Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Author: Dr. Jillian Blanda  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

The balm's soothing properties also play a significant role in the healing process. Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos.

When should you not use Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Aquaphor is fine for the first few days. But apply it MINIMALLY. If the tattoo is shiny at all you are using too much. Then switch to normal white lotion after a few days. If you use Saniderm you should just skip the aquaphor all together.

Why do some tattoo artists not recommend Aquaphor?

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.

Is Aquaphor better for tattoos than lotion?

Lotions are more spreadable and breathable than ointments. Aquaphor has the added benefit of anti-inflammatory effects, which can make the tattoo healing process speedier and more comfortable. After a given number of days of using ointment, you'll switch to lotion.

What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Aquaphor is a widely recommended tattoo aftercare treatment. It contains petrolatum, which creates a protective layer on the skin, keeping moisture in and promoting healing (2).

Aquaphor Alternative For Tattoos

What not to put on fresh tattoos?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin.

What is the best ointment for tattoos?

A top pick of Jackson, Aquaphor's light ointment is ideal for reducing any itchiness, avoiding any scabbing, and keeping the tattoo moisturized. “I only recommend a light ointment, such as Aquaphor, after a couple of weeks of healing if the tattoo is scabbed up or shiny,” Jackson says.

Is Aquaphor too thick for tattoos?

I find that Aquaphor is too thick for this stage of aftercare and may clog the pores of your skin, increasing the risk of irritation and slowing the healing process. If you like Aquaphor for aftercare, please only use a very thin layer and switch to a regular lotion after a few days.

How should a tattoo look after 3 days?

Days 2 to 3:

During these days, your tattoo may look dull and cloudy as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin.

What's better than Aquaphor?

11 Best Alternatives to Aquaphor and Petroleum Jelly
  • Vegaline.
  • 365 Whole Foods Multi-purpose Jelly.
  • Erin's Faces Tamanu Balm Barrier Salve.
  • Doctor Rogers' Restore Healing Balm.
  • Pipette Baby Balm.
  • Earth Mama Organics' Nose & Cheek Balm.

Does Aquaphor cause scabbing?

By keeping the wound moist and protected from external irritants, Aquaphor provides an optimal environment for tissue regeneration and re-epithelialization. This enables the skin to heal properly with minimal scarring. Regular application helps minimize permanent marks or discoloration.

Is Aquaphor good for fine line tattoos?

Following the removal of the bandage, the goal is to keep the tattoo clean and moist. Two to three times a day, wash the tattoo and apply a thin layer of fragrance free lotion, like Aveeno or Lubriderm. Aquaphor is also a good option if you'd prefer a petroleum based solution.

Is coconut oil good for tattoos?

The Final Takeaway. Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.

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.

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.

When to 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 long after a tattoo can you shower?

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.

Why is my tattoo fading after a week?

The top layer of dead skin has been colored or dyed during the tattooing process. That outer layer will fall off revealing the fresh skin underneath. My tattoo looks like it's fading.

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.

What's better than Aquaphor for tattoos?

The verdict is clear. Given the fortifying ingredients and safer formulation, Inked Ritual overtakes Aquaphor in maintaining, protecting, and enhancing the life of your tattoos. Your tattoo deserves the care, nourishment, and long life that Inked Ritual guarantees.

What lotions not to use on tattoos?

Seven Skincare Products to Avoid
  • Aquaphor.
  • A+D Ointment.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Vaseline.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Neosporin.
  • Lubriderm.

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 much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

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