What To Put On A Tattoo While 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.
- 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
What kind of ointment do you put on tattoos?
– 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 should you not put on a healing tattoo?
Never use petroleum based products A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, and Neosporin on your tattoos. – These 6 products have a purpose, and it’s not tattoo aftercare or tattoo healing. Sure, they may work great for diaper rash on a baby’s ass, but not something you should ever use on your fresh tattoo.
These 6 topical ointments contain toxic the ingredients, PETROLEUM , and MINERAL OIL. Petroleum (Petrolatum) is a mineral oil jelly. A waste by-product of the crude oil refining and distillation process discovered on an oil rig in 1859.
Yep! Petroleum as in petrol, the same source that keeps your vehicle running. Mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) is a liquid form of petroleum jelly. Clinical studies have shown Petroleum and mineral oils build up in the body. This has also proven to exacerbate hormonal imbalances and cause cancer.
- So why the hell would someone ever use these products on their new tattoo? – Misinformation, lack of understanding, confusion, ignorance, stupidity, whatever you want to call it;
- Hey, just being honest;
Petroleum-based products are cheap and create the illusion of soft, moisturized, and hydrated skin. When applied, they seal the skin’s surface and block the natural respiration process. Petroleum suffocates and stops moisture from leaving the skin. This can clog pores, causing blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads.
Or worse, create a warm, moist environment for yeast and fungus to grow. It gets even better! Sealing and suffocating your skin can cause premature aging. AGING skin causes FADED tattoos. Thus the reason why we developed Inked Ritual Tattoo Care Anti-Fade Serum.
Remember, a fresh tattoo is an open wound. For the best tattoo aftercare healing and recovery, your skin must be able to breathe. In our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos blog , point number 7, “Never use excess creams or lotions,” covers this point. As you can see, there are quite a few reasons why not to use A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, or Neosporin on your fresh ink.
- These products are not safe for tattoos;
- No matter who says it is ok to use these products for tattoo recovery, I would take it with a grain of salt;
- Times have changed, we’re wiser, and there are much safer and better options to treat your new tattoo with excellent all-natural tattoo aftercare products;
Don’t risk damaging your brand new tattoo, or adding toxic chemicals to your body, for the sake of saving a couple of bucks. There a safer options. Great tattoos are not cheap. Getting inked is a lifetime investment. If you’re spending a few hundred dollars, up to a few grand on a brand new tattoo, consider this.
Invest in your inked investment and consider purchasing a premium tattoo aftercare product. The $25-50 can make a significant difference in how your new tattoo recovers and looks after it’s healed and years to come.
Consider how crazy it is that people will think nothing of dropping $50-$250 on something like a cell phone case to protect their mobile phone. Yet they will skimp out on spending $25-50 on a quality natural tattoo aftercare product for their new tattoos.
Consider that your new tattoo will outlive every mobile device you own. Not sure about you, but I want my ink to out-live me. Do your research. There are a lot of tattoo aftercare healing products to choose from: some great, some good and some not so good.
Choose a product with natural ingredients that nourish your skin. Also make sure the tattoo aftercare is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not suffocate your skin. And most importantly, read the ingredients. Always avoid any product with any of these petroleum ingredients listed:
- Mineral oil (Paraffinum Liquidum)
- Petrolatum (Petroleum)
- Liquid paraffin
- Paraffin oil
Be aware, some tattoo enthusiasts and artists may swear by these petroleum products. But that is their choice, not yours. You now have the information to choose what you want for your tattooed skin. Remember, times have changed and we’re much wiser now as to the toxins that may not have been identified years before. When it comes to healing your new tattoo, there are safer and more effective tattoo aftercare products to use for post tattoo healing and recovery.
TIP If your tattoo artist uses or recommends any of any petroleum-based products, consider politely saying, “no thanks. ” To be safe, always bring your chosen tattoo aftercare product with you to your tattoo session.
Now if you want your tattoos to stand out in the crowd, start and Inked Ritual!.
What is the best cream to put on a new tattoo?
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment Aquaphor’s Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment is easily one of the most widely used treatments for tattoo aftercare, as myriad artists swear by it.
Do and don’ts after tattoo?
Can I use Vaseline on my tattoo?
– Vaseline isn’t the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn’t get enough air while it’s healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry. aftercare ointments and lotions While your tattoo artist should give you the supplies you need for your immediate aftercare, you can also purchase extra ointment and lotion online:
- A+D ointment
- Eucerin
- Lubriderm
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..
How often should I moisturize my new 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.
How long after tattoo can you shower?
How Soon After a Tattoo Can I Shower? – Your first shower after a new tattoo can be the day after you got the tattoo. That could be between 12 and 48 hours. Sometimes, the tattoo becomes messy after a night of oozing blood and ink. In order for the tattoo to start healing properly, you need to give it a light wash with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water.
- After 48 hours, your tattoo should be good for water exposure, but only once or twice a day;
- During the first week, it is essential not to expose the tattoo to the water for longer periods;
- This will prevent the tattoo from drying and forming a new skin layer;
In such a case, your tattoo could get infected. Note : we also recommend you avoid sweat-inducing activities, like working out, jogging, etc. Sweat carries bacteria that can infect the tattoo. Furthermore, sweating prevents the tattoo from drying out, which could also lead to an infection.
Which jobs do not allow tattoos?
Winding Up – Apart from the strict prohibition to tattoo in certain jobs, you should also consider the impact a tattoo may have on the interview panel, even where it’s allowed. Obviously, it only applies to jobs wherein there is an interview phase. Many of the guys on the interview panel are old-fashioned, especially if it is for a government job or PSU job.
First impressions matter, and a tattoo will be the first thing that they will notice, if it’s visible. If the tattoo is at a place that is not visible to anybody unless you take off the clothes, then it’s fine.
A tattoo may send wrong signals to them, sending them vibes of an irresponsible, non-serious and a rebel person. Believe me, most of the organizations, whether private or public, do not prefer people with rebellious attitude. Organizations always look for team-players, people who can work well in a team.
- However, if you are looking for a job in creative fields such as media, fashion designing, photography etc;
- , then getting a tattoo may even work in your favour;
- A tattoo may showcase your creativity;
- When I was in a software company, my manager had a big tattoo on his neck;
I never saw anyone objecting to that. Anyways, our advice would be to stay clear of the tattoo trend, if you aim to get a government job, especially a security-related government job. And if you are adamant on getting one, make sure it is at a place that can be easily concealed under clothes..
How do I take care of my tattoo the first night?
This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.
- – After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home;
- Leave the bandage on for one to three hours;
- When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr;
Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.
- Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
- Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
- Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
- After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.
During healing do NOT:
- Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
- Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
- Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
- Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)
When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.
Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment.
If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).
This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order.
Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.
Can u use Neosporin on tattoos?
When it comes time to get a new tattoo, the right aftercare is as equally as important finding a reputable tattoo artist. A fresh tattoo is most vulnerable within the first few days: You are basically trying to heal wounded skin while also preventing ink distortion.
- This requires moisture while also allowing the tattoo to get air;
- You might have an arsenal of products for wounds lying around in your medicine cabinet, including Neosporin;
- While appropriate for minor cuts and burns, Neosporin is not a good choice for a new tattoo because it can interfere with the natural healing process;
Read on to learn what makes this common first aid product a poor choice for fresh body ink , and what you should use instead.
Is Aquaphor or A&D better for tattoo healing?
Here’s What You Need to Buy: – There are tons of fancy tattoo care products on the market, but most tattoo artists will recommend three things: Aquaphor healing ointment, unscented Lubriderm lotion, and Dial antibacterial liquid soap. There’s plenty of debate about whether Aquaphor or A&D Ointment are better for the first few days.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter, because they both work perfectly fine. I have used both, but Aquaphor is definitely my first choice. It spreads on easier and it doesn’t clog the pores as much. I like to buy the miniature multipacks so I can keep one at work and one at home.
It’s also recommended that you switch to an unscented lotion after three days or so. Lubriderm is most artists’ lotion of choice because it’s gentle but effective at moisturizing. When it comes to soap, some people swear by H20cean’s green soap , and some love to use Dr.
Is A&D ointment good for a new tattoo?
Modern Healing Advice – A&D ointment ($14)—mostly prescribed for diaper rash—tops the list of recommended tattoo aftercare topicals. A&D contains both Vitamin A and D (hence the name) to treat abrasions and minor wounds. They also keep the skin supple and naturally protect it from outside organisms.
- A&D’s one downfall is that it will not prevent infection due to its lack of antibacterial properties;
- But healthy individuals need not worry—a clean tattoo is a healthy tattoo and infection-fighting ointments are really just more of a precaution than a necessity;
Almost all artists recommend using a moisturizing lotion after letting your tattoo heal for a few days. Some actually advise using nothing but lotion from day one. But this is where it gets tricky, as different brands of moisturizers contain different ingredients, some of which can harm your new tattoo or cause a reaction.
Look at the ingredients list and stay away from lotions that contain lanolin (a natural oil that comes from sheep’s wool), if you’re allergic to wool. Steer clear of unpurified beeswax, an emulsifying agent, which may clog pores and suffocate your healing skin.
And dyes and fragrances are an all-around bad idea for putting on an open wound anyway. Key Ingredients Lanolin is an oil produced by sheep and can be found in their shorn wool. It has been classified as an emollient, which means that it traps in moisture and reduces the skin’s overall moisture loss.
A generally safe bet for tattoo aftercare lotions are botanical-based creams and salves (look for ones with healing comfrey root) found at your local health food store. Lastly, specially made tattoo aftercare products, like Tattoo Goo ($8) are popping up like weeds.
Some artists highly recommend them while some say they’re a waste of money. But these newfangled creams do more than just heal your tattoo—a few contain sunblock and pain reducers—so it’s impossible to know what to choose. Check to see if your local artist carries a preferable product before purchasing something random online.
When it comes right down to it, following the recommendations of your local studio is always best. After all, they’re the professionals. If you’re susceptible to allergic reactions, have your tattoo artist provide a few alternatives for you.
Discontinue use immediately if you experience problems with any skincare product. And don’t be stingy when it comes to buying an expensive cream. Your tattoo will last you a lifetime, especially if you take good care of it..
What is the best antibacterial ointment for tattoos?
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion.
