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.
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.
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. It should not shine or feel sticky! If it does, you are using too much ointment!
If you want the best care for your new tattoo, there are far better options than Aquaphor. The semi-occlusive layer suffocates your new ink, slowing the recovery process. And though it's a highly refined version of petroleum oil, it's understandable that you wouldn't want that anywhere near your healing skin.
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.
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.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.
You do not need to apply any creams, ointments, or lotions for the first seven days, your body will naturally heal your new tattoo. Starting around day three, your new tattoo will start to peel/exfoliate and the temptation to pick and scratch will be great. Don't do it!
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.
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
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.
After having a tattoo, it's important to follow any aftercare instructions given to you by your tattoo artist, and you should consult a dermatologist if you experience any unusual skin reactions. However, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream can help to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized after having a tattoo.
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.
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 is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin.
After it has dried for some time, you may use a fragrance free lotion. A&D is acceptable but there is a wrong and a right way to use it. Small amounts, rubbed thin onto the tattoo works best. Too much and for too long can suffocate, trap moisture, and otherwise irritate your tattoo, possibly losing ink.
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.
After the first 24 hours, start to incorporate a thin layer of non-scented lotion after each wash. Make sure that the skin has been dried completely before applying. Jergens Ultra Healing lotion is a solid option. You are moisturizing the skin/tattoo at this point similar to rubbing lotion on your hands.
For at least a month after getting a tattoo, it's important to use a moisturizing lotion. "It helps the tattoo settle into your skin and look like it's a part of you," Nomy says. "Look for a lotion that's unscented, like Lubriderm." Formulated with vitamin B5, it's made to improve your skin's moisture barrier, too.
RK, tattoo artist at Brooklyn studio Atelier Eva, says: “I always recommend a white, unscented dry skin cream like CeraVe because it's simple and reliable.” Instead of coming out of a pump, this lotion is a thick, scoopable cream that's easier to apply precisely, with ingredients that support hydration and recovery ( ...
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.