Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage. Replace the bandage as needed.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Aquaphor is a widely recommended tattoo aftercare treatment. It contains petrolatum, which creates a protective layer on the skin, keeping moisture in and promoting healing (2).
Some products have chemicals whose combination can break up tattoos fast. They work by reducing their color and breaking up the elements. These include: Rubbing alcohol.
Clear alcohol works the best. The liquid involved in the ink mix is sometimes called the carrier. The distilled liquor used in most homemade mixes is usually a non-toxic liquid like vodka, which will work as it's also a disinfectant. Other clear alcohols like rubbing alcohol or even tequila will work.
Keep the tattooed area out of the sun until it heals. Don't go swimming. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully.
Avoid water.
Swimming, bathing, Jacuzzis, hot tubs, the ocean. For the first two weeks after getting tattooed, avoid being submerged in water all together. And if you're reading this during the summer while your friends scamper and frolic past you on their way to the beach, take a moment of silence for yourself.
If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. Gently pat the tattoo dry after you wash it. You may cover the tattoo with a thin layer of an unscented, water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage. Replace the bandage as needed.
Using wood ashes and white liquor to make an organic tattoo ink is a cheap but sterile option. You can also use dry ink pigment with medical grade liquids to make a tattoo ink that mimics what tattoo artists use in their shops.
Fading or distortion of the tattoo: Alcohol can affect the pigment in the tattoo, causing it to fade or distort over time. This can make the tattoo look less vibrant and less attractive.
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.
Friction and rubbing from clothing or objects: Friction and rubbing from clothing or objects can also cause tattoo fading, particularly in areas where the tattoo is exposed to constant rubbing or friction. This can cause the ink pigments to break down and fade over time, resulting in a loss of vibrancy and definition.
DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection).
Here's what someone should avoid when it comes to tattoo aftercare: Soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area. Picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.
Don't use petroleum-based lotions like Vaseline or Neosporin as these can trap moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring.
Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients. Using organic ink not only reduces the risk of adverse reactions but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices within the tattoo industry.
In addition to the tattooing equipment, the ink utilized also needs to be improvised—potentially consisting of ink taken from pens, melted plastic, soot mixed with shampoo, and melted Styrofoam.
Both Paul and Shuliar recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for tattoo aftercare because it's unscented and designed to create a protective healing barrier while allowing oxygen to pass through.
Use an antiseptic (for example, 70% isopropyl alcohol) on the skin in the area to be tattooed. Antiseptics should be wiped on in a circular manner using gauze or a swab. To saturate the swab or gauze, use a pump pack or pour antiseptic from its storage container into a disposable cup.
Wet Healing Is the Way To Go
It's just as effective for tattoos as it is for injuries. If you let your tattoo dry out during the healing process, you may end up doing more harm than good. Make sure you stay on top of the aftercare process for about six weeks after your session.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.