Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment
Easy to find and use, Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment protects and soothes dry skin. Its recommended by both dermatologists and tattoo artists, and with a fragrance and preservative-free formula, this ointment is perfect for anyone and everyone getting a new tattoo including those with sensitive skin.
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Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief
Dove is the favorite brand of a lot of skincare experts, and for good reason. The Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief does a terrific job of keeping the skin hydrated. In addition to that, it creates a layer of protection on the skin which protects the tattoo from environmental pollutants. As a result, the tattoo maintains its vibrancy.
Best Tattoo Creams: At A Glance
- Best overall tattoo cream: Tattoo Goo | Buy now
- Best vegan tattoo cream: Hustle Butter Deluxe | Buy now
- Best healing tattoo cream: CeraVe Healing Ointment | Buy now
- Best tattoo cream for sensitive skin: TattooMed After Tattoo | Buy now
- Best drugstore tattoo cream: Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion | Buy now
- Best tattoo cream for immediate after care: Stories & Ink Tattoo Care | Buy now
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Coconut Oil And Tattoo Aftercare
Polynesian people, such as Samoans, have long used coconut oil on their tattoos. They apply it after the tattoo is completed or when it heals. One supposed benefit is that it makes the design shine.
Some websites claim that coconut oil keeps the skin under your tattoo moist and protects against infection. Yet evidence is anecdotal, and theres no scientific proof that it works.
Check with your doctor before putting coconut oil or any other unproven products on your tattoo.
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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After Inked Moisturizer And Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
According to AfterInked.com, After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer is a vegan-based formula made from grapeseed oil, glycerin, shea butter, and synthetic beeswax which delivers effective skin moisturization and helps to preserve the colors of your tattoos, without feeling heavy or bogging it down. After Inked is great for you and your new tattoo, and the formula has been dermatologist tested, non-allergenic and non-irritating.
Available at Walmart, $13.46
How Long Should Lotion Be Used
For the first two weeks, you should be moisturizing your tattoo every time after cleaning, about 2 to 3 times a day. After these first couple of weeks, you can lower it to once or twice a day, but many choose to moisturize for months, or even years, to keep the ink in their tattoo looking fresh.
Overuse
While moisturizing is important, keep in mind that you dont want to go overboard with your lotion. Overuse can lead to too much moisture being held against the skin, not allowing the tattoo to heal properly. This is especially important if you are using a thicker lotion, like an ointment. A light, thin layer of lotion 2 to 3 times a day is the perfect amount to expedite healing without smothering the tattoo.
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Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion
BEST OVERALL
It should be no surprise that Lubriderm is at the top of our list. This non-scented, non-greasy everyday lotion is ideal for people suffering from dry skin and is exceptional at keeping your ink in check long after the first time you sat in the chair. Its even the No. 1 recommended brand by tattoo artists for tattoo care on the market. Ive used Lubriderm many times and have experienced nothing but positive results. It has made the shading of my tattoos continue to pop over the years, leaving skin feeling smoother. You can get this 24 fl. oz bottle for under $8, so its safe to say this option could be your one-stop shop for tattoo aftercare.
Other Important Factors To Consider
Still not clear on what a soap for tattoos is and how it works? The following questions and their answers might help streamline your thoughts and give you the information you need. This way, youll be able to find the best soap for tattoos for your specific needs, skin type, and more.
What is tattoo soap?
When you get a tattoo or other kinds of body art, theres a certain degree of aftercare involved. For tattoos, for example, its important to make sure to prevent any infection. A tattoo is basically an open wound, which is why regular cleaning is important. This is something that soaps for tattoos can help with.
There are soaps that are made specifically for tattoo aftercare, but you can also use certain bath soaps that are mild and gentle on the skin. Whats important is that the soap wont dry or irritate your skin and that it can effectively keep a fresh tattoo clean.
How does a soap for tattoos work?
Soaps that are specially made for tattoo aftercare, such as green soap, are made for sanitizing the skin. These soaps are typically used to sanitize the skin before tattooing, which helps prevent future infections.
You also want to use soaps like these for the same reason after you get your tattoo. They keep harmful bacteria away and make sure that your skin can heal quickly without any problems or issues. Depending on the formulation, the soap you use can also help keep your skin from drying and flaking.
Who is this soap for?
Why do you need soap for tattoos?
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Can You Use Baby Lotion On A New Tattoo
Chances are if youre reading this, you just got a new tattoo, which is awesome. However, now comes the part when you actually have to truly take care of your fresh ink so that it can heal properly. And, things can get tricky without proper guidance.
For example, your tattoo artist probably talked about tattoo aftercare and what you should do like clean the tattoo, moisturize it, keep it away from water, etc. But, you still have questions, like can I use this baby lotion I already have to moisturize and hydrate my tattoo?
Luckily, we are well aware that people have a lot of questions regarding tattoo aftercare, especially regarding the products they want to put on the tattoo. Therefore, weve decided to tackle the question of baby lotion and tattoo moisturizing once and for all. So, without further ado, lets get into it!
What To Look For & Avoid In A Lotion For Tattoos
Of course, you can ask your professional if they have any recommendations. But if you’re looking to do some research yourself, here are the most important things to look for in a lotion:
- Sensitive-skin safe. Always use products that are gently formulated with soothing ingredients, as the skin may experience increased sensitivity in the area. A few ingredients to look for are oat extracts, green tea, and calendula.
- Fragrance-free. Much like the above point, your skin will be particularly reactiveso it’s best to avoid any perfumed products for the time being.
- Avoid exfoliating ingredients. AHAs, BHAs, and retinols are popular body care additions of late, as they help tone the skin.However, they can also increase cell turnoverwhich may lead to your color fading faster. Best to avoid while your new ink is settling in.
- Look for an occlusive formula. While many of the popularly recommended options contain mineral oils, you don’t have to use petrochemicals if you don’t want to. Instead, butters and thicker botanical oils can create a protective and comforting barrier around the skin.
- Healing antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and inflammation. Look for soothing varieties like vitamin E, ubiquinol, and polyphenols.
- Sunscreen. If your tattoo is exposed to UV rays, always wear SPF to protect the skin. Burns on freshly inked skin can result in peeling and flaking.
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The Best Tattoo Creams To Help The Healing Process And Keep Your Tattoos Looking Vibrant
A tattoo can be a beautiful piece of artwork, but without proper maintenance, colours can often fade or bleed and lines can smudge. No one wants to invest the time and money of getting a tattoo for it to end up looking mediocre a few years or even months down the line. Whether youre getting a full sleeve or a small piece, any professional tattoo artist will tell you that proper maintenance is important to make sure your skin heals properly.
One of the best ways to protect your new ink is by using the best tattoo cream. A good quality, moisturising cream can hydrate your skin, reduce irritation and itching, and prevent skin peeling. With something as delicate as a fresh tattoo, however, you cant just use any old cream to moisturise your skin. The wrong ingredients can not only prevent healing, but also end up harming your tattoos final effect.
Your tattoo artist will be able to best advise you on the best kind of tattoo cream for your skin type, but our roundup below has several options to choose from. Read on to find the best product to heal your skin after getting fresh ink and to properly preserve your tattoos in the long run.
Pick #: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Main benefits:
- Good for people who dislike lotion
- Creates a barrier that promotes oxygen flow
- Restores moisture to the skin
- Preservative and fragrance-free
If youre not a fan of lotions, perhaps youd prefer an ointment. Specifically, Aquaphor Healing Ointment. We rate it as the best ointment for tattoos, but thats for you to decide. Just like lotions, it aims to hydrate your skin and assist with repair and recovery. It has a slightly thicker texture than location and creates a protective barrier to keep your skin hydrated.
It has been clinically proven to restore moisture to the skin and repair cracked or dry skin. If your tattoo is itching, flaking, cracking, or swelling, apply some Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
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Tattoo Goo The Original After Care Salve
Another product that is easy on the pockets is this Tattoo Goo The Original After Care Salve. This cult-favorite salve contains olive oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and other soothing ingredients that aid the healing process. It is non-greasy, so you can apply and forget about it. If you dont like the thick and heavy feeling of regular lotions, this salve is perfect for you.
Woodys Beard & Tattoo Oil
While salves, balms, and creams can feel lovely, they may not be your preference. Enter: Woodys Beard & Tattoo Oil, which boasts a lovely lightweight formula, and has nourishing ingredients such as Moringa and Macadamia Oils on its ingredients list. This one is another thats brilliant for fading tattoos, and dont be fooled by the name both men and women can of course apply this.
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How Long Should I Wait Before Removing The Bandage
Remove the bandage no sooner than 3-4 hours after, though it can also be left on overnight, especially if you received the tattoo in the evening. If you were tattooed early in the day, you may remove the bandage before going to bed. At most, the bandage should be removed within 24 hours of receiving the tattoo. We dont recommend re-bandaging after the first bandage is removed.
There is a new type of bandage called Saniderm, which allows for quick, easy and clean healing of your tattoo. It is a thin, clear film that can stay on the tattooed area for as long as 5 days, and can be worn to bed and in the shower. Not all tattoo shops carry Saniderm, so it is recommended to ask the shop in advance, or bring your own if you wish to use this method.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion With Soothing Oat
We love Aveeno. Its a safe, fragrance-free, dermatologist tested lotion that can be found almost anywhere you look at a very affordable price. The added colloidal oatmeal is especially beneficial to a fresh tattoo because it helps restore the skin’s normal pH balance, while simultaneously soothing irritation and locking in moisture to protect the skin. With a non-greasy formula that glides on gently, its a perfect addition to your tattoo aftercare routine.
Aveeno is also non-comedogenic, which means it will not block pores when applied. Blocked pores can result in breakouts or your tattoo having difficulty breathing. This can cause distortions in your art and could lead to infection.
If your tattoo is extra itchy or dry, you can try Aveenos Skin Relief Lotion which has a triple oat complex and a higher dimethicone percentage for an extra dose of hydration.
One reviewer wrote, I first started using Aveeno based on the recommendation of the head of a University Medical School burn unit where I was being treated for a severe scorching that required extensive skin grafts and a long stretch of therapy. That was almost twenty years ago and I still find Aveeno to be the best thing available. I think other folks might find it a great product for treating dry, sensitive skin. Let me recommend that you not go to extremes to discover its benefits. A tattoo is a wound and requires the best and safest hydration Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion will do the trick.
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How Often Should You Put Lotion On A New Tattoo
- Written By Dan Hunter on June 6, 2018Last Updated: November 8, 2020
- Independently fact-checked by Chronic Ink Tattoo
During the weeks after getting a new tattoo, the skin becomes very delicate as it tries to regenerate and heal from the trauma caused by the tattooing needles pumping in and out of the area thousands of times a minute.
Most people know that applying a good lotion to the area can help to speed up the healing process by nourishing and hydrating the skin, but many people are unsure about how to properly apply lotion and which lotion to use.
Generally, you should always aim to make sure your tattooed skin is soft and supple to ensure there are no areas becoming exceedingly dry, which can cause the tattoo to crack, and can also cause irritation and itching.
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- Tattoo Peeling Tips Today were going to explore the process of tattoo healing, scabbing, flaking, and peeling in detail. Well also give some helpful tips for tattoo peeling and potentially avoiding the worst parts of scabbing. But most importantly, well cover some critical DOs and DO NOTs for avoiding scabbing and flaking, as well as taking care of a peeling tattoo.
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- Top 5 Tattoo Numbing Creams Youre about to get inked, but whats the best way to deal with the pain? One option is to use the best tattoo numbing cream. Topical anesthetics like these dull the sting of the needle. People also use them for piercings and permanent makeup procedures.
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How Can I Ruin My New Tattoo
The following are the most common causes for the ruination of a new tattoo :
If you under moisturize, the skin cracks and breaks, resulting in skin irritation, scabbing, and peeling. The skin then becomes itchy, tempting you to scratch it or pull off the peeling skin, which could potentially mess up your tattoo. If you peel the skin and dont let it slough off naturally, you can pull ink out of your tattoo. Scratching can also achieve this.