t healing properly or has become infected. Symptoms of improper healing include:

  • Fever or chills. A fever may indicate that your tattoo has become infected, and you should see a doctor right away.
  • Prolonged redness. All tattoos will be somewhat red for a few days after the procedure, but if the redness doesn’t subside , it’s a sign that your tattoo isn’t healing well.
  • Oozing fluid. If fluid or pus is still coming out from your tattoo after 2 or 3 days, it may be infected. See a doctor.
  • Swollen, puffy skin. It’s normal for the tattoo to be raised for a few days, but the surrounding skin shouldn’t be puffy. This may indicate that you’re allergic to the ink.
  • Severe itching or hives. Itchy tattoos can also be a sign that your body is allergic to the ink. The allergic reaction to a tattoo can happen right after, or as much as several years after getting the tattoo.
  • Scarring. Your tattoo will scab over because it’s a wound, but a properly healed tattoo shouldn’t scar. Signs of scarring include raised, puffy skin, redness that doesn’t fade, distorted colors within the tattoo, or pitted skin.

Is it OK for clothes to touch a new tattoo?

So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? – After getting a tattoo, and during the healing process, which can last between 2 weeks and a month in its initial and most important stage, you should be wearing loose-fitting clothes. That is of course if the tattoo is placed on your body apart from the neck, head, and feet.

  • For those areas, you need to pay special attention, especially in the case of feet tattoo (the issues of wearing socks and shoes);
  • Loose clothes will cover the tattoo so much so that it stays protected;
  • There is a lower chance the fabric will stick to the tattoo and introduce contaminants as well;
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There will be minimal or rubbing of the fabrics against the tattoo, which will significantly minimize healing issues or the chance of an infection. Note: After getting a new tattoo, it will be wrapped and well protected. You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it.

When can I stop using Aquaphor on my tattoo?

PROCESS FOR WASHING A FRESH TATTOO: –

  • Carefully remove bandage and tape
  • Make a lather in your hand with soap and warm water
  • Gently clean tattoo using a circular motion, until all ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid is removed
  • Rinse the tattoo and wash once again, gently, until the skin is clean
  • a hairdryer on the ‘cool’ setting may be used; a clean paper towel may also be used to dab the tattoo dry

3. Only use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. NO washcloths, bath towels, bath sponges, or loofahs on a fresh tattoo. Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel.

  1. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand;
  2. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin;

This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel. Press the paper towel to the skin and remove. Do not wipe the tattoo or be rough with it. Do not panic when you see the colors of the tattoo on the paper towel, or on your hands as you clean it. This is simply excess ink being sloughed from the surface or the skin.

Once a day, in the shower, is usually enough cleaning for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten-day of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dries out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne-like breakouts.

This can be taken care of by reducing the number of lotion applications per day. Wear loose, preferably cotton clothing over the fresh tattoo. The tattoo need not be rebandaged except in certain, rare instances. A bra strap, tight waistband, sweaty gym shoe or itchy cotton sweater can potentially create healing problems.

  • Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid;
  • If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used;
  • After a few days, the tattoo will begin to form flaky scabs that will fall off on its own;

DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Keep it moisturized and the scabs will slough eventually. Once again, they will be the color of the tattoo. It normally takes 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to completely heal. If you have ANY questions about your healing, please contact one of our artists at (512) 392-0938.

What happens if you don’t moisturize your tattoo?

– Tattoo dry healing isn’t risky in itself, but there are some risks and side effects that you should be aware of before trying it out:

  • Your skin may itch or burn because of a lack of moisture in the area, so it may feel impossible to ignore the urge to scratch.
  • Larger areas of your skin may get extremely dry, scabbing more deeply and cracking open over large swathes that can affect how your tattoo looks when the healing process is done.
  • Dry skin may tighten up, making it easier for skin to crack and affect how your tattoo looks after it heals.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

When Can I Use Regular Lotion On My Tattoo This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.

  1. Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
  2. Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
  3. But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;

Let’s have a look.

When should I switch from aquaphor to lotion?

– There will come a point during your washing-drying-ointment routine when you’ll have to switch from using ointment to using lotion. This is usually after several days to a week or so after you first received your tattoo. There’s a difference between ointment and lotion.

Ointments like Aquaphor do a more heavy-duty job of moisturizing the skin than do lotions. That’s because ointments have an oil base, while lotions have a water base. Lotions are more spreadable and breathable than ointments.

Aquaphor has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory effects, which can make the tattoo healing process speedier and more comfortable. After a given number of days of using ointment (your tattoo artist will specify how many), you’ll switch to lotion. This is because you need to keep your tattoo moist for several weeks until it’s completely healed.

During your aftercare routine, instead of adding ointment, apply a thin layer of lotion at least twice a day. However, you might need to apply lotion as much as up to four times a day to keep your healing tattoo hydrated.

Be sure to use unscented lotion. Perfumed lotions typically contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin.

Do black tattoos turn green?

Why do old tattoos turn green? – As the pigment in black ink is slowly removed by your body, it can turn a green/blue color as it fades. The color itself doesn’t change, it’s just the density of color pigments slowly reducing.

What is an overworked tattoo?

When Can I Use Regular Lotion On My Tattoo Natalia Lebedinskaia/Shutterstock New tattoos usually take two to three weeks to fully heal, and with good aftercare, they should heal perfectly, per Glamour Magazine. However, there are times when the healing process of a new tattoo doesn’t go as smoothly as it should. This can be so in the case of overworked tattoos. Otherwise known as a tattoo blowout (via Healthline ), an overworked tattoo is what happens when a tattoo causes scarring or when the tattoo ink goes past the dermis layer and reaches the hypodermis, per Demi Ink.

An effect of this is that the tattoo begins to look blurry, per Byrdie. Overworked tattoos are more likely when you patronize beginner tattoo artists, and the problem with overworked skin is that it only becomes truly apparent to the client once the tattoo begins to heal, per Saved Tattoo.

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The discolored skin that slowly forms is a big hallmark of a tattoo blowout. It can be the result of the high voltage on the machine affecting its speed, per Tattooing 101. A tattoo artist going over a patch of skin more than once can also result in a tattoo blowout.

Do color tattoos hurt more?

So, Do Color Tattoos Hurt More? – Generally speaking, ink color doesn’t determine the amount of pain you’ll feel. The color simply doesn’t have to do anything with the pain of the tattoo. As we mentioned, tattoo placement, your pain tolerance, and your tattooist’s technique are the main factors determining how painful the process will be.

Sure, there was a time when colored ink used to have a thicker consistency than black ink. This was an issue since it took the tattooist longer to pack the colored ink, which in itself hurts. The longer you’re getting tattooed, the higher the skin damage and the more painful the process becomes.

Nowadays, all inks are of similar consistency, so there isn’t an issue there. Now, if your tattoo artist takes a long time to complete the tattoo, you’ll experience more pain as the process goes on. Also, if the tattoo artist uses a dull needle, chances are the process will hurt more.

Sharp, new needles tend to hurt less. Now, as the needle gets worn out, it remains sharp, but it dulls out a little bit. This small difference in needle sharpness can promote faster skin damage and of course, cause more pain.

If your tattooist uses white ink highlight , you can expect more pain. This is again not because of the needle or the ink color, but rather the pain is caused by the repetition of needle penetration in one place. In order for the white ink to fully show and become saturated, the tattooist needs to go over the same area several times.

That is what causes skin damage and pain. Now, after all of the information, we do have to point out that there are people who swear that the coloring/shading of the tattoo hurts more than the linework or tattoo outline.

Pain is a subjective thing, so it can be hard to be exact with the answer to whether color tattoos hurt more than regular ones.

How long do tattoos last for?

So you’re considering your first tattoo. That’s cool—but don’t rush it. You need time to think about what you want needled into your skin, how badly you want it, and how to get it done safely (namely, by someone who knows what they’re doing). Since there are so many things to consider before you get a tattoo, we presented a few common ink-quiries to Tiffany Tattooz, owner and tattoo artist of Ink Gallery Tattoo Shop in Woodland Park, NJ, and mainstay of Black Ink Crew on VH1.

If you’re in the market for your first ink, read through her starter’s guide. It’ll inform every decision you make about the emblem you’ll soon wear for (hopefully) the rest of your days. What are the least (and most) painful body parts to tattoo? Everyone has a different type of pain tolerance when it comes to tattoos, but most seem to experience the least amount of pain in the arm and thigh areas.

These areas of the body have more fat tissue and less nerve density, which in turn causes less discomfort. The most painful will have to be the ribs, feet, and middle chest. There is less fat, the skin is very thin, and the bone is closer to the surface of the skin, allowing one to feel the sensitivity of the needle more.

  • What actually happens to the skin while receiving a tattoo? Basically, ink is being deposited and penetrated into the dermis layer of the skin;
  • The pigments are too big to be fought off by our white blood cells, so they just pretty much stay in the dermis layer of our skin forever;

How should someone prepare for a tattoo? It’s recommended that you wash the area of the skin or take a shower before coming in to get the tattoo, especially if you work with paint, construction materials, garbage, or sewage. Although it’s my job as an artist to make sure the area is cleaned, cleaning up beforehand does help reduce the risk of other unclean body parts contaminating the clean area.

On site, I always make sure to first clean the area being tattooed. I’ll then shave the customer’s skin and then spray it with alcohol to make sure the skin is fully sterile. How long do tattoos take to heal? Tattoos need about two weeks to heal, on average, although sometimes it can take more time, depending on the client’s skin and how long it took to complete the tattoo.

I tell my clients to keep the bandage on for 8-12 hours, because it allows plasma—our body’s natural way of healing itself—to regenerate skin tissue, thus allowing a quicker healing process and preventing scabbing. Once the wrap is taken off, I tell clients to use a fragrance-free antibacterial soap to wash the tattoo.

  • They should use lukewarm water—never hot water;
  • However, after completely washing the tattoo, they have to pour cold water on the skin to close up the pores;
  • How should someone care for their tattoo immediately after inking? Wash the tattoo twice a day for the first three or four days, since tattoos are pretty much an open wound at this point;

After washing the tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel. (Don’t use a cloth towel, because cloth towels hold bacteria. ) Wait 15 minutes and then apply a light coat of moisturizing ointment with clean hands. Apply the ointment twice a day (morning and night) for two days.

  1. Less is better: Using too much ointment will cause problems with healing and fade the tattoo, since thick ointment can clog the pores;
  2. After the second day, switch to a fragrance-free lotion and apply 3-5 times a day depending on the consistency, for up to two weeks;

Do not pick or scratch your tattoo during the healing process. Hands should always be cleaned when applying any ointment or lotion on skin. You will have to avoid being in the sun or pool for two weeks, and, most important, in order for the tattoo to stay vibrant for many years, you should always use sun block when outside.

  1. How often do people typically need to get their tattoos touched up? It really all comes down to how they take care of their tattoos and if there were any scabs that have formed;
  2. If there were any issues during the healing process, then you will be able to tell within two weeks whether or not a tattoo needs to be touched up;

If there are no issues, then I would say a tattoo can hold up well for 10 years before seeing that it needs to be brand new again. As you get older, so does your ink. If one is always in the sun it will dull out the ink in your tattoo way sooner than someone who is never in the sun.

  • What’s your advice to someone who isn’t sure if they should get a tattoo? Don’t do it until you wake up one day and say, “I’m ready and I know what I want;
  • ” I never recommend someone to get a tattoo if they’re unsure of their ideas or whether or not tattoos are for them;
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It’s a permanent procedure—so you want to make sure that you’re confident having something etched on you for the rest your life. If you finally find yourself ready to get tattooed, then the next big step is to find an artist who “specializes” in the “style” you want.

Review their portfolio to see if you like his or her work, and then you can set an appointment. How do you know if your tattoo artist is legit? You can tell by their recognition, their portfolio, how long their wait is, and their prices.

How do prices vary for tattoos? Some artists charge hourly, or some charge by the piece. For larger tattoos, however, some will charge by the day (half-day sessions might be $400-600, or full-day sessions around $1,000 or more). 10. Is it easy to remove a tattoo? Painful? Laser tattoo removal is a painful process and requires many sessions. How has tattoo technology progressed in recent years?

  • Ink: There are now quality ink brands that last longer on the skin throughout the years. Some black inks are so dark, I can’t even use them for shading in a realistic tattoo—I can only use them for solid black work like tribal tattoos.
  • Machinery: New tattoo machines called “rotaries” make no sound while tattooing and feel lightweight on the wrist and hand, which decreases the chances of tendinitis and carpal tunnel for the artist. It almost feels like you’re tattooing with a pencil.
  • Cost: I now even have a “wireless power supply” to run my tattoo machine—it actually keeps track of how long I’ve spent with the client, and how long I’ve been actually “tattooing” them. This never existed nine years ago. The power supply even shows me how much my clients should pay based off the time I spent on them.
  • Needles: Previous needles required different machines to use. Now, there are needle cartridges that you can attach and detach so it can all be done from one machine.
  • Resources: Even social media, YouTube, and online podcasts have made it much easier to learn and grow as an artist quickly. The resources are enormous.

For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!.

What can I use if I don’t have tattoo cream?

What lotion should you not use on a new tattoo?

Never use petroleum based products A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, and Neosporin on your tattoos. – These 6 products have a purpose, and it’s not tattoo aftercare or tattoo healing. Sure, they may work great for diaper rash on a baby’s ass, but not something you should ever use on your fresh tattoo.

  1. These 6 topical ointments contain toxic the ingredients, PETROLEUM , and MINERAL OIL;
  2. Petroleum (Petrolatum) is a mineral oil jelly;
  3. A waste by-product of the crude oil refining and distillation process discovered on an oil rig in 1859;

Yep! Petroleum as in petrol, the same source that keeps your vehicle running. Mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) is a liquid form of petroleum jelly. Clinical studies have shown Petroleum and mineral oils build up in the body. This has also proven to exacerbate hormonal imbalances and cause cancer.

  • So why the hell would someone ever use these products on their new tattoo? – Misinformation, lack of understanding, confusion, ignorance, stupidity, whatever you want to call it;
  • Hey, just being honest;

Petroleum-based products are cheap and create the illusion of soft, moisturized, and hydrated skin. When applied, they seal the skin’s surface and block the natural respiration process. Petroleum suffocates and stops moisture from leaving the skin. This can clog pores, causing blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.

  1. Or worse, create a warm, moist environment for yeast and fungus to grow;
  2. It gets even better! Sealing and suffocating your skin can cause premature aging;
  3. AGING skin causes FADED tattoos;
  4. Thus the reason why we developed Inked Ritual Tattoo Care Anti-Fade Serum;

Remember, a fresh tattoo is an open wound. For the best tattoo aftercare healing and recovery, your skin must be able to breathe. In our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos blog , point number 7, “Never use excess creams or lotions,” covers this point. As you can see, there are quite a few reasons why not to use  A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, or Neosporin on your fresh ink.

These products are not safe for tattoos. No matter who says it is ok to use these products for tattoo recovery, I would take it with a grain of salt. Times have changed, we’re wiser, and there are much safer and better options to treat your new tattoo with excellent all-natural tattoo aftercare products.

Don’t risk damaging your brand new tattoo, or adding toxic chemicals to your body, for the sake of saving a couple of bucks. There a safer options. Great tattoos are not cheap. Getting inked is a lifetime investment. If you’re spending a few hundred dollars, up to a few grand on a brand new tattoo, consider this.

  1. Invest in your inked investment and consider purchasing a premium tattoo aftercare product;
  2. The $25-50 can make a significant difference in how your new tattoo recovers and looks after it’s healed and years to come;

Consider how crazy it is that people will think nothing of dropping $50-$250 on something like a cell phone case to protect their mobile phone. Yet they will skimp out on spending $25-50 on a quality natural tattoo aftercare product for their new tattoos.

Consider that your new tattoo will outlive every mobile device you own. Not sure about you, but I want my ink to out-live me. Do your research. There are a lot of tattoo aftercare healing products to choose from: some great, some good and some not so good.

Choose a product with natural ingredients that nourish your skin. Also make sure the tattoo aftercare is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not suffocate your skin. And most importantly, read the ingredients. Always avoid any product with any of these petroleum ingredients listed:

  • Mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum)
  • Petrolatum (Petroleum)
  • Liquid paraffin
  • Paraffin oil

Be aware, some tattoo enthusiasts and artists may swear by these petroleum products. But that is their choice, not yours. You now have the information to choose what you want for your tattooed skin. Remember, times have changed and we’re much wiser now as to the toxins that may not have been identified years before. When it comes to healing your new tattoo, there are safer and more effective tattoo aftercare products to use for post tattoo healing and recovery.

TIP If your tattoo artist uses or recommends any of any petroleum-based products, consider politely saying, “no thanks. ” To be safe, always bring your chosen tattoo aftercare product with you to your tattoo session.

Now if you want your tattoos to stand out in the crowd, start and Inked Ritual!.

Can I use Dove lotion on my tattoo?

Using a mild, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, and Neutrogena); gently wash all excess blood, ointment, ink, and plasma from your tattoo. Only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor bacteria.

What should you not put on a new tattoo?