Ingredients To Look Out For
When shopping for tattoo lotions, always be sure to read the ingredients list. Not only does it let you find ingredients you may be allergic to, but it will also help you understand the exact benefits each lotion can provide to your skin.
Things to Consider
Moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E are all great things to have in a lotion. You may also want to select a lotion that has shea butter or soothing plant extracts, like chamomile, as part of its formula.
Be sure to select a lotion that is non-comedogenic. This means the lotion will work to moisturize without clogging pores, an especially important consideration for a new tattoo. Lotions without the non-comedogenic label can impede healing and cause breakouts.
Things to Avoid
Colorants, alcohols, and strong preservatives should all be avoided. These ingredients can irritate skin or lead to an infection in someone with very sensitive skin completely avoiding them will help ensure your tattoo heals healthily.
Strong fragrances are another ingredient to steer clear of. Fragrances are often the cause of allergic reactions, and your tattoo runs the risk of becoming infected due to overly perfumed lotions. Light, naturally scented lotions may be ok for some people, but especially if you have sensitive skin, fragrance-free is the best way to go.
Now that weve discussed the basics of tattoo lotions, lets head straight into our list!
Aftercare For Your Tattoo
So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you donât end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.
You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up .
If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, donât worry. Itâs normal. But never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color. If you think your tattoo is infected, or isnât healing properly, go see your doctor.
Can You Use Neosporin On A New Tattoo
- Written By Dan Hunter on August 12, 2019Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Using Neosporin on a tattoo may seem like an obvious thing to do. New tattoos are fresh open wounds, where bacteria can easily enter. Neosporin is an ointment we usually apply to small cuts or scrapes, so why not use it on fresh new ink?
While many tattoo artists do, in fact, recommend using this topical medicine, others advise against it. Today we are here in search of an answer. Is Neosporin effective when used on a healing tattoo? Lets find out.
Neosporin isnt the best product to use on new tattoos. While Neosporin can help with healing skin wounds, including minor cuts, scrapes and burns, it will not help to moisturize a new tattoo, and could in fact prevent the skin from breathing due to its thickness when applied. This can cause delays in healing.
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Natural Alternatives To Lotion
The best alternative to a store-bought tattoo lotion is coconut oil. It is moisturizing and has antimicrobial properties, meaning it fights off bacteria and infection. Coconut oil has also been known to help wounds heal faster, which in the case of a new tattoo couldnt be more perfect.
You could also use natural oils like vitamin E oil or grapeseed oil. These products moisturize the skin while still letting it breathe.
Always remember to check with your tattoo artist or doctor before putting a natural lotion alternative on your skin.
Keep It Covered For At Least 2
After getting the tattoo inked, the tattoo artist will carefully clean the surface and ensure safety using an antibacterial ointment. He will then properly cover it with a plastic or bandage. You should not remove the bandage just after you come out from the parlor. The bandage is very useful to prevent bacteria and dirt, so you should keep it as it is for at least 3 hours or more. It will prevent bleeding or bacterial infection.
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How To Clean Tattoo Without Ruining It
- Gently remove the wrap from the tattooed skin.
- Use warm water to wash off the plasma or dry blood.
- Take your best tattoo soap and nicely clean the skin with rubbing.
- Do not use a towel to dry or rub the skin. Instead, you can use a paper towel or tissue.
- You can use moisture to prevent dryness.
- Avoid direct sunshine for up to 14 days.
- You can wash your tattoo 2-3 times in a single day for about three weeks.
Find A Reputable Tattoo Parlor And Artist
While most infections happen in aftercare, some start right at the tattoo parlor, says Dr. Rodney. Make sure the tattoo parlor is licensed because licensed parlors are regularly inspected by a health agency. Also, do a little research beforehand to check the safety/infection record of the artist and ask them about their equipment sterilization practices and protocols. They should have no problem with you seeing them in action.
“Tattoo artists should follow Universal Precautions, the standard for anyone who could be in contact with blood or bodily fluids, and take blood borne pathogen training,” explains Joe Lathe-Vitale, a shop owner and tattoo artist for 20 years. “An artist who’s properly trained and using good safety measures will greatly minimize any chance of infection. Lathe-Vitale says a properly trained tattoo artist will always use sterile, single-use needles, and properly sterilize and clean any materials that are reused however, most artists now use entirely single-use disposable items. Youll also want to make sure they use new gloves with each client and change gloves as needed during the procedure, Dr. Rodney points out.
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Never Use Petroleum Based Products A+d Ointment Bepanthen Aquaphor Vaseline Bacitracin And Neosporin On Your Tattoos
These 6 products have a purpose, and it’s not tattoo aftercare or tattoo healing.
Sure, they may work great for diaper rash on a babys ass, but not something you should ever use on your fresh tattoo.
These 6 topical ointments contain toxic the ingredients, PETROLEUM, and MINERAL OIL.
Petroleum is a mineral oil jelly. A waste by-product of the crude oil refining and distillation process discovered on an oil rig in 1859. Yep! Petroleum as in petrol, the same source that keeps your vehicle running.
Mineral oil is a liquid form of petroleum jelly.
Clinical studies have shown Petroleum and mineral oils build up in the body. This has also proven to exacerbate hormonal imbalances and cause cancer. So why the hell would someone ever use these products on their new tattoo? – Misinformation, lack of understanding, confusion, ignorance, stupidity, whatever you want to call it. Hey, just being honest.
Petroleum-based products are cheap and create the illusion of soft, moisturized, and hydrated skin.
When applied, they seal the skin’s surface and block the natural respiration process. Petroleum suffocatesand stops moisture from leaving the skin. This can clog pores, causing blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads. Or worse, create a warm, moist environment for yeast and fungus to grow.
It gets even better! Sealing and suffocating your skin can cause premature aging. AGING skin causes FADED tattoos. Thus the reason why we developed Inked Ritual Tattoo Care Anti-Fade Serum.
Stay Diligent During The Healing Process
Even if your artist does everything correctly, what happens after you leave the shop is the key to healthy healing. “A tattoo that is properly done by a reputable artist is pretty resilient. It will heal if just left alone and kept clean,” Lathe-Vitale says. “It’s outside bacteria that can cause problems.”
Although every artist has preferences for after-care, most emphasize how important it is to keep the tattooed skin moisturized and clean which means avoiding some very normal behaviors that would otherwise be harmless. “In my opinion, the most important thing is for a client to never touch the tattoo without first washing their hands,” says Lathe-Vitale, even before applying any moisturizer or ointment. Additionally, he says its best not to soak your new tattoo in a tub, use body scrub on it or let your pet lick or scratch it.
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When Should You Call For Help
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You lose feeling in the area near the tattoo, or it feels numb or tingly.
- The skin near the tattoo turns pale or cool.
- The tattoo starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse.
Dial Antibacterial Hand Soap
A more convenient version of the popular Dial Gold is this liquid antibacterial hand soap. Its perfect for tattoo care outside the shower, when you just want to wash up and be extra clean throughout the day.
This soap kills up to 99.9% of bacteria that can cause infections on the skin. This is exactly the strong and powerful kind of killing power you need for delicate and wounded skin, like a surface with a fresh tattoo.
The soaps active ingredient, benzalkonium chloride, is a strong antibacterial agent that eliminates a broad range of bacteria and germs. Its known to be very effective.
Because its in a liquid variant, its easier to use on your tattoo when youre not planning on taking a shower. It can sit right at your sink and has a pump for easy dispensing of the soap.
The soap is mild and gentle enough to be used frequently throughout the day. Because it has a non-drying formula, you dont have to worry about your skin getting dried out even if you use it multiple times in a short amount of time.
- Kills up to 99.9% of bacteria that can cause infections
- Contains Benzalkonium Chloride, an antibacterial agent that intensifies the soaps effectiveness
- Liquid format makes it easier to use when not in the shower
- Mild and gentle enough for frequent use, perfect for fresh tattoos
- Has a pleasant, clean, and fresh scent
- Contains added fragrance and coloring
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Only Touch The Tattoo With Clean Hands
One of the most essential pieces of advice you can get is to never touch your fresh tattoo without washing the hands first. Cleaning your hands will prevent all kinds of bacteria to transfer to the irritated and tattooed skin, which would otherwise cause infections and health issues. So, when you want to touch the tattoo or apply ointment on it, wash your hands for 20 seconds at least, using lukewarm water and soap.
How To Wash Tattoos Safely
First, youâll want to wait a full 24 hours before washing your new tattoo. Once youâre ready to remove your bandage, very gently wash your tattoo with warm water and an antimicrobial soap. Carefully pat it dry afterwards â never rub a new tattoo â then apply a thin layer of your preferred aftercare ointment. Repeat this process twice a day throughout the healing phase.
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, Bryce also recommends “just listening to your body … if you have a brand that works well with you, just look for their unscented, antibacterial product.” And he doesn’t just mean soap that’s specifically made for the face and body. Sometimes, the best tattoo aftercare cleansers are hand soaps that you’d generally find in any bathroom!
Additionally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s important to keep your new tattoo well-protected from the sun using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or more. Also, don’t forget to regularly moisture your fresh ink with one of the best tattoo aftercare lotions.
Read on to find out more cleaning and caring for new tattoos.
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Cosco Tincture Of Green Soap
The best products let their results speak for themselves, and this is undeniably true about the Cosco Tincture of Green Soap. This highly effective antibacterial soap for tattoos is strong enough to knock out harmful microbes yet gentle enough on the skin with proper dilution.
While its important to get rid of microbes on the skin to prevent infection, we should also avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Fortunately, this soap has a moisturizing formula which is glycerol. The ingredient is commonly used in soaps to help the skin maintain moisture.
Furthermore, you can use this soap on sensitive skin without worrying too much about side effects or irritation. Its hypoallergenic, so its largely safe to use. You wont end up with dry, rough, or scaly skin, but youll still be able to make sure that your new tattoo is free from infection.
This is also a great product for any tattoo artist or shop owner. Not only can the soap work for a wide variety of customers with different skin types, but it can also be used to sanitize tools and equipment. Its non-corrosive, which means its safe to use and can be an all-around cleanser that can save time, money, and storage space.
- Antibacterial good for disinfecting tattoos
- Contains glycerol to maintain moisture
- Hypoallergenic product: safe for sensitive skin
- Non-corrosive can be used to clean tools and equipment
- Squeeze bottle can be a bit flimsy
Can I Still Use Ointment On My Tattoo
After washing the tattoo, apply an ointment. Some commonly recommended ointments would be Bacitracin, A+D Ointment and Aquaphor I would recommend staying away from Vaseline and petroleum jelly. Using too much ointment can oversaturate the tattoo and cause excess scabbing, or cause scabs to come off prematurely.
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How Often Should I Clean My Tattoo What Kind Of Soap Should I Use
The tattoo should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after removing the bandage, and cleaned daily from there on out. We recommend cleaning it multiple times on the first day. Pat the tattoo dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid irritation, and let the tattoo air out for 20-30 minutes before applying moisturizer. We recommend using a gentle, liquid antibacterial soap, such as Dial Antibacterial Soap, though other hand or body soaps can be used as long as they are thoroughly rinsed from the tattoo. You want to avoid excess absorption of water by the tattoo, so washings should be efficient and deliberate to minimize time. You can use antibacterial soap for the first 3-5 days and then regular soap or body wash is fine.
Regularly Wash And Moisturize The Tattoo To Remove Scabs Completely
You should wash your tattoo at least 2-3 times per day with warm water and antibacterial soap until it is healed properly. You can do this between 2 and 6 weeks. However, moisturizing is essential but you should not use too much ointment or lotion on the tattoo. Always wash only with an unscented mild soap.
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Tips To Remember Before Buying Best Tattoo Soaps
Do And Donts After Tattoo
Your tattoo is an open wound and vulnerable to infection during the healing process. Let the scabs fall off by themselves or gently wash them off in the shower. If you must be outside, find a tattoo-specific sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Dont swim, soak, sweat, or sauna for at least 6-weeks after your tattoo!
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What Should I Put On My Tattoo Aftercare
To ensure that your skin gets the nutrients it needs to regenerate faster, a high-quality tattoo ointment should be applied. Follow the tattoo care instructions in this guide to avoid contaminating your tattooed skin. You should moisturize the tattoo area with quality tattoo care products and follow professional guidelines.
Know The Signs Of Infection
If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you know it’s par for the course to have pain and swelling after a session and both Dr. Rodney and Dr. Zeichner agree that’s normal. However, anything beyond that may be cause for concern, especially if symptoms last for three or more days. “If you are developing significant warmth, redness or tenderness, you may have developed an infection,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If you feel unwell or have a fever or any pus in the area of the tattoo, these can be other signs of an infection.” Youll also want to be aware of leaking ink or excessive itching, notes Dr. Rodney.
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