Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment,
Currently Aquaphor is the only suggested ointment in my opinion. Unlike A&D or other OTC ointments, it has the least petroleum so it soaks in faster, clogs the pores the least, has no scents or alcohols added, and keeps your tattoo from drying out too fast.
Aquaphor is heavy and petroleum based, can clog your pores and make healing a tattoo worse or cause ink loss.
A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help protect your tattoo as it starts healing. You may be given petroleum jelly, or ointments that contain the emollient petrolatum, when your artist finishes the tattoo.
Use a healing ointment like Aquaphor, NOT Vaseline. Either that, or an unscented healing lotion, such as CeraVe or Aveeno. Lition containing fragrance will dry out your tattoo rather than help it to heal.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
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.
Here's what someone should avoid when it comes to tattoo aftercare: Soaps and moisturizers with any fragrances or harsh chemicals. Even if a product does not normally irritate the skin, it may irritate the tattooed area. Picking at scabs, as this can cause scar tissue to form.
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.
He recommends a ceramide-packed option like CeraVe's Healing Ointment. "You also want to apply something greasy so it fully protects the tattooed area." If you're not a fan of thicker ointments, this one may be a good middle-ground option, as it sinks in fast and manages to still feel lightweight on the skin.
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.
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.
Using Castile Soap for Tattoo Aftercare
No need for alarm as this is quite normal. What you're seeing is in fact excess fluid (plasma) and ink from the tattoo process. Using Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step!
Excessive sun exposure can quickly ruin a new tattoo. Especially during the first 40 days, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you have to go outside, then make sure to cover up your fresh tattoo with clothing.
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.
Finger tattoos can take up to 6 weeks to heal, longer than other tattoos because the skin is constantly wrinkling and it's hard to keep the area clean & moisturized.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydroquinone. TCA removes the top layer of skin and penetrates some of the underlying layers to effectively remove most of that tattoo ink. Hydroquinone is a skin bleacher and lightening cream that reduces the melatonin and fades the pigments in the epidermis.
Wet Healing Is the Way To Go
It's just as effective for tattoos as it is for injuries. If you let your tattoo dry out during the healing process, you may end up doing more harm than good. Make sure you stay on top of the aftercare process for about six weeks after your session.