What Can You Put On A New Tattoo?
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.
- Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
- Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry.
- Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
- Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
- 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).
Contents
- 0.1 What products can you put on a new tattoo?
- 0.2 Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray
- 0.3 Do and don’ts after tattoo?
- 0.4 How long should you moisturize a new tattoo?
- 0.5 What can ruin a tattoo?
- 1 Should I cover my tattoo or let it breathe?
- 2 How do you keep a tattoo shiny?
- 3 When should I start putting lotion on my tattoo?
What products can you put on a new tattoo?
– Use a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated tattoo cleanser to clean the area. Your tattoo artist can recommend a tattoo-specific cleanser. Soap options include the following products, which you can buy online:
- Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
- Liquid Neutrogena
- Dial Gold Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap (although this soap isn’t fragrance-free, tattoo artists often recommend it)
For the first day or two, use an ointment like A+D Original Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment or the product recommended by your tattoo artist to help the tattoo heal. It’s best to avoid products that are 100 percent petroleum-based, like Vaseline. The American Academy of Dermatology says that petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade. However, there’s one exception: Authority Tattoo says that Vaseline may be helpful while showering.
- Because Vaseline is nonporous (watertight), you can apply it to your tattoo before you step into the shower so that it can protect the area from getting sprayed with water;
- It’s also been noted that Vaseline may be helpful on healed tattoos or the skin surrounding the tattoo if it’s exceptionally dry;
Just apply a thin layer. Putting on too thick of a layer won’t allow your skin to breathe. After about 2 days, you can switch to a regular moisturizer. Some products that you can buy online include:
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture Fragrance-Free Lotion
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion for Dry Skin
- Curél Fragrance-Free Lotion
- Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Also make sure it doesn’t contain additives, such as colored dye, that could dry out your skin. When properly cared for, your tattoo can be as brilliant as one of these inspiring breast cancer tattoos.
What can I use to moisturize 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 should you not put on a new tattoo?
Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray
Can I put Vaseline on my tattoo?
– The first 24 hours after getting a tattoo are critical to your aftercare. Your tattoo artist may advise that you wear special bandages for added protection. After a few days, you may be able to safely take showers, but you’ll still need to avoid submerging the tattoo in water when bathing.
While your tattoo is bandaged, this may allow for a very small window for using Vaseline too, since your tattoo is already covered. However, you’ll want to verify this with your tattoo artist first. Generally, there’s no need for Vaseline on a new tattoo whatsoever.
Once your bandages are off, you’ll want to stay away from Vaseline during the healing process, too. You may be able to use Vaseline on a newer tattoo only after it’s completely healed. The only use for petroleum jelly on your tattoo is for extremely dry skin around the area.
Do and don’ts after tattoo?
What’s the best tattoo aftercare product?
HUSTLE BUTTER DELUXE. BEST OVERALL – 
Hustle Butter Deluxe is the first tattoo aftercare we recommend. It is a universal premium quality product for use in the tattooing and aftercare process. User Experience When used during tattooing, it helps to minimize bleeding and reduce skin swelling and redness. At the same time, if Hustle is used as a tattoo aftercare to heal micro-traumas, it does its job perfectly: users, including dozens of professional tattoo artists, find that tattoos heal much faster than when using other similar products.
It is 100% organic, certified by the FDA as consisting exclusively of plant-based ingredients such as shea butter, mango butter, coconut and papaya. Moreover, the butter is suitable even if you are a person who has sensitive skin.
You can feel free to use it and don’t be afraid to get any kind of skin irritation. That is something you will appreciate comparing this product with analogs. It has a really amazing natural smell of coconut and other exotic fruits. The scent is not strong, not obtrusive, but very pleasant. Pros
- The fastest possible tattoo healing
- Minimization of bleeding and redness
- Tight consistency
- It doesn’t flow
- Vegan
- Available in different jar sizes
- Fabulous pleasant but unobtrusive scent
Verdict Even though Hustle Butter Deluxe is not the cheapest (but it’s not expensive either), every hour of discomfort during tattoo healing that this product saves you from is worth every penny you spend on it. That’s why we and most people of tattoo community are 100% sure in recommendation of this product as the best.
Can I put coconut oil on my tattoo?
– Coconut oil is gentle enough to use during any stage of the tattoo process. You can apply it to new tattoos, old ones, or even those that are undergoing removal or retouching. This can prove beneficial if you have more than one tattoo, or if you’re thinking about getting additional ink in the near future.
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.
How long should you moisturize a new tattoo?
Benefits of Using a Tattoo Ointment – First things first, take a look at the top benefits you can enjoy by using tattoo ointment cream –
- Tattoo ointment helps to keep the skin moisturized for most of the day. Since you cannot expose the tattoo to water for at least the first two weeks after getting inked, the skin around the tattoo will become very dry. If your skin gets too dry, then it can lead to itchiness and redness as well. That is why using a tattoo ointment aftercare cream can help the skin to remain moisturized and active at all times.
- A tattoo ointment plays an important role to prevent the tattoo from coming across any infection. Since the tattoo is an open wound, there is always a risk of it getting infected if you are not careful. The ingredients in a good quality tattoo cream help to eliminate any pollutants that can infect the tattoo. So, your tattoo remains safe at all times.
- Using tattoo ointment cream helps to get relief from itchiness and redness. Many people have to face serious itchiness when their tattoo is healing. As you cannot scratch or pick the tattoo in any way, it becomes very irritating at times to manage. Using a tattoo ointment will help bring relief of the itchiness or redness.
What can ruin a tattoo?
Should I cover my tattoo or let it breathe?
#3. Removing the Wrapping Too Early – I know, I know. You just got a your tattoo and you want to look at it! That dang bandage that the artist puts on after your session can be annoying, but it’s there for a reason. Your fresh tattoo is basically one giant open wound.
- The wrapping that they put over it keeps any bacteria or airborne particles from getting into it;
- How long should you keep it on? Well, listen to your artist;
- Some will tell you 2 hours, some will tell you overnight;
Your artist knows what he/she is talking about, so it’s best to just listen to what they advise and stick to that! Once you’ve removed the wrapping on your fresh tattoo, keep it off! It’s time to let the healing process begin and let your tattoo breathe.
Do tattoos need air to heal?
You just got the tattoo of your dreams, now it’s up to you to properly care for your new tattoo to ensure a bright, crisp healed tattoo. With new tattoos, we follow the “less is more” approach. It’s very easy to overcare for your tattoo–applying too much ointment or lotion can actually damage your healing tattoo.
- The best method of healing a new tattoo is our tried and true “Dry Heal” technique;
- Follow our instructions below for an easy, quick heal;
- Keep the bandage on for at least one hour;
- Remove the bandage only when you are able to wash your new tattoo;
Wash your tattoo thoroughly, firmly, but gently using clean hands, hot water, and a mild, non-scented soap. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Make sure your tattoo is clean until it is no longer slimy. Pat/blot dry with a clean paper towel if necessary and let your tattoo air dry.
DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo! Let it breathe with loose clean cotton clothing or exposed to the air and avoid direct sunlight on your healing tattoo. You do not need to apply any creams, ointments, or lotions for the first seven days, your body will naturally heal your new tattoo.
Starting around day three, your new tattoo will start to peel/exfoliate and the temptation to pick and scratch will be great. Don’t do it! DO NOT PEEL, PICK OR SCRATCH or touch your new tattoo. After seven days, you may apply a small drop of white, hypoallergenic fragrance-free lotion such as Cetaphil or Curel Original Unscented with clean hands until your tattoo is healed. Always handle your tattoo with clean hands and don’t let people touch your new tattoo! DURING THE HEALING PROCESS:
- DO wear loose, clean cotton/soft clothing and/or expose to air (but not sun!).
- DO NOT use aloe, Neosporin, etc. ; they make the skin heal too fast.
- DO NOT swim, sauna, or soak (quick shower OK, avoid long soaking on the tattoo)
- DO NOT expose to direct sunlight.
Once healed, preserve your piece of art and always protect your tattoo with sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. The tattoo is your responsibility. Feel free to call the shop or stop by if you have any questions..
Is Aloe Vera good for tattoos?
Conclusions: Is Aloe Vera Good for Tattoo Care? – Aloe vera is great for tattoo care. Finding tattoo care products that include aloe vera as an ingredient like ours can be key to the health of your art. Aloe vera can help ensure the area is soothed and protected, ease discomfort and irritation, and keep your tattoo moisturized while letting it breathe.
With amazing cooling effects and nourishing properties, your vulnerable-to-infection ink will thank you for using aloe vera. It is an all natural product that yields amazing results. So, yes, aloe vera is good for tattoos.
You’re welcome. Sources: Aloe Vera and Tattoo Aftercare | LinkedIn Can Aloe Vera help with Tattoos? | Easy Succulents Aloe Vera | NCCIH.
Can I put lotion on my 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 do you keep a tattoo shiny?
When should I start putting 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 you over moisturize a new tattoo?
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.
Can I put lotion on my 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.
Can I use coconut oil on my tattoo?
– Coconut oil is gentle enough to use during any stage of the tattoo process. You can apply it to new tattoos, old ones, or even those that are undergoing removal or retouching. This can prove beneficial if you have more than one tattoo, or if you’re thinking about getting additional ink in the near future.
