What To Wear The Day After And How To Deal With Leaky Ink:
So it’s the day after your tattoo and you have to go to work. What do you do about clothing?
For starters, you’ll definitely want to wear something loose, or something that doesn’t touch your tattoo at all if possible. But if it’s winter and you need to wear sweaters or pants over your tattoo, you can cover it with plastic wrap for the length of your commute, then repeat your wash/dry/Aquaphor routine before letting it air out through the day.
Make sure to wear dark colors in case you have any ink leaking out. You’ll want to occasionally dab at the tattoo with a paper towel to keep it dry, and reapply Aquaphor once or twice throughout the day.
Once you get home, wash/dry/Aquaphor it again and let it air out until bedtime. I tend to wash my new tattoos two to three times a day, so you may choose to wash it again before bed or just reapply a little more Aquaphor.
Keep doing this for the next four to six days, until scabbing begins to form and your tattoo starts peeling. Once your tattoo starts to scab, switch from Aquaphor to Lubriderm unscented lotion, but continue washing it twice a day.
Dial Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap
The Dial Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap has been on store shelves for decades and is trusted by a vast number of people. While its a great everyday bath soap, its also effective in caring for a tattoo.
Not originally made for tattoos, but this ordinary soap proves to do an excellent job. This soap is definitely both gentle and mild, yet undeniably effective at getting rid of harmful bacteria.
I love how well this antibacterial soap lathers up and cleanses the skin. You can use this soap on your tattoo as well as on the rest of your body. Its a great choice for those who would rather not spend extra on a special soap just for a new tattoo.
Additionally, medical professionals often recommend this soap for people who have recently had surgery and need to keep their surgery scars clean and safe from infection.
Despite being a strong cleanser, Dial soap for tattoos doesnt dry out the skin. This is important in aftercare for tattoos because dryness can make itching and irritations worse. Thus, this soap can also help keep you comfortable as your tattoo heals.
- Gentle and mild, yet effective at eliminating harmful bacterias
- Lathers up and cleanses the skin well
- A medical professional recommended soap for surgery wounds
- Does not dry out the skin or cause itching and irritations
- A versatile soap for everyday use
- Can smell a bit like a hospital
Why Do You Need To Apply Lotion To A New Tattoo
Lotion is crucial to help moisturize your new tattoo! Science has proven that allowing your tattooed skin to dry up is a myth.
Many people recommend that you let wounds dry out. In a sense, that means you shouldnt apply lotions or ointments to them. The reason why you need lotions or ointments is that they help minimize skin irritation and promote healthy skin.
When you allow your new tattoo to dry out, it slows down the cellular activity and actually delays the healing process. Youll see it in the form of scabs forming on itchy skin.
When it comes to tattooed skin, its what you cant see that should worry you. Im talking about the prime food source for bacteria, aka infections, and other external contaminants.
Applying lotion to the skin allow the healing cells to freely move across the wound to close it. Lotion wont clog your pores or remove the tattoo.
Top-notch skin care makes your tattoos look brighter, reduces itching, and restores the health of your skin. Its incredibly easy to do. In order to make things as simple as possible, I have put together a list of the best tattoo lotions. From fragrance- and color-free lotions with natural ingredients, to the richest salve formulas possible, you cant go wrong with these picks for tattoo healing and soothing of sensitive skin.
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Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion
Gold Bonds Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion comes packed with Vitamin A, C and E to help heal dry skin without the grease. Just twist the top, give it a pump and apply once for 24 hours of clinically tested moisturize.
One of the pluses about this lotion is the fact that it has aloe inside for a cool, soothing relief and comfort that comes natural. When it comes to the vitamins, A helps to improve the elasticity of your skin, while vitamin C promotes healthy development and collagen formation. Finally, vitamin E lends a helping hand by protecting the function of your skin and reducing lipid loss.
All said and done, the trio of vitamins and the addition of aloe work wonders for any new tattoo. Even though its a bit thicker, it still doesnt leave behind any sticky residue which is great for keeping your skin off your clothes.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
Completely fragrance-free and made with skin health in mind, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is dermatologist recommended for a variety of different skin ailments, including new tattoos. A rare exception to the rule against ointment for tattoos, using Aquaphor for tattoos is a gentle and economical choice.
If youre environmentally conscious or are concerned about what youre putting on your skin, his product may not be for you. It contains mineral oil as well as some other preservatives and chemicals. Its main ingredient is also a substance derived from petroleum. Still, if you dont mind, the product will work wonders for your new tattoo. It goes on a little thicker and oilier than some other options but provides great protection.
Pros
- Contains petroleum and other artificial ingredients
What You Need To Know
Aquaphors Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy uses tried and true ingredients that work exceptionally well despite their artificial nature.
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Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion Soothing
- THE POWER OF OLIVE OIL The satin rich texture and light viscosity of the olive oil has a smooth silky feel, not greasy.
- SUPERIOR HEALING Our new formula combines the latest technology with the worlds most recommended ingredient Panthenol.
- ADVANCED MOISTURIZATION Panthenol has been recommended by many tattoo artists as a moisturizing cream for new tattoos.
- CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST TESTED Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion is a great product for the healing and aftercare of your tattoo.
How Many Times A Day Should I Moisturize My Tattoo
Theres no concrete number here, but likely many. If your tattoo begins feeling or looking dry, add another thin coat of your chosen healing lotion. You shouldnt be slathering on thick coats each time, as this can suffocate your tattoo and clog pores.
You should always keep your tattoo healing lotion handy in a pocket, purse, or backpack. If your chosen product is large, consider grabbing a travel size too so it can easily go everywhere you do. Without fairly consistent access to your healing lotion, your tattoo will be lacking in moisture.
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Use Of Ice Pack After Getting A New Tattoo
Can you ice a fresh tattoo? Yes, using an ice pack after getting a new tattoo can help to reduce swelling and can help reduce the natural body secretions that come from the open wound of a new tattoo. But be cautious not to put ice directly on the new tattoo. Use an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth and place it on the newly tattooed area. If your tattoo is very itchy, you can try using an ice pack on the itchy tattoo, of course, with a clean cloth in between the ice pack and the new tattoo.
What Should You Look For In A Tattoo Moisturizer
Look for fragrance- and allergen-free moisturizers, Dr. Love says. He recommends avoiding any topical antibiotics because they can trigger an allergic reaction on freshly tattooed skin.
Its also important to take extra precautions when your tattoo will be exposed to the sun. Repeated and excessive sun exposure will cause the loss of tattoo pigment and result in fading, Dr. Love says. Using sunscreen with a SPF of 30 to 50 and applying every two hours during sun exposure will help prevent fading. He recommends the Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen, which has SPF 30 and antioxidants to provide additional protection against free radicals. For our editors favorite formulas to apply on tattoos, keep reading.
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How To Fix A Bubbling Tattoo
Tattoo bubbling is a very common issue that is being faced by people. One of the main reasons for bubbling your tattoo is over-saturation. This is the reason why you need to make sure that you avoid exposure to water for the first six months to get your tattoo safe. By following the instructions properly the tattoo aftercare can be properly done which will keep away from the bubbling of your tattoo. However, if these Tattoo Aftercare Productsare used then you will be able to keep away from the bubbling effect. It is also necessary to keep an eye on the tattoo. Though bubbling doesn’t necessarily mean infection if any irritation or swelling persists then it is suggested to consult a doctor. Heres a guide on How To Fix a Bubbling Tattoo.
Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
This rich, yet fragrance-free triple acting formula goes to work by moisturizing, exfoliating and conditioning your newly inked skin. Its at the top of Eucerins lotion line for a good reason. Aside from being backed by clinically proven results and dermatologist recommendations, it contains alpha hydroxy and extra-enriched moisturizers.
Now, while the word exfoliating may sound scary on your healing skin, dont worry. Its extremely gentle and all part of the intensive hydrating process. Best of all, it wont clog your pores and the formula itself is non-greasy and soaks right into the skin without making you wait.
Just remember, while its important to avoid the sun with a new tattoo, AHA or alpha hydroxy acid in this lotion makes it even more critical. It will often make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight while its healing.
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Here’s What You Need To Buy:
There are tons of fancy tattoo care products on the market, but most tattoo artists will recommend three things: Aquaphor healing ointment, unscented Lubriderm lotion, and Dial antibacterial liquid soap.
There’s plenty of debate about whether Aquaphor or A& D Ointment are better for the first few days. Honestly, it doesn’t matter, because they both work perfectly fine. I have used both, but Aquaphor is definitely my first choice. It spreads on easier and it doesn’t clog the pores as much. I like to buy the miniature multipacks so I can keep one at work and one at home.
It’s also recommended that you switch to an unscented lotion after three days or so. Lubriderm is most artists’ lotion of choice because it’s gentle but effective at moisturizing. When it comes to soap, some people swear by H20cean’s green soap, and some love to use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap . But Dial’s classic antibacterial soap is pretty much the standard choice for most.
You’ll also want to make sure to have some plastic wrap and a roll of paper towels around.
Showering With Your Tattoo
Most experts recommend that you wait a day after receiving your tattoo before jumping in the shower. You new ink needs time to settle and your skin needs to recover from the trauma of tattooing.
After the first 24 hours have passed however, you are free to take a shower just dont soak your tattoo. Wash it lightly with alcohol- and fragrance-free soap and try to keep it out of the direct shower stream as much as possible. You can do this by filling your hands with water and splashing it on your tattoo when washing it.
Keep in mind that the shower temperature shouldnt be too hot. Heat can cause skin to dry out, and dry skin will only make your tattoo itchier.
After showering, pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel or a handful of paper towels. Never rub at or scrub your tattoo because not only will it hurt, you risk infecting your it and ruining the look of the ink. Apply your favorite after drying and youre good to go.
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Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
BEST BALM
Although its technically not a lotion, this tattoo balm is a tried and true go-to when it comes to tattoo treatment. Its a great moisturizing tool to heal skin and prepare yourself for the needle that will also work way after to brighten and replenish older tattoos you might have forgotten about. Trust us, it happens. The balm is completely natural, and unlike other tattoo care options, this one is actually scented. Dont let that stray you away, though. This balm really works like a charm.
We’ve Found The Best Tattoo Creams You Should Try
Are you totally in love with your new tattoo and want it to stay crisp and colourful forever?
Theres one thing you can do to look after your tattoo: cream.
A new tattoo is like a new favourite dress but better. It lasts longer at least, it will if you take care of it properly. In addition to keeping it clean and avoiding swimming, you need to use a good tattoo cream.
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After Inked Tattoo Lotion
Give your new or old tattoos a serious boost in color and vibrancy with After Inked Tattoo Lotion. After Inked Lotion is intended to keep tattoos nourished and hydrated while it noticeably improves tattoo brightness and depth of color. Its also formulated with a bunch of all-natural ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, and promote healing in new tattoos. Heres some of its key ingredients: grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, orange oil.
What I like about After Inked Tattoo Lotion:
Non-greasy
One of the things that I hate about most tattoo lotions and balms is that they often leave the skin feeling greasy and oily after they dry. Thats not a problem with After Inked Tattoo Lotion. It has a lightweight, non-greasy consistency that is very easy to spread over large or small tattoos, and best of all it dries quickly without any unpleasant residue left behind on the skin. It simply leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth and tattoos looking rich and vibrant.
Skin beneficial ingredients
After Inked Lotion does a great job of nourishing and hydrating the skin, white it conserves and enhances tattoos. Thats because its full of moisturizing ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin which helps tattoos appear more crisp and sharp. Heres a closer look at After Inkeds key ingredients:
A little goes a long way
How Often Should You Moisturize
Make sure that you moisturize your tattoo twice or thrice a day. Moisturizing after each wash is crucial. The reason for this is that washing the body with soap and water strips its natural oils and moisturizer you applied earlier.
It is advised that artists wash their tattoos in the morning. This is because, during sleep, your body often gets dehydrated. Furthermore, when you wake up with a fresh tattoo, it will still feel painful.
Remember that you still need to moisturize even on a workday. The afternoon is generally when your tattoo gets the driest.
The same moisturizing ritual should also be done before going to bed. This will help with the morning dryness problem we talked about earlier. Its not the best feeling to roll around in bed with a cracked tattoo.
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Platinum Rose Tattoo Butter
This tattoo aftercare balm claims to radically accelerate healing time for new tattoos. Then, you can continue to use it to treat sunburn, cuts, and dry skin.
As a moisturizer, it keeps tattoos vibrant by moisturizing the skin. Healthy skin retains ink better.
If youre an artist and use it as glide, it wont remove stencils or clog tubes. It also prevents redness and swelling. This helps avoid overworking the skin.
Whats in it? Theres definitely no petrolatum or parabens. Instead, it has shea and cocoa butter, aloe, and avocado oil. The natural floral scent comes from genuine English Rose oil.
What Lotion Is Best For Tattoos
If you want your new ink to heal nicely, you have to be diligent and take good care of it. A beloved lotion is Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or good old-fashioned Vaseline.
After a new tattoo, your tattoo artist should put a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage on top of the ink. After 24 hours, you can remove the bandage and wash with antimicrobial soap, water, and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Throughout the day, apply a layer of fragrance-free antibacterial ointment it’s best if you stick to applying it twice a day.
The best lotion to put on a new tattoo is a thick and creamy lotion that’s fragrance-free. Don’t use sunblock when it’s healing, and try and stay out of the sun so it heals faster.
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Susie Q Ink Salve And Ink Oil
are specially formulated WITHOUT the use of petroleum. All Susie Q products are worthy of royalty and loaded with ingredients we use on our own skin on a day-to-day basis.
Ink salve by Susie Q is made using only the finest ingredients. Organic, cold-processed coconut oil is the main ingredient. Coconut oil is commonly used in skin care today for many different reasons. It works great as a moisturizer that provides wonderful nourishment for the skin.
Coconut oil is cold-processed, which means that the heat during extraction should not exceed 110 degrees, thus the enzymes are still intact in the final product.
Ink Salve is made with organic castor oil, natures response to petroleum. Castor oil is great for the skin, providing great lubrication and feel to the skin. Coconut oil and castor oil are combined to create a texture that glides easily on your skin while still allowing it to breathe and heal naturally. This works great on old and new tattoos.