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When can I stop moisturizing my tattoo
The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again. By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3 to 4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.
What should you not put on a new tattoo?
Do you still wash your tattoo when it’s peeling?
It can be alarming to see your new tattoo peeling, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal, and you should care for it as usual! Peeling tends to start on day 3 or 4. It’s the top layer of the skin which peels, not the deep layers where the ink has been deposited, so any ink that comes off with peeling skin is not going to affect the brightness and intensity of your tattoo.
Will lotion ruin a tattoo
How Much Moisturizer Does Your Tattoo Need? – Now, this is where many people go wrong and apply far too much moisturizer to their tattoos. In order for the tattoo to heal, it needs to be able to breathe. It can’t do this if it’s coated in a thick layer of moisturizer at all times.
- The skin only needs a thin layer of lotion or ointment for the tattoo to heal properly;
- Once you’ve cleaned the area, you need to let it dry;
- Don’t put moisturizer on your tattoo when it’s still wet, or this will cause damage to the area;
Once dry, you need to apply a thin layer of your dermatologically tested, fragrance-free lotion or ointment. If you add too little, you can always add more. If you add too much, it will be difficult and could be painful to remove. Your tattoo artist will be able to advise just how much is the right amount of moisturizer to use on your tattoo to give it the ideal healing conditions.
How often should you wash tattoo?
Once you leave the shop, the artist is no longer responsible for the tattoo. Informed aftercare starts from the minute you leave the shop, and this involves washing the area diligently. Treating your new tattoo with appropriate attention and responsibility can make the difference between a well-healed, crisp, long-lasting piece of art and an uneven, distorted shadow of the tattoo you envisioned. Here’s how often you should wash your new tattoo:
- For the first time, within 5–24 hours of getting it
- At least daily until it’s completely healed – ideally twice-daily
- Each time your tattoo becomes contaminated with dirt or bacteria
What happens if you take a bath with a week old tattoo?
I don’t have a tattoo—yet. But I was wondering, if I get one, will I have to give up my nightly bath ritual? Here’s what I found out: You cannot submerge a tattoo in water for 2-4 weeks while the open wound heals. Bathing, swimming, or using a hot tub soon after getting a tattoo can lead to a bacterial infection that can ruin the tattoo and make you sick.
How long should 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Should my tattoo burn when I put lotion on it?
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- The bandage must be left covering the tattooed area for no less then 12 hours and not more than 24 hours after the “finished” of the tattooing process. Do not remove this bandage before the time given to avoid possible contamination causing infection.
- After the removal of the bandage, the tattooed area is to be washed gently with clean hands, using a mild non-perfumed or anti-bacterial soap. Rinse with warm water, then gently pat dry, using a clean towel or a disposable towel. Leave your tattoo to dry for the first 24 hours without applying any aftercare lotion. Start using your aftercare lotion the following day.
- Apply a thin coat of lotion. We recommend Perfect CBD Tattoo Aftercare , Tattoo Goo lotion, H2Ocean skin cream or Lubriderm Unscented. Gently massage a small amount of one of these products into the tattooed area. This procedure should be repeated approximately 3 or 4 times a day for the next 2 weeks, with the exception of Perfect CBD Tattoo Aftercare which is used only 1 time a day for 2 weeks.
The use of Polysporin, Vaseline, Vitamine E ointment or any other produces is not recommended due to the negative effects they have on the healing of your tattoo. Discontinue the use of your aftercare product if you are experiencing a burning sensation that lasts 60 seconds or longer.
Burning sensation can be a sign of a mild allergic reaction that can cause damages to your tattoo. Contact your tattooist for a suggestion of another healing cream. However it is common to experience slight burning of your tattoo os skin if your tattoo session lasted 1 hour or longer.
- It is important that you apply only a thin layer of your aftercare product on your tattoo. Leaving a thick layer of any product on your tattoo will cause scabbing and damage to your tattoo. Improper care of your tattoo can leave your tattoo dull and spotty.
- If your tattoo session lasted 1 hour or longer you might be experiencing some soreness or redness around your tattoo. This normally lasts approximately 3-4 days. If you have any redness or any other discomfort after the forth day, your tattoo may be getting irritated from your clothing or anything touching it or rubbing on it including blankets, sheets, watches, necklaces, socks, pants, etc.
- The tattooed area, while healing, should always be kept clean. Exposure to dirt, dust, and other contaminants should be avoided. Oral and body fluid exposure, such as sweat, should be avoided until the healing process is completed.
- The tattooed area must also stay dry during the healing process. The use of water on the tattooed area must be avoided for 2 weeks to insure the area does not scab during healing. Scabbing causes damages to your tattoo by pulling the pigment out of your tattoo too early, leaving whitish spots in your design.
- Within approximately a weeks time the tattooed area will peel slightly, appearing much like a sunburn. Seeing flakes of colour from the tattoo is normal, don’t let it worry you. However if your tattoo starts to scab contact your tattooist so they can help you figure out the cause of your scabbing. Scabbing is a sign of irritation which may happen for a various reasons.
- In this case the burning will be normal subsde after 20-40 seconds after the application of your lotion;
- DO NOT PICK at the tattooed area, do not scratch or bump the tattoo during your healing time to avoid damages to your tattoo;
Also loose, clean, soft clothing should be worn to avoid irritation to the tattooed area.
- UV exposure (sun, tanning beds, etc. ) must be avoided during the healing process (2 weeks). The use of a sun/UV block is recommended after the completion of the healing process to avoid damages to the skin area that has been tattooed
- Due to different skin types, touch-ups may be needed. There is a $30 (before tax) set-up charge for all touch-ups within 4 months of original tattoo session. After 4 months, all touch-ups will be charged at the regular hourly rate due to elements beyond our control, such as skin types, sun tanning, stretch marks, etc.
REMEMBER: After care of your tattoo is one of the most important steps in having a great tattoo –>.
Do I put lotion on my peeling tattoo
Should I put cream on my tattoo when it’s peeling? – This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. During the first two-ish days, you’re gonna want to avoid lotions , but once you start to feel some tightening, drying, and peeling a couple of days after application, that’s when you’ll want to start using light layers of lotion after washing it.
- But—and this is important—don’t reach for just any old lotion;
- Roman says you want to stick with a tattoo lotion , like the Skin Dip Beauty Thirst Trap CBD Tattoo Balm , which uses CBD to also help with the inflammation, or a fragrance-free formula to avoid irritation;
If you follow all of this advice to a T, keep it clean and moisturized with light layers of moisturizer, then you might even avoid itching, peeling, or scabbing entirely.
What is the best lotion 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
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
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.
Can I use Bath and Body Works lotion on my tattoo?
Signs of Tattoo Healing Problems – If you follow your artist’s recommendations for tattoo aftercare and keep your tattoo clean, you shouldn’t experience any adverse reactions and your tattoo should heal nicely. But it’s important to watch for any signs of infection in your new tattoo. Signs of a potential tattoo infection include:
- Red, bumpy rash surrounding your tattoo
- Visible pus coming from the tattoo
- Swelling that won’t subside
- Very warm and inflamed area
- Fever
- Chills
If you experience any of these symptoms, and they do not disappear after a few days, call your doctor to get the tattoo checked. If you start to develop a high fever, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, see a doctor immediately as these signs can signify a more serious health problem. “If a client is worried, they should definitely see a doctor immediately,” says Caldwell. “Not all infections come from the tattoo process itself, but can come from poor aftercare procedures as well.