To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
Petroleum jelly is very thick and will completely suffocate the tattoo. Aquaphor is only 49% or so petroleum jelly so it can be used with success, but in VERY light layers. Straight petroleum jelly (Vaseline) hasn't been recommended in years for this exact reason.
Tattoo artists use Vaseline during the tattooing process for several reasons: Moisture Barrier: Vaseline acts as a barrier to keep the skin moisturized. This helps prevent the skin from drying out, which can make the tattooing process smoother.
For at least a month after getting a tattoo, it's important to use a moisturizing lotion. "It helps the tattoo settle into your skin and look like it's a part of you," Nomy says. "Look for a lotion that's unscented, like Lubriderm." Formulated with vitamin B5, it's made to improve your skin's moisture barrier, too.
It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.
A top pick of Jackson, Aquaphor's light ointment is ideal for reducing any itchiness, avoiding any scabbing, and keeping the tattoo moisturized. “I only recommend a light ointment, such as Aquaphor, after a couple of weeks of healing if the tattoo is scabbed up or shiny,” Jackson says.
You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.
Use a mild, yet effective exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the area where you want to get tattooed once or twice a week before your appointment. This will help create a smooth surface for the ink and prevent clogging of the pores.
The Final Takeaway. Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
While Vaseline and Aquaphor are commonly used for tattoo aftercare, they may not be the best choice for the healing process of your tattoo. Their occlusive nature can lead to clogged pores and hinder oxygenation, which can slow down healing and potentially lead to complications.
Yes, you can use both ointments on your face, and both are often used in slugging. Because it's 100% petroleum jelly, Vaseline is more effective at reducing water loss from the skin. However, it's thicker and greasier than Aquaphor, so some people may prefer to use Aquaphor.
The majority of tattoo artists and enthusiasts do not ever recommend petroleum-based products, and instead choose natural lubricants like Pro Tattoo Glide, which is safer and supports the healing process.
Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, 3.5 Oz
It has a very similar feel to Aquaphor or Vaseline, and it works just as well as those products. It has almost no smell. It's basically just castor oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and tocopherol (vitamin E).
Others will tell you that antibacterial ointment is a major "no-no." And the old-school artists advise against using any ointments or lotions at all, saying they may be vehicles for bacteria and can cause infection and scabbing.
This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.
Basic Lubrication: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a lubricant during tattoo sessions. It provides a basic level of lubrication, allowing the tattoo needle to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing friction.
Realistically, I run with a two or three point stretch. and this works for me on most of the easier areas on the body. If you don't stretch the skin enough, the needle will bounce off the surface of the skin. rather than penetrating the skin, and then you'll be left with a line that's just undersaturated.
Use MD Wipe Outz premium DRY tattoo towels during and after tattoo sessions as a superior replacement for paper towels. Wipe Outz towels are superior to basic paper towels because they produce no lint or frustrating needle clogs. Their softness leads to less irritated skin and better healed tattoos.
Vaseline is also made from petroleum jelly, which means it's also not a suitable alternative for a healthy tattoo aftercare routine. Just like Aquaphor, it traps moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and scarring.
As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.