How long do you have to put ad ointment on a tattoo?

Author: Miss Wilhelmine Johnson MD  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Always with clean hands: Use the A&D ointment 2-3 times each day, for 2-3 days. Keep the tattoo clean and soft. 7. After 2-3 days, switch to using a non-scented, non-irritating lotion numerous times a day until it's healed.

When should I stop using A&D on my tattoo?

  • After using ointment for a new tattoo, you should wait until your tattoo has completely healed before switching to lotion.
  • It is important to note that during the first 2-3 days of tattoo aftercare, it is recommended to apply a fragrance-free ointment, such as A&D ointment, to the tattooed area twice daily

How long should you put ointment on a tattoo?

After getting a new tattoo, it's generally recommended to leave the ointment (such as a healing ointment or tattoo-specific cream) on for about 3 to 5 days. During this initial period, apply a thin layer of ointment 2 to 3 times a day, or as directed by your tattoo artist.

How long does A&D ointment take to work?

This medication should start working within 12 hours.

When can I stop putting Aquaphor on my tattoo?

You should really only use it for the first 3 days, and then dry heal, and only apply lotion once after several days to remove excess dead skin. When you keep your tattoo totally hydrated (after the initial healing process) it just prolongs the inevitable process of your body forcing out the rejected ink and skin.

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

When should I stop moisturizing my tattoo?

Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).

Does Aquaphor pull ink?

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.

Can you put too much A&D ointment on a tattoo?

Reapply Sparingly: In the first few days, apply A&D ointment 2-3 times daily. As the tattoo begins to heal, reduce applications to prevent over-moisturizing. Watch for Irritation: If the skin around the tattoo feels itchy, swollen, or breaks out, stop using A&D and consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist.

How do you take care of a tattoo in the first 48 hours?

A fresh tattoo is effectively a wound, so it's important to keep it clean in order to avoid infection. “It will need to be cleaned regularly, particularly in the first 24-48 hours”. You can get them wet, but 'they shouldn't be submerged or soaked', for instance, in the bath or swimming.

Is it OK to not put ointment on a new tattoo?

Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

Should I sleep with cling film on my tattoo?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

How long do you have to keep ointment on a tattoo?

Apply the ointment once or twice a day for the first 3 to 4 days, especially if the tattoo feel dry or “tight”. Keeping a light protective layer of moisture will ensure the least amount of scabbing and peeling, thereby reducing any color fade.

What does A&D do to tattoos?

Helps Tattooed Skin Feel Comfortable

The ointment is free from unpleasant residues and provides breathable, soothing hydration for your tattooed skin, allowing it to feel comfortable.

When should I stop using A&D ointment on my tattoo?

Always with clean hands: Use the A&D ointment 2-3 times each day, for 2-3 days. Keep the tattoo clean and soft. 7. After 2-3 days, switch to using a non-scented, non-irritating lotion numerous times a day until it's healed.

How long to keep a tattoo covered?

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.

How do I know if I'm putting too much ointment on my tattoo?

Signs of over moisturized tattoo

Another key sign of over moisturizing is clogged skin. Applying too much moisturizer restricts the skin's ability to breath, thus causing the pores to clog and can lead to consequent break outs.

Is A&D or Aquaphor better for tattoos?

Currently Aquaphor is the only suggested ointment in my opinion. Unlike A&D or other OTC ointments, it has the least petroleum so it soaks in faster, clogs the pores the least, has no scents or alcohols added, and keeps your tattoo from drying out too fast.

How long do tattoos take to heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

What pulls ink out of a fresh tattoo?

Laser Removal

Laser tattoo removal machines target ink molecules in the dermis. The powerful beams blast ink into tiny particles your body can naturally flush out as waste. This tattoo removal procedure is the most effective and has the fewest complications. As a result, 95% of tattoos qualify for laser removal.

Why don t tattoo artists recommend Aquaphor?

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.

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.

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