What To Put On Your Tattoo?

What To Put On Your 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.

  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).

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 is the best cream to put on a new tattoo?

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Byrdie / Chloe Jeong Tattoos deserve to be shown off, but before you can flash your new ink around, you have to diligently care for your tat to ensure proper healing.

One of the most important steps in the aftercare process is choosing a lotion that will keep your fresh design moisturized, free of infection, and without irritation, according to tattoo artists. Because a tattoo is technically a wound, tattoo lotions are incredibly important to not only keeping your ink looking good but to aiding in the healing process as well.

Finding your perfect lotion isn’t as easy as it sounds, however, and it’s not as easy as asking for help; everyone has their own favorite products. “I think what lotion you use depends a lot on climate and skin type. Also how much you apply is important too,” says Olive, the tattoo artist behind Oregon-based Damn Zippy.

“I prefer not to rep a certain brand because everyone is different and I want my clients to use what works for them, which might not necessarily be what works for me. ” Though it can be hard to choose from the array of lotions available, go in knowing what you want (vegan? water-based? budget or splurge?) and what will work best for your skin and new tattoo.

“I generally recommend that the person uses whatever they find most comfortable,” says hand-poke artist Harper of Melbourne’s Pocaharper. “After all, they have to wear it on their skin every day. ” Read on for the best tattoo lotions available now. Ulta What We Like

  • Super hydrating
  • Seals moisture into skin
  • Helps keep tattoo looking vibrant

What We Don’t Like

  • Not Byrdie Clean

Who else recommends it? Cosmopolitan, NBC News, and Verywell Health all picked Aquaphor Healing Ointment. What do buyers say? 88% of 59,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars. Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment is of the most widely used tattoo aftercare treatments, and you’ll find a lot of artists quick to recommend the old stand-by. Because the petrolatum-powered formula has occlusive properties, it creates a semi-permeable layer on top of the skin which allows moisture to be kept in and everything else to be kept out. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No What We Like

  • Calms and soothes skin
  • Not greasy
  • Can help with itching
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What We Don’t Like

  • Not Byrdie Clean

Aveeno may be a name you are used to hearing, and there’s a reason for that: It works. All of Aveeno’s products feature colloidal oatmeal , which moisturizes and calms inflammation while creating a protective barrier on top of your skin, meaning it’s great for both soothing and protecting your healing ink. This lotion is also free of parabens and fragrance, so it won’t irritate a fresh tattoo.

By holding in the skin’s natural moisture, it helps keep your tattoo fresh and promotes healing. Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: All | Size: 14 fl. Plus, it comes with a super affordable price tag, making it a must after any and every tattoo.

Active Ingredients: Dimethicone | Skin Type: All | Size: 18 fl. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No What Our Testers Say “Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion will give you soft, silky, properly hydrated limbs. ” — Emily Algar , Product Tester What We Like

  • Byrdie Clean and cruelty-free
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

  • Strong scent

Although Billy Jealousy’s Tattoo Lotion is a bit on the pricier side, it’s packed with skin-soothing elements like shea butter, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, green tea leaf extract, and more. One thing to note is that this lotion does feature lavender and rosemary oils for fragrance, and most artists will tell you to stay away from lotions with fragrances. However, Billy Jealousy’s fragrance comes from essential oils, so it gets an okay from me! This lotion will keep your tattoos looking fresh and clean. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like

  • Made with clean, natural ingredients
  • Smells great
  • Hydrates

What We Don’t Like

  • Small bottle

Another option that Harper suggests is Hustle Butter , a vegan alternative to traditional tattoo lotions. “It is all-natural and great for the skin, although not as accessible or cheap as the other two options,” says Harper. The product smells amazing and comes in a variety of sizes for everything from small line art to the heavy blackwork. Hustle Butter moisturizes and seals the ink to keep it looking new and feeling soft even after it’s healed. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes Courtesy of Amazon What We Like

  • Unscented
  • Contains vitamin E
  • Hydrating formula

What We Don’t Like

  • Small bottle

The last thing you want to apply to a fresh tat is something harsh, and this aftercare cream from Stories & Ink is extra gentle. Not only is it fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic, but it contains a soothing, fatty acid-rich blend of panthenol, bisabolol, and vitamin E meant to help calm inflammation and deeply moisturize the skin. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s also vegan and cruelty-free. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes Courtesy of Amazon What We Like

  • Cooling feel
  • Contains vitamin C
  • Helps with itching

What We Don’t Like

  • Can dry a little sticky

If you’ve been tattooed before, then you know that your skin doesn’t necessarily feel the greatest post-tattoo session. That’s why you’ll love this soothing, cooling gel from Mad Rabbit to gently calm and heal your freshly inked (err, punctured) skin. It contains aloe vera, a known skin soother that’s rich in antioxidants and stimulates cell regeneration, as well as reparative vitamin C and argan oil.

  • Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, glycerin, olive oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 fl;
  • Active Ingredients: Shea, mango, and aloe butters | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 fl;
  • Active Ingredients: Glycerin, hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fl;

Active Ingredients: Shea and cocoa butters | Skin Type: All | Size: 3. 4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like

  • Unscented
  • Moisturizing
  • Eco-friendly packaging

What We Don’t Like

  • Small bottle

H2Ocean Aquatat is a water-based and petroleum-free lotion that promises to create a protective skin barrier that is perfect for all skin types, including sensitive. It’s fragrance-free and anti-inflammatory, and reviews say it helps accelerate your ink’s healing period. Aquatat won’t stick to your skin, but it will leave your tat looking almost as pretty as new. Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: All | Size: 1. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like

  • Won’t clog pores
  • Helps relieve chapped, dry skin
  • No petroleum

What We Don’t Like

  • Small bottle

Having been on the market for ten years, Tattoo Goo lotion is another well-known aftercare product recommended by many artists. Rich in Panthenol (Vitamin B5), it promises to keep your ink moisturized, prevent scabbing, and speed up healing—all without clogging up your pores. Also nice? Tattoo Goo is also meant to help make colors more vivid and is dermatologist tested for your assurance. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like

  • No petroleum
  • Hydrating formula
  • Helps enhance tattoo vibrance

What We Don’t Like

  • Contains alcohol

After Inked is enriched with grape seed oil to provide an extremely moisturizing effect on your new tats. It’s a daily skin product that won’t stick to your clothes and that will naturally help your ink—both new and old—look healthier and better than ever. If you’re looking for a natural aftercare product, After Inked is non-petroleum based, paraben-free, fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, so you can be certain it fits your needs and still works wonders on your tattoos. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes What We Like

  • Contains pure coconut oil
  • Multipurpose product
  • Inexpensive per ounce

What We Don’t Like

  • No other special ingredients added

If you want to be certain your lotion choice is completely all-natural, consider reaching for pure coconut oil. Although it has a seemingly infinite number of uses, it’s also the perfect product for tattoo aftercare due to its reputation for treating wounds and other skin irritants. If you decide to go with coconut oil, make sure you use a clean utensil (or wear gloves) when applying to avoid exposing your ink to any potentially harmful bacteria. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes Courtesy of People of Substance What We Like

  • Convenient for travel
  • No synthetic fragrance
  • A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

  • Could be more hydrating

This convenient tattoo healing stick is great for healing fresh tattoos and preserving your older ones. Packed with nutrient-rich grape seed, sweet almond, and argan oils, the ultra lightweight formula promises to help soothe and heal the skin while enhancing your tattoo’s lines and color. Pop it in your bag to apply it on the go, just make sure you clean any healing tattoos first.

75 fl. Active Ingredients: Olive oil, cocoa butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 0. 75 fl. Active Ingredients: Grape seed oil, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 fl. Active Ingredients: Coconut oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 15 fl.

Active Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, grape seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 0. 5 fl. oz | SPF: None | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes Courtesy of Amazon What We Like

  • Super hydrating
  • Short, simple ingredient list
  • No petroleum
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What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive for a small bottle

Consider this healing balm the ultimate multitasker. It can be used to heal and soothe dry skin and lips, eczema rashes, and burns and scrapes, and also makes a great quick fix for taming flyaways and unruly eyebrows. It’s also especially nice for healing a fresh tat. The simple formula contains only castor oil and glycerin meant to help draw moisture to the skin while repairing damage, and doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers or fragrance.

What should you not put on a tattoo?

Can you put Vaseline on a 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 do you do first 24 hours after a tattoo?

How long do tattoos take 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.

How do you moisturize a tattoo?

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.

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.

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.

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.
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​​ 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..

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.

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 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.

  1. Honestly, it doesn’t matter, because they both work perfectly fine;
  2. I have used both, but Aquaphor is definitely my first choice;
  3. It spreads on easier and it doesn’t clog the pores as much;
  4. 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.

  1.   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;
  2. 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.