Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand.
You should really only use it for the first 3 days, and then dry heal, and only apply lotion once after several days to remove excess dead skin. When you keep your tattoo totally hydrated (after the initial healing process) it just prolongs the inevitable process of your body forcing out the rejected ink and skin.
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.
A good sign is if you start to see a rash, pimples, or the tattoo is bubbling from trapped moisture. Also, when putting lotion/moisturizer on, if your skin is looking shiny or wet, then you are over moisturizing. You only need a thin layer and you can pat, don't rub, away excess with a clean paper towel.
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.
Signs of over moisturized tattoo
Another key sign of over moisturizing is clogged skin. Applying too much moisturizer restricts the skin's ability to breath, thus causing the pores to clog and can lead to consequent break outs.
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.
Continue applying Vaseline or Aquaphor for 2-3 weeks after suture removal. AVOID antibiotics ointment as they may cause a rash or itching. 2. To ensure the best results, disturbing the wound(s) should be kept at a minimum.
Simply keep your skin moist with Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Re-apply as frequently as needed to maintain a continuous layer on your skin. Do not shower until the day after treatment. When showering, do not allow soaps and hair products to come into contact with the treated area.
If you plan on using it all over the face it is best to use Aquaphor at night. This is a process called slugging, it helps lock in the products and promotes their benefits. Other ways to use Aquaphor include on the eyelashes and eyebrows, it can strengthen both and help them look shinier and healthier.
Apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the entire tattoo area and a little overage. Cover the area with a clean gauze pad and a Telfa bandage and repeat this process three times each day for five days. If the area has not healed in five days, continue this cleaning and bandaging method.
You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
Washing and Moisturizing
Continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times per day until it is healed. For the first 3 days, apply a very thin coat of Aquaphor ointment after washing. After 3 days, switch to a light lotion or moisturizer. DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE!
You'll want to begin soon after you get the tattoo done and continue moisturizing the skin three to six times a day for about three weeks. In addition, wash the tattoo once or twice a day, avoid direct sunlight, and save that ocean dip for after it's healed.
AFTER 3 - 4 DAYS
This is healing skin, and an indicator that you should stop using the Aquaphor as often.
The key with this and any ointment is “not too little” and “not too much”. If your new tattoo begins to ooze or bubble on the surface after applying your ointment, you have on too much so using a clean dampened paper towel, simply wipe the surface to remove the excess. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.
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.
There's some speculation that petrolatum-based products might be harmful to new tattoos. They won't cause complications with the healing process, but they can impact the appearance of tattoos. In some cases, petrolatum and mineral oil may bind with the ink in a fresh tattoo, pulling a little bit of it out.
After your tattoo has started peeling, you can stop washing it daily and begin moisturizing with thin layers of lotion or coconut oil until it is fully healed. During the second week of healing, your tattoo will continue to flake and may become itchy.
Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash.