What Should I Clean My Tattoo With?

What Should I Clean My Tattoo With
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).

How can I clean my tattoo tattoo?

Tattoo Aftercare – Just as it’s important to care for your skin before getting a tattoo and during the tattoo process, it’s also important to continue this care following the tattoo. Your skin is healing at this point and the better care you can provide, the quicker it will heal.

The tattoo should be treated as an open wound, as that’s exactly what it is. Keep it clean at all times with a saline solution along with antibacterial soap. and moisturize using a suitable ointment or lotion.

Keep the tattooed area uncovered as much as possible to let it breathe and to also avoid rubbing on clothes.

What soap should I use to clean my tattoo?

The All-Around Best Tattoo Soap – Across the board, “Dial Gold is the classic go-to,” says Bryce. Every single piercer or tattooer I’ve ever met has recommended this bathroom staple as the all-around best tattoo cleanser. It’s inexpensive and ultimately, one of the most effective soaps on the market for making sure your tattoo stays clean and free of infection.

  • Something to keep in mind for folks with more sensitive skin is that while this soap is pretty much the holy grail of tattoo cleansers, it’s also not fragrance-free;
  • If you’re prone to irritation from scented products, it might be best to steer clear of this fan-favorite and opt for something completely unscented, like the option below;

“Dial is the standard for keeping bacteria and germs at bay. I use it every day and it does not dry out my skin,” one Amazon reviewer commented. Another wrote, “This hand soap has all the right qualities: not excessively scented, rinses clean, no lotion feel, and economical to use.

Can I clean my tattoo with just water?

Wash and Treat – After you remove the bandage, you should wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area. Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap is a good choice; it’s a mild moisturizing cleanser specifically made for piercing and tattoo care.

  • Never use a washcloth; it’s too abrasive;
  • Your hand is your best tool;
  • If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma;
  • Try to gently remove as much of this as possible; scabs may form if it is allowed to dry on the skin’s surface;
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Then, pat—don’t rub—the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of  A&D , Bacitracin, or a similar antibacterial ointment—but not Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos.

Many people have allergic reactions to Neosporin, which can cause little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you can end up with a polka-dotted tattoo. If you prefer, you also can use a specialty product such as Tattoo Goo Aftercare Salve.

It’s petroleum-free and made with herbs and oils meant to soothe and heal your new tattoo. After that, continue to keep your tattoo clean. After some time has passed, you can use a dye- and fragrance-free lotion when needed instead of ointment to keep the skin soft.

When should I wash my new tattoo?

The first wash – After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers. The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance.

This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process. After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour.

When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.

How long do tattoos take to heal?

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal? After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.

What do you do first 24 hours after a tattoo?

What should you not put on a new tattoo?

Can I use dish soap to wash my tattoo?

First Time Cleanup – Leave the tattoo bandaged for 2 to 24 hours. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE or put Vaseline on the tattoo again.

  1. The first time you clean the tattoo, remove the bandage gently , getting it wet if it’s stuck.
  2. Wash gently with clean hands , and not a wash cloth. Don’t be afraid to really wash your tattoo thoroughly, or you won’t get the vaseline off.
  3. Use mild soap like Dove, Ivory or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It’s best to avoid very hot water.
  4. Be sure to remove all the Vaseline – it usually take 4 to 6  or more times washing and rinsing the tattoo before the vaseline is gone.
  5. Pat dry with a fresh, clean towel. A paper towel is fine if it’s not linty. Don’t rub the tattoo – just pat it. For cleanliness, don’t use anything that you or other people have already used.
  6. Apply a tiny amount of water-based lotion such as Curél or Lubriderm — most lotions are oily, and don’t let the tattoo “breathe. ” We’ll tell you how much lotion to use for your particular tattoo, but in general, use an amount that absorbs completely in about 5-10 seconds when you’re rubbing it into the tattoo.
  7. You can also use bag balm or fresh aloe vera leaves (but not aloe vera products sold in stores, as they have stabilizers in them which aren’t good for your tattoo).
  8. You can remove tape residue by rubbing with olive oil, then wash with soap and water (try not to get olive oil in the tattoo).

PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT recommend Neosporin or similar ointments – they clog the pores and the antibiotic formula can draw out color.

Can you shower 1 day after getting a tattoo?

You Can Shower After Getting a Tattoo, But Remember to Use Mild Soap – When it comes to showering after a new tattoo , it’s best to ask your tattoo artist when you can lather up. Their answer will depend on the type of bandage they use to seal their work before sending you off.

  • “Depending on what type of bandage you receive determines when you can shower,” Metz-Caporusso tells Bustle;
  • “If you get Saniderm or Tegiderm, then you can shower immediately;
  • This type of covering is waterproof;
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If you get a classic bandage or cling wrap, then you must wait anywhere from two to 12 hours, depending on what your artist recommends. After you take that off, you can shower anytime. ” But it’s important to use a mild, fragrance-free soap when you do shower or wash your new ink.

Think classic Dial soap or anything anti-bacterial and gentle. After a gentle washing, Brooklyn-based tattoo artist John O’Hara recommends applying Aquaphor to hydrate the skin and create a barrier to prevent infection.

“The key is to apply a very thin layer, let the skin absorb the Aquaphor for about 10-15 seconds, and blot off the excess with a sanitary paper towel,” O’Hara tells Bustle. “This will give you the right amount.

What cream is best for tattoo aftercare?

Aquaphor’s Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment is easily one of the most widely used treatments for tattoo aftercare, as myriad artists swear by it.

How often should you moisturize 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.

Can you over moisturize a 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.

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

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.
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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).

How do you know when tattoo is infected?

Can I clean my tattoo with alcohol?

With clean hands, remove the bandage and wash gently with warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap. Make sure you remove all traces of blood, ointment and secretions. Wash until the area feels “squeaky clean”. Do not use a washcloth to wash your tattoo. This will be too abrasive to a new tattoo.

Pat the tattoo dry with a soft clean cloth. Do not rub it. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tattoo. It needs to stay moist in order to heal, and these products will dry it out. Cover the tattoo with a very thin layer of an anti-bacterial ointment, such as Aquaphor.

Do not use Vaseline or petroleum jelly. It will fade the color of your tattoo. Remember to rub in fully, like when applying lotion. It should NOT shine or feel sticky. If it does, you are using too much ointment. Once the tattoo’s initial covering is removed, do not cover it again during the healing process.

The tattoo will need to be exposed to the air in order to heal. Wash the tattoo at least twice a day for the first week. Apply the ointment once or twice a day for the first three days, especially when you feel the tattoo is dry.

Keeping it moisturized will ensure the least amount of scabbing and peeling, thereby reducing the fading of the color. Make sure your hands are clean each time you rub lotion on it. After 3 or 4 days of using the ointment, switch to a moisturizing lotion.

  • Use a fragrance-free lotion to prevent irritation;
  • If it burns when applying lotion, wash it and apply a different lotion;
  • Burning is a sign of irritation;
  • Do not swim, soak in a hot tub or take a bath for two weeks after getting your tattoo;

Chemicals like chlorine and the bacteria found in most lakes will cause the tattoo to fade or cause an infection. If you see signs of an infection, seek medical attention. Soaking the tattoo will also cause the scab to come off faster and along with it, some of the ink.

Do not tan for at least two weeks after tattooing to allow it time to heal. After two weeks has passed, you may lie in the sun or go to the tanner as long as you put a layer of SPF 30 or higher sun block over the tattoo.

RAYS WILL FADE YOUR TATTOO!! If you expose it to too much sun, you might end up having to get it re-done in a few years to brighten up the color. Like any other wound to the skin, your tattoo will itch during the healing process. DO NOT SCRATCH IT. Scratching or picking will remove the scab and possibly some of the color from the tattoo.

What should you avoid after getting a tattoo?

Why is the ink on my tattoo coming off?

– Peeling is a normal and expected part of tattoo healing. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis , or the outer layer of skin, and the dermis, which lies beneath. This process creates thousands of small wounds that damage skin cells. Tattoos usually take about 2 weeks to heal, but it can take longer for the skin to fully recover.

Peeling usually occurs a few days after getting the tattoo, as the skin begins to heal and regenerate itself. The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells. As the skin exfoliates itself, a layer of dead skin cells and ink pigment peels off, allowing new cells to grow.

Although some peeling is normal, excessive peeling could indicate a problem, especially if there are symptoms of infection and inflammation.