Apply the Aquaphor or Bacitracin 2-3 times a day (Remember, keep it light!) for the first 5-7 days or until your tattoo starts to flake/peel like a sunburn. When the peeling begins, switch to a regular FRAGRANCE FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance free brand for an additional 2 weeks.
It's hard to tell through a photo, but generally I would apply sparingly. You want to allow the tattoo to breathe, too much aquaphor will suffocate the tattoo and delay healing. As long as you're following the recommended cleaning routine, you don't need to overdo it on ointment.
With a traditional bandage, after washing, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor lotion on your tattoo. Use this product only for 3-4 days, then switch to a regular lotion. I recommend unscented ``white'' lotion (Lubriderm, Cerave, etc.) or your preferred shea or coconut butter.
How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.
Irritation: Though rare, petrolatum can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Clogged pores: The thick ointment can lead to clogged pores and acne in acne-prone skin. Maceration: Applying too much Aquaphor can make skin overly moist, causing tissue damage.
Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
“Aquaphor can be used multiple times throughout the day when used as lip balm or healing ointment. It can be used nightly for slugging as long as your skin does not develop any breakouts in response to the treatment,” states Dr.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
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.
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.
Sleeping. For the first three nights before bed, wash the tattoo and apply a very thin coat of Aquaphor ointment. Wrap the tattoo in plastic wrap and secure with paper tape. Remove the wrap in the morning and wash thoroughly.
Petroleum-based products like Aquaphor and A and D are actually slowing down the healing process of your tattoo. They clog your pores. They trap moisture and bacteria on your skin.
The Final Takeaway
If you notice your tattoo is oozing or leaking a clear fluid, rest assured that this is nothing to be concerned about. This is just plasma discharge that is a normal part of the body's healing process and will likely harden into a scab as the wound closes.
Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.
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.
After 3 or 4 days of using the Aquaphor ointment, you may notice small specks of color come off as you rub the ointment in. This is healing skin, and an indicator that you should stop using the Aquaphor as often.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.