How long does it take for the Tattoo to heal? If the tattoo is taken good care of the tattoo is healed after 4-7 days. It takes 2-3 weeks for the skin to feel normal and for the ink to settle completely 1 to 2 months.
Look for a mild, gentle moisturizer or ointment. Your tattoo artist may have a brand that they recommend you use, but overall, look for one that's fragrance-free and dye-free to avoid irritating your skin. After about three weeks, you'll notice the scabs healing and a reduction in flakiness.
Petroleum jelly can be beneficial for tattoo care, especially during the healing process, but it's important to use it correctly. While it can help keep the tattoo moisturized and protect it from drying out, using too much or applying it for an extended period can potentially lead to issues.
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.
Benefits of Dry Healing
Natural Healing Process Dry healing allows the body to use its natural healing mechanisms, which can result in a more vibrant and detailed tattoo. Simplified Routine Without the need for multiple applications of ointments or creams, the aftercare routine becomes simpler and less time-consuming.
Colored tattoos take longer to heal, often 1-2 weeks longer than most. As an example, a black & gray chest tattoo normally heals in 3-4 weeks but a colored version of the same design will take 5-6 weeks.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain following a tattooing procedure. However, it is unclear if acetaminophen can effectively prevent pain from tattooing procedures. Instead, some tattoo artists recommend topical skin-numbing products.
Sun Exposure: The Natural Fader. One common natural method is sun exposure. UV rays can help fade a tattoo over time by breaking down the ink pigments, allowing the body's immune system to clear them away.
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.
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.
Apply a layer of moisturizing antibiotic ointment, but don't put on another bandage. Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry.
Depending on the location of the tattoo, keeping it exposed to as much fresh air as possible is best. However, if you do cover it, wear loose-fitting clothing that won't rub or constrict your skin. Avoid anything tight around the tattooed area.
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).
The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues. A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed.
Tattoo should not look “soggy”. DO NOT use products containing Aloe Vera, Alcohol or Cortisone.
Eucerin Aquaphor Repairing Ointment should only be used on re-epithelialized skin (i.e. once new tissue has formed) and not on open, wet or bleeding wounds. Ask your Dermatologist for advice on how long you should wait after treatment before using the product.
Slugging is basically the process of slathering your face (or, in some cases, your nails) with petroleum jelly overnight. Social media skin care gurus claim it has given them a gorgeous glow. So, how does it work? “Petroleum jelly is a simple and very occlusive ointment,” Dr. Kassouf says.
In terms of feel, Vaseline is a bit heavier and greasier, whereas Aquaphor is a bit lighter and easier to spread. Dermatologists say deciding which one to use often comes down to personal preference. One thing to keep in mind is that you'll want to use caution with these products if your skin is prone to breakouts.