Is it okay to put nothing on a new tattoo?

Author: Prof. Dewitt Stokes  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

You do not need to apply any creams, ointments, or lotions for the first seven days, your body will naturally heal your new tattoo.

Is it okay to not put anything on a new tattoo?

As previously said, keeping the region too moist might induce infection, and keeping your bandage on for too long can sabotage the healing process. Your freshly tattooed skin takes longer to heal if it isn't exposed to enough air. This prolonged healing time can actually increase your risk of infection.

What happens if I don't put lotion on my new tattoo?

Lack of moisturiser might cause your tattoo to exhibit signs of wear and tear, masking its brilliance.

Is it okay to leave a tattoo dry?

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.

Is it okay if my new tattoo isn't covered?

you dont HAVE to keep it covered. it's good for the first few days to help healing but as long as you keep it clean and moisturized it will still heal fine. I've healed tattoos with and without using it and there was really no noticeable difference for me at least.

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

Is it OK to leave a new tattoo uncovered?

During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.)

Can I wash my tattoo with just water?

A general rule of thumb is to give your new tattoo a minimum of three weeks away from any kind of pool, ocean, or bath. Washing your tattoo with warm or cold water and a mild, fragrance-free, antimicrobial soap is totally fine, and is actually recommended for hygiene reasons.

Why did my tattoo artist tell me not to use ointment?

Others will tell you that antibacterial ointment is a major "no-no." And the old-school artists advise against using any ointments or lotions at all, saying they may be vehicles for bacteria and can cause infection and scabbing.

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

Both Paul and Shuliar recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for tattoo aftercare because it's unscented and designed to create a protective healing barrier while allowing oxygen to pass through.

How to tell if a new tattoo is too dry?

If you aren't sure whether or not the tattoo is dry, remove the bandage and gently pull at your skin. Your skin will still be sensitive, but you should feel a slight sensation of tightness. Some people describe it as parched skin that feels like it is on the verge of slightly cracking.

How to sleep with a fresh tattoo?

Here's how to sleep with a new tattoo:
  1. TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY! ...
  2. KEEP THE ADHESIVE WRAP ON OVERNIGHT. ...
  3. SHOWERING AND REWRAPPING. ...
  4. USE A SPARE BED SHEET. ...
  5. ROTATE YOUR BED SHEETS. ...
  6. SLEEPING POSITIONS. ...
  7. LOOSEN STUCK BEDDING WITH WARM WATER. ...
  8. KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.

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

"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."

Can I let clothes touch my new tattoo?

Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after getting a tattoo before showering or washing your tattoo.

Why does my new tattoo look smudged?

A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.

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.

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.

Will I cry during my tattoo?

Do People Cry or Faint During a Tattoo? You might have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain of a tattoo. Pain, however, is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

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.

What if I accidentally got water on my tattoo?

If you've somehow got your tattoo wet by submerging it in water, there are steps to take that can potentially help. Dr. Shirazi recommends cleansing it with a gentle cleanser, patting it dry, and applying a healing ointment from Aquaphor or CeraVe.

What to do the first night of a tattoo?

Keep it wrapped

The first night's sleep after getting a new tattoo is always the hardest because the tattoo is probably still leaking blood, plasma and ink. If your tattoo artist placed a transparent, adhesive bandage over your tattoo, the best thing to do is to keep it on for as long as they recommended.

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