Vaseline is primarily used as a basic skin protectant and moisturizer. It is commonly applied to chapped lips, dry patches, and rough skin areas. Aquaphor has a wider range of applications beyond basic skin hydration. It is recommended for specific skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and tattoo aftercare.
Aquaphor is better for tattoo healing.
First thing I want to touch on is aquaphor. Aquaphor is a petroleum based healing ointment. Aquaphor is incredibly thick, greasy, and unbreathable. It's generally a poor product to use because it clogs pores, which can result in areas of ink that lifted out and create a patchy tattoo in need of a touch up.
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).
However if you have a cut that needs to stay moisturized, Vaseline will ensure no moisture is lost since it's 100% petrolatum and has been proven to heal wounds faster than aquaphor.
We recommend Aquaphor as the healing ointment for your tattoo. Apply a small amount to the tattoo, and rub it in thoroughly, as if you were applying lotion. It should not shine or feel sticky! If it does, you are using too much ointment!
According to Dr. Paul, Aquaphor can also be better for extremely dry, cracked skin and healing minor skin irritation. “It provides additional hydration and barrier protection beyond what Vaseline offers,” she says. In other words, break out the Aquaphor when your skin has extra needs beyond basic moisturizing.
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.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.
There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.
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.
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.
Basic Lubrication: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a lubricant during tattoo sessions. It provides a basic level of lubrication, allowing the tattoo needle to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing friction.
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.
There is no way to fully waterproof a tattoo, but there are some methods swimmers have tried: waterproof bandages that can fully wrap and cover the tattoo, heavy layers of Vaseline, or even plastic press n' seal wrap.
They are both made with petroleum jelly, but Vaseline is a singular ingredient ointment made of 100% petroleum jelly, and Aquaphor is a multi-ingredient ointment containing 41% petroleum jelly. Don't use Vaseline on your wounds! Vaseline is not good for wound-healing because it has no breathability.
Aquaphor being the most common, these ointments create a protective barrier over the tattoo, sealing in moisture and preventing the entry of bacteria. They also help to soothe the skin and alleviate any itching or discomfort during the healing process.
According to Goold, Aquaphor is a go-to in most tattoo shops, since it's super effective at soothing and moisturizing fresh ink. "It's great for both the initial healing period and afterward," she says. Cosmo assistant news editor Sam Olson loves using Aquaphor on her fresh tattoos.
Apply a mild moisturizer to the tattooed skin several times a day. Avoid sun exposure. Keep the tattooed area out of the sun until it heals. Don't go swimming.
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.
Both Vaseline and Aquaphor work toward the same goal: sealing moisture into the skin. Many dermatologists recommend Aquaphor over Vaseline, but the best thing to do is to test what works best for your skin.
Aquaphor, on the other hand, is more lightweight and absorbs and spreads easily, according to Dr. Kikam (since it contains ingredients other than petrolatum that can penetrate your skin).
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.