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What Soaps Can I Use To Clean My Tattoo?

What Soaps Can I Use To Clean My Tattoo

The Best All-Natural Tattoo Soap – Dr. Bronner’s products are vegan, all-natural, and cruelty-free, and their formulas help me with everything from BO to hormonal acne, so why should tattoos be any exception? Following Bryce’s advice to opt for the unscented, I picked Dr.

Bronner’s baby soap — the most gentle of all their formulas — as the best all-natural tattoo soap pick. Coconut, hemp, jojoba, and olive oils make sure that even though this soap is super effective, it won’t dry out your new tattoo.

And, because the formula is so concentrated, you only need to dilute a few drops with water to get the rich lather you need to fully clean your skin. “I ordered this to clean a fresh tattoo and I was extremely happy with it,” raved one fan on Amazon, “When I got my first tattoo I used the original gold dial soap, but I can’t stand the smell of that so I was really happy to find this alternative.

What should I wash my new 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).

Can you use dish soap to clean 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 use Dove bar soap to clean tattoo?

Can I put sunscreen on my tattoo? – It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on your tattoo to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, and be sure to apply it liberally every day. Sunscreen will help keep your tattoo looking bright and vibrant for years to come! Soap is an important part of the healing process for a new tattoo, and Dove bar soap is one of the best soaps you can use. What Soaps Can I Use To Clean My Tattoo.

When can you use regular soap on tattoo?

How often should I clean my tattoo? What kind of soap should I use? – The tattoo should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after removing the bandage, and cleaned daily from there on out. We recommend cleaning it multiple times on the first day. Pat the tattoo dry (don’t rub it) with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid irritation, and let the tattoo air out for 20-30 minutes before applying moisturizer. We recommend using a gentle, liquid antibacterial soap, such as Dial Antibacterial Soap , though other hand or body soaps can be used as long as they are thoroughly rinsed from the tattoo. You want to avoid excess absorption of water by the tattoo, so washings should be efficient and deliberate to minimize time. You can use antibacterial soap for the first 3-5 days and then regular soap or body wash is fine.

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.

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.

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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.

What if I don’t have unscented soap for my tattoo?

Remove bandage 2-3 hours after your tattoo is complete.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and warm to hot water. Now wash your new tattoo with warm to hot water and a mild, unscented soap. Wash gently using only your hands and soapy water. Make sure to wash off any residual blood or plasma, ink, and ointment from the entire area around the tattoo. Dr. Bronner’s mild soap or any unscented mild soap will work.
  2. Gently pat dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.
  3. Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion, or an even thinner layer of Aquaphor to the entire tattoo. Gently rub product into skin thoroughly. Mild unscented lotions like Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc. are appropriate; nothing medicated. For a baseball sized tattoo, a pea sized drop of lotion should suffice.
  4. Repeat twice a day for about two weeks, until it looks like normal skin.
  5. Wear gentle or loose fitting clothing if your tattoo is in a location impacted by clothing, shoes, or bra-straps. BE GENTLE.

Brand new tattoos may be sensitive, red, and swollen. The surrounding area may even show mild bruising. This is normal. Healing tattoos feel sometimes like a healing sunburn. For the first few days, your tattoo may “weep” clear or colored fluid. This is also normal. You may want to wash your tattoo a few additional times during the first few days.

Antibacterial soap is not necessary. Be careful not to over-do the lotion. As your tattoo is healing, your skin will shed or peel a layer of dead cells in the color and location of each part of the tattoo.

This is normal. Let any peeling skin fall off naturally. Do not pick at any flaking skin, it may not be healed underneath. While your tattoo is healing, avoid direct contact with sunlight. Also, do not soak your tattoo in water, i. baths, swimming pools, the ocean, etc.

  • until the tattoo is fully healed;
  • This will be generally between 10-20 days, or more for larger or extensive amounts of tattooing;
  • Healed tattoos should be protected from excessive sunlight;
  • Tanning or sunbathing and tattoos don’t mix;

These are general guidelines to help you heal your tattoo. Everyone’s skin is different. Some people may find they need to continue these steps for more time, some need less time. We have done our best to make you a tattoo that will look great and last for as long as you live, now it’s your turn to ensure that it is well cared for after you leave the tattoo shop.

How long do I wash my tattoo?

Download Article Download Article Taking good care of your new tattoo right after you get it will help it heal quickly and stay vibrant. Keep the bandage that your tattoo artist applied on for at least a few hours before gently removing it, washing your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then patting the skin dry. By keeping your skin evenly moisturized and clean, staying out of the sun, and avoiding picking or itching your new design, your tattoo will heal beautifully.

  1. 1 Leave the covering on for 2-3 hours. Once the tattoo is complete, your tattoo artist will clean the area, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic. Once you have left the tattoo parlor, resist the temptation to open the bandage. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria and should be left on for up to 3 hours before you remove it. [1]
    • Since different tattoo artists have different methods of wrapping new tattoos, ask your tattoo artist when they recommend removing the bandage. Some artists may not wrap the tattoo at all, depending on the products and technique they use.
    • If you leave the bandage on longer than the artist suggests, you are more prone to infection and the ink may bleed.
  2. 2 Wash your hands before carefully removing the bandage. Washing your hands beforehand will help prevent your tattoo from getting infected when you go to touch it. To remove the bandage more easily, you can apply warm water to it to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. Pull the bandage off slowly and carefully so you don’t damage your new tattoo. [2]
    • Throw away the used bandage.

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  3. 3 Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Instead of soaking your tattoo in water, cup your hands together and scoop lukewarm water over it. Use a mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to rub the tattoo gently with your fingers, removing all traces of blood, plasma, or leaked ink. [3]
    • Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Do not resume use of the items until the tattoo has healed completely.
    • Avoid holding the tattoo directly under the water—the stream of water from the faucet may be too harsh on your new tattoo.
  4. 4 Let the tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a clean paper towel. While it’s best to let your skin air dry after the tattoo has been cleaned, you can also use a clean, dry paper towel to gently blot the tattoo until it’s dry. Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the paper towel to avoid irritating your skin. [4]
    • Regular towels can irritate your tattoo or cause little bits of fluff to get stuck in them, so it’s best to only use a paper towel for drying.
  5. 5 Apply a non-scented antibacterial cream. Once your tattoo is fully dry, apply a little moisturizing ointment, preferably an all-natural aftercare, to the tattoo. Make sure to apply only a very thin layer and pat it in gently until it’s absorbed by the skin. If you’re not sure what kind of ointment to use, ask your tattoo artist what they recommend for your skin. [5]
    • Aquaphor is a good, recommended option for a moisturizer.
    • Don’t use petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, as these are too heavy and may clog the pores.
    • Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, avoid rewrapping it.
  6. 6 Listen to your tattoo artist’s advice. Your tattoo artist will explain how you should care for your tattoo immediately after getting it, so try to follow their instructions. The way they bandage your tattoo may be different from other tattoo artists, so take the advice they give you seriously to ensure your tattoo heals correctly. [6]
    • Write down the instructions they give you on a piece of paper or type them up on your phone so you don’t forget.

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  1. 1 Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily until the scabs are gone. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it’s fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. [7]
    • While moisturizing is important, be careful not to smother the tattoo in lotion or ointment—a thin layer is all you need.
    • Continue using an unscented mild soap when washing.
  2. 2 Avoid scratching or picking at your tattoo. As it heals, your tattoo will start to scab over, which is normal. Let the scabs dry out and fall off by themselves, and don’t speed up the process by picking or scratching at the scabs. This can cause the scabs to fall off too soon, which can leave holes or light spots on the tattoo. [8]
    • Dry, scabbing or peeling skin can become very itchy, but scratching at your tattoo may also cause scabs to fall off.
    • Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem.
  3. 3 Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. The harsh rays of the sun may cause your skin to blister and bleach some of the colors from your tattoo. For this reason, it is best to keep your tattoo covered and away from the sun for at least 3 to 4 weeks until the initial healing is complete. [9]
    • Once your tattoo is healed, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading.
  4. 4 Avoid soaking the tattoo in water. Until your tattoo is fully healed, don’t swim in a pool or the ocean. Avoid soaking in the bathtub as well. Exposing your tattoo to lots of water can pull the ink out of your skin and do damage to the tattoo’s appearance. The water may also be carrying dirt, bacteria, or other chemicals that can infect your tattoo. [10]
    • It will be safe to resume these activities once your tattoo is healed, but for now you should stick to rinsing your tattoo in the sink or shower.
  5. 5 Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your tattoo. Try not to wear tight or restrictive clothing on the area with your new tattoo, especially at first. As your tattoo heals, it will seep plasma and excess ink, which may cause the clothing to stick to the tattoo. The clothing will then be painful to remove and may rip off any freshly formed scabs. [11]
    • If your clothing does stick to your tattoo, do not pull! First wet the area with water, which should loosen the clothing to where it can be removed without damaging your tattoo.
    • Tight clothing will prevent enough oxygen from getting to your tattoo, and oxygen is essential for the healing process.
  6. 6 Wait for your tattoo to heal before doing strenuous workouts. If the tattoo covers a large surface area or is near your joints (such as elbows and knees), it may take longer to heal if the skin is forced to move around too much during physical activity. The movement will cause the skin to crack and become irritated, prolonging the healing process. [12]
    • If you work in a job that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, you may want to consider having your new tattoo done right before you have a day or 2 off so it has time to heal before you return to work.

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What should you not put on a new tattoo?

Is Dove soap good for new tattoos?

NEW TATTOO? A SAFE SOAP TO WASH IT AND YOUR BODY WITH

The best products to wash a new tattoo with – Dove Body Wash/Beauty Bar Gohara’s go-to recommendation for those with new tattoos? Dove Body Wash ($9; target. com ) or Beauty Bar ($13 for 8; target. com ). She says the most important thing is to identify a non-soap cleanser that isn’t irritating, and to look for one “that doesn’t strip the skin of essential nutrients.

” The body wash is sulfate-free, while the beauty bar is clean-rinsing and is made with the brand’s signature moisturizing cream to replenish nutrients lost in the skin during cleansing. “Irritating the skin with other more harsh cleansers can fade tattoo colors and create itchy dry skin that further irritates,” Gohara explains.

“This is perfect for use when your tattoo is fresh and the skin needs more TLC. ”  H2Ocean Blue Green Canadian Foam Soap  Great for travel thanks to its compact size, this water-based foaming soap ($6; amazon. com ) is vegan and super gentle. It’s packed with aloe vera to moisturize the skin while keeping your art disinfected.

  1. It’s also free from parabens and fragrance, in addition to being vegan;
  2. Pears Transparent Soap  This tried-and-true brand boasts 100 years of history and its transparent, fragrance-free soap ($5 for 3; bedbathandbeyond;

com ) is a favorite for a reason. Its glycerin-based formula also features natural oils like rosemary and thyme for a clean that won’t harm your art. Neutrogena Transparent Soap Bar   It’s a classic that’s wallet-friendly. Marmur likes the Neutrogena Transparent Soap Bar ($3; neutrogena.

com ) for those with tattoos and notes that those of us with new tattoos should avoid scented soaps. “They can irritate your tattoo and make the color fade faster,” she says. Her advice to to wash gently with your fingers and avoid harsh washcloths while your tattoo is in the healing phase.

Neutrogena’s pure, gentle formula is hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain detergents or dyes. It can be used on the face or body, as well. Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar   Because she believes in avoiding fragrances, Marmur is also a fan of the Dove Beauty Bar ($13/8 bars; target.

com ), but advises that those with new tattoos opt for the sensitive iteration. If you’re prone to fragrance-related irritation, this soothing formulation cleanses skin gently without scent. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap — Baby Designed for babies, this certified organic, vegan option ($16; amazon.

com ) works well for those with skin sensitivities in general. It’s also fragrance-free, but contains double the olive oil as Dr. Bronner’s original version, making it good for those with new tattoos, in addition to those with allergies. Though it is formulated without detergents, it still produces a satisfyingly rich lather so your regularly scheduled shower experience won’t be disrupted.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Skin Fragrance-Free Hydra Therapy Wash  Marmur recommends this unscented cleanser ($6; babobotanicals. com ). Another one that works for face or body, this gentle, sulfate-free sudsing liquid works for those with skin that’s dry, sensitive, or even eczema-prone.

The plant-based formula soothes and relieves itchiness as it cleans. If you liked our story Here’s Exactly How to Wash a New Tattoo, check out The Best Soaps for Tattoos, According to the Experts.

Should you use antibacterial soap on a tattoo?

Remove bandage 2-3 hours after your tattoo is complete.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and warm to hot water. Now wash your new tattoo with warm to hot water and a mild, unscented soap. Wash gently using only your hands and soapy water. Make sure to wash off any residual blood or plasma, ink, and ointment from the entire area around the tattoo. Dr. Bronner’s mild soap or any unscented mild soap will work.
  2. Gently pat dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.
  3. Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion, or an even thinner layer of Aquaphor to the entire tattoo. Gently rub product into skin thoroughly. Mild unscented lotions like Aveeno, Lubriderm, Eucerin, etc. are appropriate; nothing medicated. For a baseball sized tattoo, a pea sized drop of lotion should suffice.
  4. Repeat twice a day for about two weeks, until it looks like normal skin.
  5. Wear gentle or loose fitting clothing if your tattoo is in a location impacted by clothing, shoes, or bra-straps. BE GENTLE.

Brand new tattoos may be sensitive, red, and swollen. The surrounding area may even show mild bruising. This is normal. Healing tattoos feel sometimes like a healing sunburn. For the first few days, your tattoo may “weep” clear or colored fluid. This is also normal. You may want to wash your tattoo a few additional times during the first few days.

Antibacterial soap is not necessary. Be careful not to over-do the lotion. As your tattoo is healing, your skin will shed or peel a layer of dead cells in the color and location of each part of the tattoo.

This is normal. Let any peeling skin fall off naturally. Do not pick at any flaking skin, it may not be healed underneath. While your tattoo is healing, avoid direct contact with sunlight. Also, do not soak your tattoo in water, i. baths, swimming pools, the ocean, etc.

until the tattoo is fully healed. This will be generally between 10-20 days, or more for larger or extensive amounts of tattooing. Healed tattoos should be protected from excessive sunlight. Tanning or sunbathing and tattoos don’t mix.

These are general guidelines to help you heal your tattoo. Everyone’s skin is different. Some people may find they need to continue these steps for more time, some need less time. We have done our best to make you a tattoo that will look great and last for as long as you live, now it’s your turn to ensure that it is well cared for after you leave the tattoo shop.

Should I wash my tattoo with hot or cold water?

DON’T. –

  • Don’t remove your bandage too soon! Keep your tattoo covered for as long as your artist recommends. The bandage absorbs excess blood, ink, topical anesthetics , ointments, etc
  • Don’t use hot water to clean your new tattoo; wash with warm water instead. Hot water will cause your pores to open, leaving new tattoo susceptible to bacterial infection and ink leakage.
  • Don’t put your new tattoo directly under running water—don’t soak it either.
  • Never rip the bandage off! Use a bit of cold water to break down the adhesive until it’s no longer painful to remove.
  • Don’t re-bandage or cover your new tattoo. Tattoos need to breathe and stay dry to heal.
  • Don’t pick the scabs—yuck! Aside from that being a terrible habit, your fingers could transfer bacteria. Your tattoo is an open wound and vulnerable to infection during the healing process. Let the scabs fall off by themselves or gently wash them off in the shower.
  • Don’t go tanning. Limit your tattoo’s exposure to sun, if possible. If you must be outside, find a tattoo-specific sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
  • Don’t swim, soak, sweat, or sauna for at least 6-weeks after your tattoo! That may be easier said than done, but wet tattoos don’t heal properly.