Does over moisturizing a tattoo cause blowout?

Author: Anabelle Raynor DDS  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

Applying too much moisturizer restricts the skin's ability to breath, thus causing the pores to clog and can lead to consequent break outs. To avoid these symptoms, follow the aftercare instructions of your tattoo artist and apply the best tattoo aftercare moisturizer: your trusty Ink Nurse cream.

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.

Can aftercare cause tattoo blowout?

Blow outs (if that is what it is) are caused by ink being placed too deeply in layers of skin, and a matter of technique. Ditch healing, while a pain in the ass and prone to nasty scabbing and rough healing, doesn't cause blow outs. They can't spontaneously happen after the tattooer is finished.

What causes tattoo ink blowout?

Blowouts happen when ink is injected too deeply into the skin. When the ink hits the fat layer of the skin, it spreads and creates a blurry look outside of the line drawn. To my knowledge this often is visible the day of, but it can appear during the healing process if you aren't careful while it heals.

When should you stop moisturizing your tattoo?

After the tattoo has healed, it is usually suggested to moisturise for 2 weeks to one month. In most cases, ointments are best used in the early phases of the healing process (2 first weeks). Ointments are high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. For the rest of the healing process, a lotion is ideal.

The Risks of Over-Moisturizing Your Tattoo

How to tell if a new tattoo is too dry?

If you aren't sure whether or not the tattoo is dry, remove the bandage and gently pull at your skin. Your skin will still be sensitive, but you should feel a slight sensation of tightness. Some people describe it as parched skin that feels like it is on the verge of slightly cracking.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a 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.

Why is my tattoo ink puffing up?

It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health. Many people notice the swelling happens during the summertime, when weather is warmer and humidity higher.

How to stop a tattoo blowout?

What should I do if I have tattoo blowout?
  1. Don't panic. ...
  2. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturised. ...
  3. Avoid picking at the tattoo. ...
  4. If you feel comfortable, you can speak to your tattoo artist. ...
  5. Try a tattoo blowout cover up. ...
  6. If you want it gone, try tattoo removal.

What skin is prone to tattoo blowout?

Delicate Skin Areas

Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin. Aging skin as well as clients with skin trauma/more delicate skin, can also increase the risk of a blowout.

How long does a blowout take to appear?

As the hypodermis layer is made of fat tissue, the ink spreads out easier, creating those unwanted blurred lines in your design. Tattoo blowouts tend to appear a few days after the tattooing session as the ink seeps through the wound, becoming fully noticeable in a matter of weeks.

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 you wet your tattoo too much?

Worse, soaking your tattoo can cause infection, flaking, itching, and scabbing, so don't soak your tattoo. After waiting a month for healing, you can soak your new tattoo in a bath or swimming pool without causing the ink to fade.

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.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Why is my 10 year old tattoo raised?

Sometimes older, healed tattoos become raised but don't itch — as Dr. Gohara tells me, that can be caused by a delayed reaction to ink as well (or, sometimes, scarring).

Why do tattoos blowout?

“[Blowout] could mean a tattoo artist applied a tattoo too deeply into the skin, [wasn't] being attentive enough, or [didn't ink it] at the recommended angle,” says Nesheva. “If applied too deeply into the skin, a tattoo is able to get to the layer of fat, which basically is the reason for such tattoo blowout.”

Do tattoo blowouts fix themselves?

In some cases, a tattoo blowout may resolve itself as the tattoo heals. But if, after your new tattoo healing, it is still looking funky, you may need to have it removed by a specialist. It's often the best way to get rid of a tattoo blowout.

Where do tattoos blowout the most?

Top of Hand - The tougher skin in this area tends to push ink out, is prone to blowouts and is difficult to heal. Back - This area typically has stretchy skin with multiple curves, including the boney spine. Ribs - Much slower to tattoo typically, the ribs have stretchy skin and are prone to blowouts.

What does a minor tattoo blowout look like?

A blowout is usually described as “fuzzy” or “blurry.” It might even look like there's a puddle of ink in the wrong place, or that the tattoo is “bleeding” into the skin around a new tattoo. It will show up when an artist tattoos lines too deep in the skin during the tattooing process.

What happens if you moisturize your tattoo too soon?

While you do want to apply lotion to avoid allowing the tattoo to dry out, a tattoo exposed to too much moisture can lead to bacteria or germ growth or lead the skin to get inflamed or even infected. On the other hand, under-moisturizing a tattoo can leave it dehydrated, so it scabs and itches.

When should you 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.

How do I know if my tattoo is too dry?

If your tattoo is looking dull or dry, that's a clear indication that it could benefit from a bit of moisture.

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