Petroleum-based products, like Vaseline, are very heavy. They can prevent oxygen from reaching the skin even if applied in a thin layer. It's best to avoid them altogether. You'll also want to avoid soaps and lotions which contain alcohol, fragrances, or dyes.
NEVER itch or pick your tattoo: Picking off scabs or itching your tattoo will delay healing and may damage your ink. Drying your tattoo with washcloths or towels can also remove scabs and delay healing. Friction from wearing tight pants or shirts over your tattoo can also irritate the skin.
Tattoo should not look “soggy”. DO NOT use products containing Aloe Vera, Alcohol or Cortisone.
Aquaphor is commonly used as a tattoo aftercare product. It may work well for most people, but it's probably not the best thing to use. Your skin needs a little help, and you can choose a product that can provide that help.
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.
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'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.
Excessive Sun Exposure. 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.
Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.
Avoid the following medications and foods, as their consumption causes an increased likelihood of bleeding problems: Steroids, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Midol).
Just remember to use numbing cream before starting your session; take breaks throughout; choose smaller tattoos over large ones; avoid sensitive areas; and use ice both during and after your session! With these tips in mind, you'll be on your way towards getting the perfect traditional tattoo in no time—painlessly!
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.
Most dermatologists recommend leaving skin with moles or abnormalities clear of ink. Because tattoos involve needles and blood, non-sterile tattoo practices can lead to transmissions of blood diseases like syphilis, hepatitis B, and even HIV.
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.
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
It's fragrance-free, super hydrating, and non-greasy—so you can moisturize your tattoo and go live your life. Glowing Customer Review: "This is my favorite lotion for tattoo recovery.
Saline tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a saline solution to draw tattoo ink or pigment out of the skin.