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.
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.
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.
What's The Problem with Over-Moisturising Tattoos? Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
A good sign is if you start to see a rash, pimples, or the tattoo is bubbling from trapped moisture. Also, when putting lotion/moisturizer on, if your skin is looking shiny or wet, then you are over moisturizing. You only need a thin layer and you can pat, don't rub, away excess with a clean paper towel.
Tattoos need to breathe during the healing process, and Vaseline can clog pores, potentially leading to infection and delayed healing. Risk of allergic reaction: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to petroleum-based products like Vaseline.
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.
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.
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.
You may remove the excess Aquaphor with a tongue blade. Do not attempt to scrub it off! Apply a thin coat of Aquaphor ointment to entire area, – several times throughout the day to keep skin moist, but not too thick • Continue to sleep on propped up pillows. BE SURE to avoid any direct sun exposure!
Conclusion: 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.
Your Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine
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.
As the excessive moisture is the reason why the tattoo is not healing properly, stop moisturizing immediately. Remove the excess cream and dry the tattoo naturally - After showering, use a soft towel to gently pat dry the tattoo and remove the excess cream. Afterwards, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes to dry naturally.
Blowout occurs when the ink extends beyond the intended boundaries of the design, resulting in prominent spots. More often than not, this situation arises due to poor execution of the tattoo.
Regularly moisturizing your new tattoo prevents scabbing and can even promote the healing process. However, too much moisture could create problems—like irritation and infection—putting a damper on your body modification journey.
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.
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.
Your skin looks or feels irritated.
Over-moisturizing with oil-based lotions can lead to clogged pores. If you notice clogged pores around your tattoo, there's a chance you've applied too much lotion.
Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.