There's a reason coconut oil is so highly recommended for new tattoos: It's loaded with skin-soothing acids and vitamins, which work to heal and moisturize your ink ASAP.
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
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 is heavy and petroleum based, can clog your pores and make healing a tattoo worse or cause ink loss.
A top pick of Jackson, Aquaphor's light ointment is ideal for reducing any itchiness, avoiding any scabbing, and keeping the tattoo moisturized. “I only recommend a light ointment, such as Aquaphor, after a couple of weeks of healing if the tattoo is scabbed up or shiny,” Jackson says.
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).
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.
Significant improvements in erythema (Days 7-18), edema (Days 4 and 7), epithelial confluence (Days 7-18), and general wound appearance (Days 7-18) were observed with Aquaphor compared with Neosporin and Polysporin (p <= . 007). No differences were observed between Neosporin and Polysporin for any clinical parameters.
Aquaphor has an average rating of 9.4 out of 10 from a total of 6 ratings on Drugs.com. 80% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 0% reported a negative effect. CeraVe has an average rating of 2.3 out of 10 from a total of 60 ratings on Drugs.com.
I've tried 4 of the brands below- Honest, Alba Botanica, Waxelene and Doctor Rogers. They are all great alternatives to Vaseline and Aquaphor. I personally find that Doctor Rogers Healing Balm was the most impressive at soothing very dry lips.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturiser for tattooed skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated and promotes healing. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is known for its moisturising properties. It helps prevent dryness, reduces itching, and can have anti-inflammatory effects.
It's a “fine” aftercare solution for tattoos, but many people have claimed that their tattoo faded after using the product. If you're going to use it, wait at least 2 weeks or until the top layer of skin is fully healed.
Laser Removal
Laser tattoo removal machines target ink molecules in the dermis. The powerful beams blast ink into tiny particles your body can naturally flush out as waste. This tattoo removal procedure is the most effective and has the fewest complications. As a result, 95% of tattoos qualify for laser removal.
The majority of tattoo artists and enthusiasts do not ever recommend petroleum-based products, and instead choose natural lubricants like Pro Tattoo Glide, which is safer and supports the healing process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.