When To Switch To Lotion For A New Tattoo?

When To Switch To Lotion For A 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.

  1. Ointments like Aquaphor do a more heavy-duty job of moisturizing the skin than do lotions;
  2. That’s because ointments have an oil base, while lotions have a water base;
  3. 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.

When can I start using 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.

When can I stop moisturizing new tattoo?

The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3 to 4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.

When should I switch from A&D to lotion for my tattoo?

Rub A&D ointment diligently into your skin, your tattoo should not be greasy or shiny. Do not use store-bought A&D. After 2-3 days, switch to a quality fragrance-free lotion, like Curel or H2Ocean. Do not expose your tattoo to sun or tanning beds for at least 4 weeks.

What happens if you moisturize your tattoo too soon?

What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;

  • Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
  • Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
  • Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
  • Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
  • Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out

To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.

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.

  • 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;
  • 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.

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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.

  1. Consult your tattoo artist for advice on what clothing to wear/avoid;
  2. If you choose to re-bandage your tattoo after washing be sure that only sterile bandages are used;
  3. 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.

Should I moisturize a scabbing tattoo?

Tattoo Scabbing | Aftercare & Healing – A new tattoo will flake and peel during the healing process and may even scab a little bit. To prevent a new tattoo from overly scabbing and thus possibly losing color and clarity, the first two weeks is the most critical time to carefully follow aftercare tips.

Whether you use an aftercare product suggested by the tattoo artist, an over-the-counter ointment or an unscented hand lotion or moisturizer, you must keep your tattoo moist. If it dries out and starts cracking, where it splits is where you are going to see scabbing.

While keeping it moist is vitally important, you can overdo it and keep it too moist or what you’d call saturated. Avoid using petroleum or lanolin based product that clogs your pores. These products can not only pull out color, but they actually hamper the healing process.

A slow healing tattoo has the potential to scab just as much as one that doesn’t get enough moisture during healing. Wear loose clothing while your tattoo is healing. Tight clothes that rub on a new tattoo can irritate and scrape the area to the point of pulling off flakes and scabs that aren’t ready to come off.

It’s also wise to wear clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton. Avoid nylons and polyesters. Keep it clean Gently wash your tattoo with a mild, antibacterial soap and your fingers. Never use a wash cloth, sponge, bath puff or any other material while washing the area.

  1. Then, thoroughly rinse all of the soap off;
  2. It’s important to carefully remove this debris to prevent a new tattoo from scabbing;
  3. Don’t rub Rubbing your tattoo can pull off the thin layer that is also referred to as a scab which forms a protective layer over the fresh ink;

This scab is necessary and you don’t want to pull it off before it’s ready or you will end up with larger scabs that are harmful. Re-apply ointment, lotion or moisturizer Avoid Sweating Sports, gum etc can irritate a new tattoo, so try to avoid extremely physical activity.

  1. Also avoid contact sports, where the protective scab can be knocked off;
  2. Don’t soak in any kind of water including bathtubs, oceans, lakes, swimming pools or hot tubs;
  3. Not only can the water seep under the skin and draw the ink out, any germs found in the water source can potentially cause infection, which can lead to scabbing and scarring;

Tattoo Scabbing – Healing Scabs can be unsightly, painful and itchy. Scabs are the encrusted formation that forms atop a wound during the healing process. Designed to keep germs and bacteria from invading the wound and leading the infection, they can be unsightly.

Improper caring of scabs can lead to permanent scarring. Reasons for Scabs: The tattoo starts to scab over, similar to a scab that may occur if you’ve been badly sun burned. This is a natural reaction, as the top layer of skin becomes a little crusty, protecting the open wound (tattoo) underneath.

After a few days, the natural healing process of the tattoo causes the skin to form a complete scab over the entire image. This scab should be very thin and flaky if you’ve taken care of your tattoo correctly. Once the tattoo finishes healing, the scab begins to peel, eventually falling off completely on its own.

  • During this time, it’s important not to pick the scab or it could pull the ink out of the fresh tattoo underneath;
  • What to avoid: Don’t pick at the scab; give it time to heal undisturbed;
  • Picking scabs open not only exposes the cut to bacteria, but keeps it from healing properly and will eventually lead to scarring;

Clean the scab with warm, soapy water. Don’t rub on it or you risk having it fall off. Dry it immediately after washing. Keep the scab moist by applying a warm, wet compress one to two times a day. This will help promote healing by allowing the    skin beneath the scab to regenerate.

Apply lotion to the scab to keep it healthier and less likely to fall off or become cracked. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the scab between soakings to help keep it from hardening. Avoid soaking the scab in excess water.

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This can cause the scab to fall off, which will restart the healing process, making it so another scab has to form. Allow the scab to get as much air as possible to promote healing. If you cover the scab, make sure it still has airflow. Talk to your doctor about chemical peeling for scabs and scars.

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.

Does Aquaphor pull ink out of tattoos?

Inked Ritual and Aquaphor are very different tattoo care products. – Aquaphor and Inked Ritual Tattoo Care are two completely different products with a very different purpose and function for your tattoo aftercare. Aquaphor is a multi-purpose healing ‘ointment’ used for treating diaper rash, chapped lips, dry skin, etc.

  1. It can also be used to sooth minor skin wounds, cuts and scrapes;
  2. And for some reason people choose to use Aquaphor to heal their new tattoos;
  3. Aquaphor is not a tattoo aftercare product , and if you’ve ever used it on a fresh tattoo, or even considering using it, then you’ll want to read the following first;

INGREDIENTS Aquaphor contains Petrolatum (petroleum) and Mineral oil which is a liquid form of petroleum jelly. These are waste by-products that come from the petroleum oil distillation process during gasoline production. Petrolatum and mineral oil are super cheap and toxic ingredients that should never be used on a large open wound like a tattoo.

  • Aquaphor also contains   Lanolin Alcohol , which is an oily material from sheep’s wool;
  • Lanolin Alcohol can cause  contact dermatitis  rash or other skin reactions;
  • Even worse;
  • some people have noticed their skin appears lighter from lanolin alcohol use;

FUNCTION Aquaphor seals and suffocates the skin’s surface due to the thick petrolatum and mineral ingredients. Suffocating your fresh tattoo impairs the tattoo recovery and skin healing process, by blocking the skin’s natural respiration. By sealing the surface of your tattooed skin, Aquaphor stops moisture from leaving the skin, which can negatively affect a fresh tattoo during recovery and healing.

  • During post tattoo recovery, y our fresh tattooed skin needs to breathe;
  • Using a petroleum based product like Aquaphor can cause premature skin aging and tattoo fading;
  • Using Aquaphor for tattoo aftercare, poses a risk of damaging your tattoo by causing premature fading;

It has also been found that petrolatum and mineral oil can pull fresh tattoo ink from the skin. Again, another reason to avoid products that contain petrolatum and or mineral oil ingredients. They can make your tattoos heal less vibrant than they could have.

Now I know that many people have used Aquaphor over the years and will disagree, claiming that it has worked fine. Sure, it may have worked fine, however they are risks, both short term (premature tattoo fading) and long term, such as cancer or other endocrine disorders from the toxins.

So why take the chance of prematurely fading your fresh new tattoo?  Advancements in the skincare industry have greatly evolved over the past few years. There are several excellent all-natural tattoo aftercare products,  formulated specifically for tattoo post-recovery and healing.

  1. Consider choosing one instead of the baby’s diaper rash ointment;
  2. INKED RITUAL Tattoo Care  Ok, now let’s discuss Inked Ritual;
  3. We’ve had people ask us if Inked Ritual and Aquaphor are the same type of skincare product;

And the answer is no, not at all. Inked Ritual is a Tattoo Care product formulated exclusively to enhance, restore and protect healed tattoos from fading. This intensive skin rejuvenating serum, uses transdermal technology that penetrates and transports potent active ingredients deep into your tattooed skin.

The purpose and function of Inked Ritual is to keep your skin healthy, by boosting collagen production while slowing skin aging. Healthy skin = bold vibrant tattoos. Being a serum, Inked Ritual’s molecular structure is lightweight, non-greasy and will not seal, suffocate or clog your skin’s pores like Aquaphor.

Healthy youthful skin = bold vibrant tattoos for life. Another major difference between Inked Ritual and Aquaphor, is not just the advanced serum technology, but also the bio-active ingredients that Inked Ritual contains. This includes 7 anti-aging Peptides, Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Phospholipids.

Inked Ritual is toxin free. There’s no petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, or alcohol ingredients. Inked Ritual is cruelty- free and vegan-friendly. When it comes to keeping your tattoos looking their best, Inked Ritual is your tattoos first line of defense.

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You will see the bold vibrancy of your tattoos change after using it. It works on new and old tattoos, and all skin types. Disclaimer: Inked Ritual was not developed for tattoo recovery, and we do not promote it for tattoo healing. But many customers have used Inked Ritual on their fresh ink, and love the results.

Can I wear jeans 3 days after tattoo?

What Kind Of Clothes Should I Avoid After Getting Tattooed? – For the ladies out there; if the tattoo is placed in the chest/breast area, ladies should avoid wearing a bra, at least while at home. At work or outdoors, one can wear a looser-fitting bra, to avoid moisture build-up and putting pressure onto the tattoo.

  • Tight-fitting bras can make the area sweaty, but also restrict the airflow, which can trap moisture and lead to infections;
  • If loose-fitting bras don’t do the job, then we advise the ladies to simply go braless;

For both, ladies and gentlemen, avoid wearing jeans and pants (with tight waistband), for tattoos placed on hips, gluteus area, thighs, intimate area, lower abdomen, lower or middle back. To avoid putting pressure and restricting airflow, avoid tight-fitting jeans and pants.

The same goes for leggings and skinny jeans. The best alternative is sweatpants, loose-fitting pants, or loose-fitting shorts. In the case of a foot tattoo, it is essential to go barefoot for as long as possible.

Socks are a no-go , since they’re tight-fitting, as well as boots, heels, strappy sandals, and tight-fitting footwear overall. If you do have to wear shoes, try to wear slides or flip-flops to avoid the shoes or socks rubbing against the tattoo. It is also important to avoid tight-fitting gym clothing, like leggings, tops, yoga pants, gymnastics clothing , etc.

Can I put scented lotion on my tattoo after 2 weeks?

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

How do I take care of my tattoo the first week?

TATTOO AFTERCARE -my advice for healing

Aftercare for Your Tattoo – So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

  1. Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
  2. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water  and be sure to pat dry.
  3. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
  4. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
  5. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.

You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen  with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage).

Is baby lotion okay to use on a new tattoo?

So, Can You Use Baby Lotion On a New Tattoo? – Now that we know a little more in-depth about baby lotions, we can see why people would want to use them on their new tattoos. Tattooed skin is as sensitive as it can get since it is basically an open wound until the skin starts sealing; that can take a few days, so in the meantime, the aftercare is of the utmost importance.

  • You Should Not Use Baby Lotion On a Fresh Tattoo

During the first few days, while the tattoo is closing and the skin is preparing for the next healing phase , it is essential NOT to put anything on the skin, not even baby lotion. So, if you’re wondering whether you can put baby lotion onto a fresh tattoo, the answer is always a strong NO. Neither baby lotion nor any other moisturizing cream or lotion should be used on a tattoo that is still open and fresh.

  • At First, You Can Only Use Water and Antibacterial Soap

The only thing you can use on a new tattoo is just lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, to wash it. You should wash your new tattoo once to twice a day. After it starts healing and closing, after each washing you should also apply a thin layer of baby lotion or moisturizer. Only when the tattoo has started to close and there is no risk of it starting to bleed again can you use lotion to hydrate and moisturize the tattoo.

  • Apply Baby Lotion 2 to 3 Times A Day Onto Healing Tattoo

After the initial healing stage has passed, and the tattoo is sealing, it is essential to moisturize it, using nourishing and hydrating products. Baby lotion is a great option, especially if it contains shea butter, cocoa butter , and similar, organic ingredients. Make sure to moisturize the tattoo 2 to 3 times a day, or whenever it gets dry, flaky, and itchy. As we mentioned, it is essential to moisturize the tattoo after cleaning it or after showering , since that is when it is at its driest.