What happens if you put too much Vaseline on your tattoo?

Author: Sonny Buckridge  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.

Can you put too much Vaseline on a tattoo?

Over moisturizing your tattoo can damage it by causing ink to lift out, prolong the healing process, and cause clogged pores (which like I mentioned above, can cause damage to your tattoo when it's healing fresh like this).

Does Vaseline cause tattoo to fade?

Why Vaseline and petroleum-based jelly aren't great for a new tattoo. Petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade and may trap moisture and bacteria on top of the tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Use water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead.

Is it possible to moisturize your tattoo too much?

It's generally recommended to moisturize a new tattoo 2-3 times a day. Over-moisturizing can potentially lead to clogged pores, delayed healing, or increase the risk of infection. The flaking is apart of the natural healing process.

How do you know if you put too much ointment on a tattoo?

It should not shine or feel sticky! If it does, you are using too much ointment! Wait five minutes after applying ointment, if you can still feel ointment, blot the excess off with a tissue. Apply the ointment once or twice a day for the first 3 to 4 days, especially if the tattoo feel dry or “tight”.

TATTOO AFTERCARE | Do's & Don'ts | with JNL TATTOO

What happens if I put too much Aquaphor on my 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.

Should I let my tattoo dry out or keep it moisturized?

"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."

How to fix over moisturized skin?

How to fix skin overhydration
  1. Stop using overhydrating products. The first step is to cut out products you feel are causing overhydration. ...
  2. Slowly re-introduce your skincare products. ...
  3. Keep your skincare routine simple. ...
  4. Go easy on the moisturiser. ...
  5. Give it time.

Does petroleum ruin tattoos?

Lastly, the American Academy of Dermatology states that petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade. After all the pain and hard work you had to endure to get that beautiful new piece, surely you're not too keen on it just fading from something as simple as petroleum jelly, would you?

When should you stop putting Vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Is Vaseline or Aquaphor better for tattoos?

Both Vaseline and Aquaphor are occlusive agents, meaning they form a thick barrier on the skin. While this can be beneficial in some cases, it can lead to clogged pores when applied to a fresh tattoo. Clogged pores can slow down the healing process and may even lead to infections or other complications.

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.

What lotion not to use on a new tattoo?

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.

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 is the 3 minute rule for moisturizer?

Ans) The rule states that you should apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing. This helps seal maximum moisture into your skin.

What does overhydrated skin look like?

In the event of over-moisturising your skin for a period of time, you could notice your skin becoming bumpy, clogged pores, breakouts, and even dry spots. How to Moisturise Your Skin Without Over Moisturising?

How to tell if a 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.

What is a tattoo blowout?

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.

Can you wash your tattoo too much?

Wash your tattoo once or twice a day for the duration of the healing time. Too much washing can wash away your body's natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient. For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma.

Is Too Much vaseline bad for a tattoo?

Here's a couple of reasons why it's not so good for freshly inked skin: Clogs pores: Vaseline is thick and occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin. While this might seem like a good thing for trapping moisture, it can have negative consequences for your tattoo.

What happens if I put too much lotion on my new tattoo?

Applying too much moisturizer restricts the skin's ability to breath, thus causing the pores to clog and can lead to consequent break outs. To avoid these symptoms, follow the aftercare instructions of your tattoo artist and apply the best tattoo aftercare moisturizer: your trusty Ink Nurse cream.

Why is my tattoo gooey?

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.

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