Can over-moisturizing tattoos cause fading?

Author: Prof. Eldred Balistreri Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Over-moisturizing can also cause the ink to blur and fade. When there is too much moisture in the skin, it can cause the ink to spread and blur the lines of the tattoo. Over-moisturizing can also cause the colors to fade or become dull, which can compromise the quality of the tattoo.

Does moisturizing a tattoo make it fade?

We too were surprised to learn that certain moisturizer formulas can actually have a negative effect on your tattoo. The AAD states that petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly itself, can actually cause your tattoo ink to fade.

What happens if I moisturize my tattoo too much?

It's generally recommended to moisturize a new tattoo 2-3 times a day. Over-moisturizing can potentially lead to clogged pores, delayed healing, or increase the risk of infection. The flaking is apart of the natural healing process.

What happens if a tattoo gets too dry?

If a tattoo gets too dry, several issues can arise: Fading: A tattoo that is not properly moisturized may fade more quickly. The skin needs moisture to maintain the vibrancy of the ink. Itching and Irritation: Dry skin can become itchy and irritated, which may lead to scratching.

Why did my tattoo fade so much?

Over time, cells from your immune system – called macrophages - gradually absorb the tattoo ink and disperse it, which can lead to some tattoo fading. On top of this, factors such as sunlight, friction and improper care of your tattoos can all accelerate the process of aging your skin and/or fading your tattoos.

The Risks of Over-Moisturizing Your Tattoo

Why is my new tattoo losing color?

Exposure to Sunlight and UV Rays

This process is similar to how colored fabrics fade when left out in the sun; UV rays break down the chemical bonds in the ink, causing the colors to deteriorate and lose their vibrancy.

What does an over-moisturized tattoo look like?

Your skin looks or feels irritated.

Over-moisturizing with oil-based lotions can lead to clogged pores. If you notice clogged pores around your tattoo, there's a chance you've applied too much lotion.

When can I stop moisturizing my tattoo?

You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used!

What does a too dry tattoo look like?

Tattoo cracking is when your whole tattoo gets dry, and the top layer begins to crack. It can look like the parched ground in the desert heat, the pattern of a turtle shell, or alligator skin.

What happens if you use too much moisturizer?

In the event of over-moisturising your skin for a period of time, you could notice your skin becoming bumpy, clogged pores, breakouts, and even dry spots.

What happens if I put too much Aquaphor on my tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

What happens if tattoo is too moisturized?

What's The Problem with Over-Moisturising Tattoos? Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

How to avoid tattoo fading?

The Right Aftercare Routine to Help Prevent Tattoo Fading
  1. Gently Cleanse Daily. Good hygiene is the most important part of any tattoo aftercare routine and it is vital even long after your tattoo has healed. ...
  2. Use SPF Sun Protection. The sun can be harsh on your tattoos and can quickly cause a tattoo to fade. ...
  3. Stay Hydrated.

How to fix over moisturized skin?

How to fix skin overhydration
  1. Stop using overhydrating products. The first step is to cut out products you feel are causing overhydration. ...
  2. Slowly re-introduce your skincare products. ...
  3. Keep your skincare routine simple. ...
  4. Go easy on the moisturiser. ...
  5. Give it time.

How much is too much lotion on a new tattoo?

Use just enough lotion that it spreads evenly over the area without any excess. Too much lotion can lead to irritation or clogged pores. Even if you use the best body lotion available, don't be surprised if the tattoo still feels itchy or slightly “stings” after you apply the lotion.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Should I let my tattoo dry out or keep it moisturized?

"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."

What causes a tattoo blowout?

One of the most common reasons for tattoo blowouts is the incorrect depth of needle penetration. The skin has three main layers: Epidermis: The top layer, where ink will fade quickly if deposited here. Dermis: The middle layer, ideal for holding the ink.

Why is my tattoo raised and wrinkly?

THIS IS A FINE LAYER OF SCAR TISSUE ALTHOUGH YOUR TATTOO IS HEALED ON THE SURFACE, YOUR BODY IS STILL WORKING TO BRING YOUR SKIN BACK TO NORMAL. THIS WRINKLY LAYER WILL DISAPPEAR OVER TIME. WHEN FIRST HEALED, THE FINE SCAR TISSUE OVER THE TATTOO IS VERY DELICATE AND EASY TO DAMAGE.

Why does my tattoo look smudged while healing?

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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