The AAD states that petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly itself, can actually cause your tattoo ink to fade.
Bacteria on the skin can ultimately lead to a tattoo that doesn't heal correctly, resulting in a damaged tattoo. For instance, Vaseline on a tattoo can draw the ink from the lower layers of the skin before it has set. This can lead the tattoo to look faded, patchy, or distorted.
Over moisturizing your tattoo can damage it by causing ink to lift out, prolong the healing process, and cause clogged pores (which like I mentioned above, can cause damage to your tattoo when it's healing fresh like this).
After 3-4 days, you do not want to be using ANY petroleum based substances like Vaseline or ANY ointment type products. It can clog the skins pores and cause ink to fall out of your tattoo from getting waterlogged.
Natural methods like exfoliation, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide can offer gradual fading but carry risks of skin irritation and inconsistent results. For safer and more effective tattoo removal, professional treatments such as the advanced Phantom™ Laser technology are highly recommended.
How to lighten a tattoo effectively? Laser removal is by far the best way to fade a tattoo. This is the quickest, safest, and most efficient removal process, says Cooper Ferreira, a Removery technician and experienced RN. “This is a process that utilizes your immune system to remove ink in a safe way,” he emphasizes.
Does Aquaphor Cause Fading in Tattoos? There are rumors that Aquaphor makes tattoos fade, but from our experiences and many others, this just isn't true. If a tattoo is done correctly and the ink is where it needs to be, ointment should only help your tattoo heal correctly.
Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.
Rubbing aloe vera over a tattoo isn't going to do anything other than hydrate your skin.
Buff out the damage once or twice a week on fully healed tattoos. Apply BUFF to a washcloth or shower scrubber and use a circular motion to gently polish off dead skin and grunge residue. If your skin gets red, sore, or inflamed, lay off the buffing and stick to moisturizing until your skin is healed.
Use Moisturizer on Your Tattoo
Moisturized skin is more elastic and hydrated, which both help with the looks of your older tattoo.
Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.
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.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
Avoid on Fresh Burns and Deep Wounds: Do not apply petroleum jelly on fresh, severe burns or deep wounds. It can trap heat and bacteria, hindering the healing process. Not for Acne-Prone Skin: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid using it on your face as it can exacerbate acne by clogging pores.
What is the Difference Between White and Yellow Vaseline? White petroleum jelly or white Vaseline is more refined and purer, making it suitable for cosmetic and medical uses, while yellow Vaseline, being less refined, is typically used for industrial purposes.
Conclusion: 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.
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.
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.
Exfoliating your tattoo can help it appear brighter and clearer. It's fairly easy to exfoliate the dead cells away.
The most commonly used neutralizing color is a deep orange to cancel out the blue and blue-green shades of common tattoo inks. For tattoos with dark black ink, you should use a deep red neutralizer.
Overall, the best way to lighten a tattoo is by using a white base layer and applying a lighter color layer. However, you may also do it by applying darker colors and a white layer.