Is it OK to use Aquaphor on a new tattoo? 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.
Aquaphor is heavy and petroleum based, can clog your pores and make healing a tattoo worse or cause ink loss.
Ointment is unnecessary and not often recommended for tattoos. People use too much and use it too often which is harmful. It prolongs the healing process by keeping the tattoo moist and inhibiting airflow. A tattoo should never have a wet look which is what ointments do.
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).
I find that Aquaphor is too thick for this stage of aftercare and may clog the pores of your skin, increasing the risk of irritation and slowing the healing process. If you like Aquaphor for aftercare, please only use a very thin layer and switch to a regular lotion after a few days.
There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.
Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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.
Reduced Risk of Over-Moisturizing Over-moisturizing can lead to issues such as clogged pores and excessive scabbing. Dry healing eliminates this risk. Less Risk of Allergic Reactions Some individuals may react to the ingredients in tattoo aftercare products.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
Eucerin Aquaphor Repairing Ointment should only be used on re-epithelialized skin (i.e. once new tissue has formed) and not on open, wet or bleeding wounds. Ask your Dermatologist for advice on how long you should wait after treatment before using the product.
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.
It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.
Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.
Delicate Skin Areas
Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin. Aging skin as well as clients with skin trauma/more delicate skin, can also increase the risk of a blowout.
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.
Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.
Maceration: Applying too much Aquaphor can make skin overly moist, causing tissue damage. Use a thin layer only.