Can you use Tattoo Goo on old tattoos?

Author: Miss Idella Ratke  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Many customers have reported that their healing times have been cut in half when using Tattoo Goo original balm on their tattoos. The expertly created formula improves the appearance on old and new tattoos, helping to restore the brightness and vibrancy of your ink.

Can you freshen up old tattoos?

A tattoo touch up, sometimes called a freshen up, will essentially redo the tattoo by going over existing black line work that's faded to shade of grey and re-coloring the tattoo. Touch up tattoos work best when designs are simple and less saturated without full coverage.

How soon after a tattoo can you use Tattoo Goo?

You should use Tattoo Goo Tattoo Balm on your tattoo for at least the first two weeks after getting the tattoo. During this time, apply the balm 2-3 times a day or as needed to keep the tattoo moisturized and promote healing.

How do you moisturize old tattoos?

Moisturize Your Tattooed Skin

Consider moisturizing your skin every day with a daily lotion or balm. Ideally, a lotion that is petroleum-free and lanolin-free as those ingredients can fade color quicker.

Is Tattoo Goo just Vaseline?

Tattoo Goo -- This is probably a bit of a con because its really similar to Vaseline or any other moisturizing jelly, but it contains olive oil, wheat germ oil, cocoa butter, lavender oil, beeswax etc -- all great natural ingredients to help repair and moisturize the skin.

Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

Why not to use petroleum jelly on tattoos?

Because your tattoo is essentially an open wound, it needs dryness and air in order to heal the way a wound would. Besides that, it might also trap bacteria and germs in, causing tattoo infections and the nasty signs that come along with it like swelling and pus.

What do tattoo artists put on skin after a tattoo?

A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help protect your tattoo as it starts healing. You may be given petroleum jelly, or ointments that contain the emollient petrolatum, when your artist finishes the tattoo.

Why does my old tattoo feel raised and itchy?

If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy. These symptoms can crop up in the days after you first get your tattoo or can appear months or years later. You can most likely treat the area with a steroid ointment.

What lotions not to use on tattoos?

Seven Skincare Products to Avoid
  • Aquaphor.
  • A+D Ointment.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Vaseline.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Neosporin.
  • Lubriderm.

What can I use instead of Tattoo Goo?

Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturiser for tattooed skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated and promotes healing.

What is the best soap for tattoos?

Using Castile Soap for Tattoo Aftercare

No need for alarm as this is quite normal. What you're seeing is in fact excess fluid (plasma) and ink from the tattoo process. Using Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step!

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

How to fix dried out tattoo ink?

If your ink begins to dry out in the cap, refresh your ink with a drop or two. Looking for smoother transitions and washes? Add more drops to your cap as you dip to dilute the opacity of your pigment. Keep It Wet will NOT change the color, only dilute and thin the pigment.

Does petroleum jelly fade old tattoos?

The AAD states that petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly itself, can actually cause your tattoo ink to fade.

Why is my 10 year old tattoo raised?

Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue

If your old tattoo still occasionally feels raised and swollen, this could be due to scarring.

What is sarcoidosis on a tattoo?

Tattoo-associated sarcoidosis with severe uveitis is a condition where inflammation is usually restricted to the tattooed area and the uveal region but lung involvement, including lung nodule and lymphadenopathy, is also reported. This sarcoidosis phenomenon was first published in 1969 with three case reports.

Will hydrocortisone cream fade tattoos?

New and older tattoos are equally prone to skin damage, skin infection, and itchy, scaly skin. To get relief from itching on a tattoo, you can use Hydrocortisone cream and apply it over the itchy surface in small amounts. The application of Hydrocortisone cream does not damage the tattoo.

What ointment is good 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. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.

What happens if you overmoisturize a tattoo?

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.

What is poor tattoo aftercare?

Bad tattoo aftercare often leads to infection, so listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. See a doctor immediately if you develop any of the following uncomfortable symptoms: Excessive redness, bumps, or rash.

Why do tattoo artist put Vaseline on before tattooing?

Why Use Vaseline Before Tattooing? 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.

Is CeraVe good for tattoos?

RK, tattoo artist at Brooklyn studio Atelier Eva, says: “I always recommend a white, unscented dry skin cream like CeraVe because it's simple and reliable.” Instead of coming out of a pump, this lotion is a thick, scoopable cream that's easier to apply precisely, with ingredients that support hydration and recovery ( ...

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