For Days 3-14: after cleaning tattoo, switch to a lotion (Lubriderm®,
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.
Instead of scratching, gently cleanse your tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free antibacterial soap, then pat it dry. This helps remove irritants while keeping your skin clean and refreshed. For relief and hydration, use a high-quality, skin-soothing aftercare product like Inked Ritual.
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.
With a traditional bandage, after washing, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor lotion on your tattoo. Use this product only for 3-4 days, then switch to a regular lotion.
Once your tattoo has fully healed, make sure to always keep the area hydrated with Vaseline® Jelly and a high SPF sunscreen. Tattoos can fade in the sun even long after they heal. For ongoing healthy looking skin, consider daily application of Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Lotions.
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.
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.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin.
Bad tattoo aftercare often leads to infection, so listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. See a doctor immediately if you develop any of the following uncomfortable symptoms: Excessive redness, bumps, or rash.
Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.
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.
Do I have to wash my tattoo every time I put lotion on it? In general, moisturizing your skin after washing it each time will help prevent the tattoo from drying out, so it heals faster. You will, however, want to avoid over-moisturizing your tattoo.
The general rule of thumb when looking for a tattoo lotion? Choose a formula that's simple, unscented, and gentle. 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.
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.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
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.
Week one. Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash. A person with a fresh tattoo should follow their tattoo artist's instructions on when to start using moisturizer.
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.
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.
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.