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.
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What happens if you dont moisturize a tattoo?
It’s a tricky line to tread, looking after your new tattoo and making sure it doesn’t get infected, while also leaving it alone to do its healing without being fiddled with! Too much balm can be problematic, as skin needs to breathe while healing, but what happens if you don’t put any on at all?
- Itchiness Without moisturiser, there’s a risk that healing skin will get very dry, tight and itchy, and itchy skin that you can’t scratch – that in fact you shouldn’t touch at all – is not much fun! If you do itch then you risk damaging the new tattoo.
- Tightness and Scabbing Dry skin can also cause very tight scabs to form; these can flake and fall off easily, pulling the ink away with them, which you also really want to avoid.
- Infection Lastly, uncovered skin can be more open to infection, which can also damage the design; a fine layer of breathable balm works like a sticking plaster to protect against irritants and microbes.
Your skin needs to be looked after whether it’s been tattooed or not; it goes through the same natural cycle of repair and regeneration every 3-4 weeks, rebuilding its outer layer so that it can provide a robust barrier to the outside world.
How long can you go without moisturizing a 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.
Do I really need to moisturize my tattoo?
How Often Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo? – Professional tattoo artists always recommended one moisturizes their tattoo(s) once or twice a day. The best way to moisturize a tattoo is by doing it in the morning and in the evening. It is also important to apply lotion or ointment after taking a shower, to protect the tattoo from drying out.
Note : Make sure to wait between 10 and 20 minutes to apply lotion/ointment onto the tattoo after a shower. In that time, the tattoo will dry naturally, so when you do apply a moisturizer, it will soak into the skin nicely.
By applying lotion onto a wet tattoo, you’re risking overdoing it.
What happens if you let your tattoo dry out?
Take it from us; getting a tattoo on a whim isn’t the best idea. For instance, you might discover a hidden allergy to one of the care products your artist is using. If that isn’t enough, some body parts are more sensitive to the pricking sensation of needles than others.
- Our best advice to you before getting a tattoo is to do your research;
- Don’t worry, though; we’ve done most of the hard work and compiled this guide for you;
- It’ll cover everything you need to know about what will happen if you decide not to moisturize your tattoo;
By not using a moisturizing lotion on your tattoo and letting it dry out, you could cause your skin to dehydrate, causing it to crack, bleed and potentially become infected. However, if you’re careful and follow the correct steps, keeping moisturizing creams and tattoo lotions away from your ink can actually be quite an effective way of healing the area.
Is dry healing a tattoo better?
Are There Any Disadvantages to Dry Healing a Tattoo? – For every argument in favor of dry healing, you’ll find a counter-argument. Critics of dry healing will point out, for instance, that it does nothing to relieve the itchiness that comes when your skin is healing after a tattoo.
That would be bad enough if it simply means you’ll spend a few weeks being more uncomfortable, but it’s worse than that. If you have a hard time putting up with the itchiness and you give in to the urge to scratch your tattoo, you can damage your skin before it has fully recovered.
If that’s the case, using an ointment that relieves the itchiness is likely a better alternative. 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. Some people allege that those in favor of dry healing may have simply used the wrong types of ointments.
It’s true that some lotions have harsh chemicals or don’t contain enough of the ingredients that are friendly to your skin. However, if you do a bit of research you should be able to find creams that will deliver the vitamins your skin needs without any unnecessary additives. 
A tattoo that is so dry that the scabs have cracked and are now bleeding While proponents of dry healing profess that it speeds up the healing process, it could also tighten the skin, which makes it more likely that scabs will break. This, of course, will extend the amount of time it takes for your tattoo to heal, and could cause minor blemishes.
What causes a new tattoo to fade?
There are numerous reasons a tattoo may fade or become misshapen over the course of a lifetime. Among them, Wesley says, are the location of the tattoo, the color and type of pigment, sun exposure, and smoking.
What happens if you don’t do tattoo aftercare?
It’s a tricky line to tread, looking after your new tattoo and making sure it doesn’t get infected, while also leaving it alone to do its healing without being fiddled with! Too much balm can be problematic, as skin needs to breathe while healing, but what happens if you don’t put any on at all?
- Itchiness Without moisturiser, there’s a risk that healing skin will get very dry, tight and itchy, and itchy skin that you can’t scratch – that in fact you shouldn’t touch at all – is not much fun! If you do itch then you risk damaging the new tattoo.
- Tightness and Scabbing Dry skin can also cause very tight scabs to form; these can flake and fall off easily, pulling the ink away with them, which you also really want to avoid.
- Infection Lastly, uncovered skin can be more open to infection, which can also damage the design; a fine layer of breathable balm works like a sticking plaster to protect against irritants and microbes.
Your skin needs to be looked after whether it’s been tattooed or not; it goes through the same natural cycle of repair and regeneration every 3-4 weeks, rebuilding its outer layer so that it can provide a robust barrier to the outside world.
Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?
The takeaway: – Peeling is normal (to an extent) but that doesn’t mean you should peel it yourself. Let your skin do its thing for the two-ish weeks and keep the tattoo clean and dry while it heals for the best results. If you experience any scabbing that seems abnormal (like thickening over the entire tattoo or green or yellow areas that fill up with puss), see your doctor to address the infection.
A poorly healed tattoo sucks but an infection left untreated would be way worse than that, trust. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. io.
Should I moisturize my tattoo while its peeling?
Moisturizing is Essential – 
During the peeling process, unless you’ve decided to take on the dry healing method it’s essential that you keep your tattoo moisturized. For the first three days after you get your tattoo, you should be cleaning your tattoo and washing, drying, and putting ointment on it regularly. On the fourth day, you can begin to use a recommended lotion for tattoos to keep your fresh ink moist and your healing skin hydrated while it continues to repair.
One of the most popular products for moisturizing tattoos is Hustle Butter Deluxe. It could be a good choice since it uses a gentle formula made from natural ingredients, doesn’t contain petroleum, and can be incorporated into your aftercare regimen from start to finish Putting lotion on your tattoo regularly will help relieve the itchiness you feel as well as improve your tattoo’s appearance.
Apply the lotion two to three times each day for the next 25 days or until it no longer peels or feels tight and taut on your skin. When you apply lotion to your tattoo, apply a thin layer over your skin. There is no need to put a thick coat of lotion on your tattoo, in fact it can be counter productive.
When can I switch to moisturiser 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.
Will my tattoo dry out overnight?
Clean Frequently – In the early days of the tattoo healing process, we can’t stress enough how important it is to clean your tattoo frequently, but also moisturize it with nutrients that your skin needs to heal faster. After you take your wraps off, there’s a chance that your bed and mattress could make your tattoo dry.
Always clean your tattoo and moisturize it with special and antimicrobial moisturizers with hypoallergenic materials. It’d be also good if the moisturizer is unscented so it wouldn’t bother you at the night.
Editor’s notes: It’d be also good to apply a painkiller cream without aspirin that will spread across your tattoo and minimize the pain you experience. This is probably something that will also make the sleeping process much easier. If your tattoo dries out and glues onto the bed sheet or pillowcase, don’t pull it out violently or cut the sheet off.
Will a tattoo heal without cream?
– Tattoo dry healing is essentially going through the usual aftercare steps of helping a tattoo heal. But instead of using ointments, creams, or lotions that your tattoo artist may recommend, you just let it heal in the open air. Of course, you should still keep a tattoo clean with soap and water and protect it from tight clothing and sunlight exposure while your tattooed skin is healing.
- It may seem like just as many people endorse letting your tattoo dry heal as those who swear by lotions and creams to moisturize the skin during the healing process;
- Who’s right? The short answer is both: there are pros and cons to tattoo dry healing and to using moisturizers;
Let’s get into whether there are any side effects to tattoos and how you can incorporate dry healing into your tattoo aftercare routine.
Can I let my tattoo heal naturally?
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..
Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?
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.
- Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
- Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
- 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.
How often should I moisturize my old tattoo?
Healing Your Tattoo – Fresh tattoos are essentially just cool-looking wounds and, like any wound, they need to be kept clean and dry if you want them to heal properly. Since the overall outcome of your tattoo depends heavily on how well you look after it during this stage, it’s vital you take this step seriously. But if you’re unsure, here are some key points to keep in mind when caring for your new ink from a fellow tattooed person: Scroll to Continue
- Once home, you can remove the cling-film that has been protecting your artwork.
- Gently wash your fresh tattoo after a few hours with unscented, antibacterial liquid soap.
- Gently dab your tattoo dry. Be sure to avoid rough towels or cloths.
- Apply a thin, even layer of unscented moisturising cream.
- Repeat the washing/moisturising process between 3 and 5 times each day.
- I repeat, keep your tattoo clean and dry. No dunking it in the bath or swimming pools, unless your aim is to get an infection.
- Embrace your inner vampire and stay out of direct sunlight.
- Resist the overwhelming urge to pick the flaking skin or scratch your tattoo.
Will my tattoo dry out overnight?
Clean Frequently – In the early days of the tattoo healing process, we can’t stress enough how important it is to clean your tattoo frequently, but also moisturize it with nutrients that your skin needs to heal faster. After you take your wraps off, there’s a chance that your bed and mattress could make your tattoo dry.
Always clean your tattoo and moisturize it with special and antimicrobial moisturizers with hypoallergenic materials. It’d be also good if the moisturizer is unscented so it wouldn’t bother you at the night.
Editor’s notes: It’d be also good to apply a painkiller cream without aspirin that will spread across your tattoo and minimize the pain you experience. This is probably something that will also make the sleeping process much easier. If your tattoo dries out and glues onto the bed sheet or pillowcase, don’t pull it out violently or cut the sheet off.
When can I switch to moisturiser 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.
