Why put Vaseline on tattoo?

Author: Hudson Simonis  |  Last update: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Dry skin can impact the appearance of your tattoos during and after the process. Moisture is key to protecting and caring for skin, so the moment you decide to get a tattoo, keep the area hydrated with Vaseline® Healing Jelly to lock in moisture and help protect the skin.

Is it good to put Vaseline on a new tattoo?

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.

What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?

Make sure your artist applies a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage to your new tattoo. After 24 hours, remolve the bandage. Wash the tattoo gently with antimicrobial soap and water, then pat it dry. Apply an antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't cover it with another bandage.

Why do tattoo artists put Vaseline?

Moisture Barrier: Vaseline acts as a barrier to keep the skin moisturized. This helps prevent the skin from drying out, which can make the tattooing process smoother.

What do tattoo artists use to wipe away ink while tattooing?

Comments Section Use green soap (you can find some on any tattoo supply site), and paper wipes that don't leave any residue. I often use costco paper wipes, but any will do if they don't leave anything behind when you wipe. Don't use baby wipes.

Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

What do tattoo artists use instead of Vaseline?

Thus, it became increasingly common among artists to use vegetable-based gels such as aloe vera, which provide the same benefits as Vaseline.

Why do tattoo artists dip needle in water?

You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.

What happens if you don't stretch the skin while tattooing?

Realistically, I run with a two or three point stretch. and this works for me on most of the easier areas on the body. If you don't stretch the skin enough, the needle will bounce off the surface of the skin. rather than penetrating the skin, and then you'll be left with a line that's just undersaturated.

How do you take care of a tattoo in the first 48 hours?

A fresh tattoo is effectively a wound, so it's important to keep it clean in order to avoid infection. “It will need to be cleaned regularly, particularly in the first 24-48 hours”. You can get them wet, but 'they shouldn't be submerged or soaked', for instance, in the bath or swimming.

What not to put on fresh tattoos?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin.

Why does my tattoo look like its missing ink?

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.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

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.

Is Vaseline or Aquaphor better for tattoos?

Vaseline is also made from petroleum jelly, which means it's also not a suitable alternative for a healthy tattoo aftercare routine. Just like Aquaphor, it traps moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and scarring.

Why did my tattoo artist tell me not to use ointment?

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.

When should you stop putting Vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Why use vaseline while tattooing?

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.

What do you wipe a tattoo with while tattooing?

Use MD Wipe Outz premium DRY tattoo towels during and after tattoo sessions as a superior replacement for paper towels. Wipe Outz towels are superior to basic paper towels because they produce no lint or frustrating needle clogs. Their softness leads to less irritated skin and better healed tattoos.

Why do tattoos leak ink after?

Scabbing, peeling, and even leaking are common during the healing process. Leaking plasma, blood, or ink is not necessarily a sign of infection. It's your body's natural healing response for open wounds. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound vulnerable to bacteria and infection.

What is the healthiest tattoo ink?

Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients. Using organic ink not only reduces the risk of adverse reactions but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices within the tattoo industry.

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