When To Stop Putting Ointment On Tattoo?
LA Bruket tattoo cleanser – 2. Healing Ointment “The first stage of caring for your tattoo is applying a general healing ointment or tattoo-specific ointment or butter, for about five days,” Kuo says. He and Bhanusali both recommend Aquaphor for this. “Aquaphor has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory effects, which can make the tattoo healing process more speedy and less itchy,” Kuo says.
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When can I put ointment on my new tattoo?
– 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.
How long does it take for a new tattoo to dry?
When You Can Start To Apply Tattoo Lotion – The very first time that you can apply tattoo lotion is when your tattoo has completely dried. The tattoo ink can be wet for the first couple of days after inking, so it is important that you do not apply any lotion or moisturize your tattoo until it’s fully dry.
This can take between one and 3 days. For this time you should keep the tattoo covered and change your bandage twice a day. When you are changing the bandage, make sure you also clean the tattoo by softly dabbing it with a wet towel that has antibacterial, fragrance-free soap on it, then rinse gently.
After you cleaned the tattoo, put the bandage back on. Once your tattoo starts to itch and the ink begins to scab over, you know that it’s time to apply lotion. Don’t worry, the scabs are part of the natural healing process but it’s important that you don’t pick at the scabs so to avoid infections or warping of the tattoo.
What aftercare should I take after getting a tattoo?
– Any tattoo artist will tell you that the more effort you put into taking care of your new tattoo, the better it will look. Here are some other aftercare tips to help ensure your tattoo looks its best:
- Don’t scrub your tattoo when washing it.
- Don’t submerge or keep your tattoo wet for a prolonged period of time. While brief showers are fine, this means no swimming, baths, or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
- Don’t pick at any scabs that may form on your healing tattoo. Doing so will disfigure your tattoo.
- Don’t put your tattoo in direct sunlight or go tanning for 2 to 3 weeks. Instead, make sure you cover it with loose-fitting clothing, but not sunscreen. After your tattoo heals, it’s fine to expose it to sunlight. But note that unprotected sun exposure will fade your tattoo, so once your tattoo is healed, it’s advisable to use sunscreen and other forms of sun protection when you head outside.
- If your tattoo is especially scabby or itchy, you may want to consider holding a warm compress on your tattoo for a few minutes a day. Fold up two to three paper towels, run them under warm water, squeeze them out, and gently press the compress on your tattoo. Just be sure not to oversoak your tattoo.
How long should you leave a bandage on after a tattoo?
– Immediately after you get inked, your tattoo artist will apply a bandage or wrap to the tattooed area on your skin. They will likely advise you to keep that bandage or wrap in place for anywhere from several hours to several days. Once you remove the bandage or wrap, you need to start a cycle of:
- gently washing your tattoo with unscented soap and lukewarm water
- gently drying your tattoo by patting it with a clean paper towel
- applying a thin layer of Aquaphor or another unscented ointment approved to treat tattoos, such as A and D
