When to start putting lotion on a tattoo?

Author: Winona Yundt IV  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

According to tattoo artists, you should begin using lotion on a tattoo once it begins to dry. It is a waiting game, in a way. You don't want to apply lotion while the ink is still wet. How long it takes the ink to dry is dependent on your body, the size of the tattoo, and environmental factors such as humidity.

When should I start aftercare for my tattoo?

You should start moisturizing your tattoo once the initial healing phase is over, typically about 3 to 5 days after getting the tattoo. During this time, the tattoo may be healing and scabbing, so it's important to keep it clean and avoid applying any products until the skin starts to heal.

When should you switch from Aquaphor to lotion on a tattoo?

After using ointment for a new tattoo, you should wait until your tattoo has completely healed before switching to lotion. This typically takes about 2-3 weeks (1).

Should I let my tattoo peel or put lotion on it?

Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-7 days. When the peeling begins, the tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn. At all costs avoid picking at the cracked and flaking skin. When the tattoo has fully entered the peeling phase you should NOT apply any more ointment.

Is dry healing a tattoo better?

Benefits of Dry Healing

Natural Healing Process Dry healing allows the body to use its natural healing mechanisms, which can result in a more vibrant and detailed tattoo. Simplified Routine Without the need for multiple applications of ointments or creams, the aftercare routine becomes simpler and less time-consuming.

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

When to moisturize a new tattoo?

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.

What are the stages of tattoo healing?

While there's some variability to the healing process, generally, there are three broad stages of tattoo healing:
  • Inflammation (Days 1-3) ...
  • Visible recovery (Days 4-14) ...
  • Invisible recovery (Days 14-30) ...
  • On the day. ...
  • 1-48 hours. ...
  • 48hrs – 14 days. ...
  • The sun. ...
  • Scented soap.

What happens if you don't put lotion on a new tattoo?

"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Should I sleep with cling film on my tattoo?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

When can I start putting lotion on my tattoo reddit?

I usually wait two weeks. Smart thing to do is a spot test. Put a little lotion on one part, wait 10 mins and see if there's any irritation.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

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.

When can I switch to lotion on my tattoo?

After the fourth day, switch over to using a plain white non-scented lotion 4 to 5 times a day or as needed when your tattoo becomes dry and flaky, which is normal at this stage. (Be advised: scented lotions can cause irritation- aka burn like hell-fire). Continue using lotion until the tattoo is completely healed.

What not to do after getting your first tattoo?

While it's healing, don't pick or scratch your tattoo — even if it's flaking, Wei says. Also, avoid submerging your tattoo, so stay out of pools, hot tubs, and any bodies of water for two weeks. Don't expose your tattoo to the sun either.

What should a 4 day old tattoo look like?

Days 4 to 6:

The redness should start to fade, and light new skin will be noticeable over the tattoo. If scabs form, do not pick at them as it can cause scarring and damage your tattoo.

Should I moisturize my tattoo the first day?

According to tattoo artists, you should begin using lotion on a tattoo once it begins to dry. It is a waiting game, in a way. You don't want to apply lotion while the ink is still wet. How long it takes the ink to dry is dependent on your body, the size of the tattoo, and environmental factors such as humidity.

What tattoo color lasts the longest?

Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.

Can I overmoisturize my new tattoo?

Can You Over-Moisturise a Tattoo? In a word: yes. It's definitely possible to over-moisturise a tattoo. An over-moisturised tattoo can lead to a whole host of issues, including breakouts, soggy scabs, and even infection.

How to sleep with a fresh tattoo?

Here's how to sleep with a new tattoo:
  1. TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY! ...
  2. KEEP THE ADHESIVE WRAP ON OVERNIGHT. ...
  3. SHOWERING AND REWRAPPING. ...
  4. USE A SPARE BED SHEET. ...
  5. ROTATE YOUR BED SHEETS. ...
  6. SLEEPING POSITIONS. ...
  7. LOOSEN STUCK BEDDING WITH WARM WATER. ...
  8. KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

"If there is some scabbing or flaking, we advise clients not to pick and to allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own," says Otsuji. "Picking at your tattoo during the peeling stage can result in it appearing patchy, distorted, and dull once healed."

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

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.

Why is there no ink under my tattoo scab?

Tattoos tend to peel without any ink underneath as they heal normally. In rare cases, they can have missing ink due to an artist's error. Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren't usually anything to worry about. It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals.

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