Properly caring for and selecting the right tattoo lotion or cream is key in ensuring the longevity of your body art. They can also prevent that annoying itch that accompanies a healing tattoo, as the last thing you want to do is scratch at your new ink it is an open wound, after all! The best way to encourage quick healing of a tattoo is to take care of it diligently. Whatever the case may be, designing a tattoo is exciting, but you also need to be fully prepared for tattoo aftercare and all that comes with it. So, while you can use baby lotion on a new tattoo, its probably not the best idea. 15 Experts-Approved Razors for Getting the Perfect, The Best Safety Razors for a Close, Smooth Shave, 10 Very Best Hair Gels for Any Hair and Hairstyle. Avoid using your bath towel, as it's most likely dirty and could harbor bacteria. Most experts recommend that you wait a day after receiving your tattoo before jumping in the shower. The reason for this is that baby lotions often contain ingredients that can weaken the skins barrier function. SPF lotions often contain chemicals that might irritate a healing tattoo. If you put lotion on the baby's hands, cover them with a baby mitt or socks so the baby doesn't get the lotion in his or her mouth.". Scratching it can cause damage to the skin, as can peeling. If you work a desk job or are otherwise sedentary during the day, its important to keep your tattoo hydrated as well. Keeping your tattoo moist is key to proper healing. Keep your tats looking fresh with these tried-and-true treatments. This is great for anyone who wants extra protection over their tattoo that will still let the skin heal normally. She interviewed tattoo artist Mike Nomy and board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D to inform these recommendations, in addition to tapping GH Institute Beauty & Health Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler, who regularly coordinates hands-on testing and analysis of beauty and health products for the GH Institute. We chatted with Bang Bang's Bryan Gutierrez, one of the most highly sought-after tattoo artists in New York City, and Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, to get their take on the best way to take care of fresh tattoos. This product is packaged in an easy-to-carry tin that will effortlessly fit into a pocket or a purse, making it great for anyone who needs to take care of their tattoo while still on the go. Avoid using harsh soap, as it can irritate your skin. The first month is the most critical in the process where you will need to pay the maximum amount of attention and care to your tattoo. Aquaphor is a classic for a multitude of skin ailments, especially in the winter time. But after a certain point, expired lotion just doesn't work, and a contaminated formula may even cause irritation. What Happens If You Use Scented Soap On a Tattoo? These products tend to have fewer artificial additives which can help reduce the risk of skin irritation. When Can I Put Lotion On My Baby or Newborn? - MomInformed After a few weeks of consistent use, the colors in your older tattoos will be brighter and more defined. If your tattoo is still weeping (oozing clear fluid), leave the bandage off and let it air dry for a few hours before applying lotion. Best Overall Tattoo Lotion: Aquaphor Healing Ointment, 2. While it is an ointment, it provides a semi-occlusive barrier, meaning the lotion forms a protective barrier over the skin, but will still allow for oxygen to reach the wound. It makes a great choice for when you have tattoos in delicate areas, or if you have sensitive skin that may react to dyes and perfumes. By Mekita Rivas, Siena Gagliano and Ruby. More fade-resistant colors are red and black. [1] Can I Put Sunscreen On My New Tattoo? - AuthorityTattoo As the skin sheds its top layer, the vibrant colors of your design will begin to show through. You should be washing your tattoo at least twice daily after the first bandage change. Resist the temptation to uncover your tattoo right away, as it is there to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria. One crucial aspect of this process involves using the .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}right lotions at the appropriate time. Its a sterile environment.. Petroleum-based products such asVaselineshould not be used on a new tattoo. After that, it's time to protect the tattoo with lotion. Choose a lotion with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Aveeno Sheer Hydration or Oras Herbal Tattoo Salve to get extra relief every time you moisturize. The combination of nanoparticles and other herbal ingredients can cause allergic reactions or irritate very sensitive skin. The 12 Best Tattoo Lotions to Heal and Protect Your Latest Ink, According to Experts Keep your tats looking fresh with these tried-and-true treatments. A great choice for anyone whos shopping for an organic option, Oras Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve is almost entirely composed of organic herbs and essential oils. Excessive redness or itchiness, swelling, or discoloration around the tattooed skin may be an indication of infection. 13 Best Tattoo Lotions to Keep Your Ink Vibrant in 2022 - SPY Aftercare should include tattoo dry healing, as long as you follow all other aftercare instructions precisely. In addition to that, wash the tattoo once or twice a day. "It damages everything. The takeaway. When applied to a fresh tattoo, Vaseline creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the skin. Salves are a subset of the ointment category, but has the same basic healing properties. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation. The most difficult aspect for tattoo artists to agree on when it comes to aftercare is tattoo moisturizer. Additionally, Vaseline can trap bacteria against the skin, increasing the risk of an infection developing. Make sure to wash and moisturize it every day, dont submerge it in water, and keep it out of direct sunlight. What Is Neosporin? Formulated with vitamin B5, it's made to improve your skin's moisture barrier, too. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day. If you apply lotion too early, it can make the scabs soft and cause them to fall off prematurely. Keep reading for the answers you need! Its recommended to patch test any new lotion on a small area first to ensure theres no adverse reaction. Be sure to read the ingredients list on any lotion before using it on your tattoo. This means no lotions, perfumes, or other products that could irritate the area. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. "Avoid direct sun exposure for long periods, in general," Gutierrez said. Tattoo Aftercare: The Complete Guide, According to Dermatologists, Can You Shave Over A Tattoo? This can cause breakouts of small, fluid-filled bumps. Let it breathe and wear loose clothing, if possible. Thesetattoo aftercare productsare specifically designed to cause as little irritation to the tattoo as possible. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen is just as great for the face as it is for the body just be sure to rub in the silky . For a more easily spreadable product, check out Sanibalm Plus. After your tattoo heals, any time the outer layer of your skin is dry it can make your healed tattoo look less crisp than the day you got it. Tattoo Aftercare: How To Care For Your New Tattoo Tattoodo Your tattoo may not be as dark as it first was once completely healed, but a tattoo brightening lotion like Ink Scribd can help you get the best color out of your ink. We recommend moisturizing your new tattoo two to four times a day, starting from the third day after getting your tattoo. Avoid direct sunlight, don't sit in hot tubs, and save that ocean dip for after it's healed. This will reduce the chances of a buildup of dust, dirt, or residue that can come in contact with and infect your tattoo. Dr. Gohara adds, Its important to use a barrier cream because the process [of getting a tattoo] compromises our protective skin barrier. You should avoid lotions that contain petroleum or mineral oil, as these can trap bacteria and dirt in your wound and delay healing. The area will likely be itchy and uncomfortable, and you may see some scabbing. A fresh tattoo is an open wound Fresh tattoos bleed and ooze excess ink the first 24 to 48 hours The aftercare routine starts immediately after you get the tattoo done Once your tattoo is done and you leave the tattoo studio, you need to start taking care of it right away. Thats fair, since theyre not necessarily meant to moisturize, just to protect a healing tattoo. It is great for the first few weeks of tattoo healing, but for prolonged use it might be too heavy. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before using tattoo/skincare products that may interfere with medications or known conditions. The formula of Tattoo Goo contains colorings and is greasier than its competitors. If you dont moisturize a tattoo, it will dry out. Dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, agrees: If someone said, how does your skin feel after you drag needles through it, one would think, not so great. The skin is inflamed, irritated and reacting to a whole bunch of microtraumas, she says. After that, you can reduce the frequency to once or twice a day as needed. 15 Best Tattoo Lotions and Creams for a Great Looking Tattoo | Skincare If you have sensitive skin, this lotion is a great choice for you. GH Beauty Lab experts also use instruments to measure product effectiveness. Using lotion past its expiration date isn't likely to cause any harm. You may have seen people using baby lotion on their new tattoos, but is this a good idea? Gutierrez is partial to Lubriderm lotions, like this one that contain no fragrances. It comes in a large 16.9-ounce bottle that is sure to last you for the duration of your tattoo healing and beyond. This lotion isnt the best if you are looking for something to help with extremely dry skin and itching within the first few weeks of receiving your tattoo. We will never send you spam. 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. Once your artist is finished tattooing, they will wrap your new ink in a sterile bandage. Dont overdo it you dont want to leave your tattoo feeling greasy or oily. This can cause delays in healing. This means that there are little to no visible signs of peeling, flaking, or dry skin, and that the area surrounding the tattoo appears normal. Your Tattoos Will Thank You for Using One of These Sunscreens It is rich and herbal, but may be too overpowering for some. Tattoo lotions are specifically created for use during the healing period. Dr. Shirazi adds, "A protective balm is beneficial the first week of wound healing, but this has some potential allergens like beeswax which could delay healing or cause irritation in some skin types.". "Thick and occlusive products are ideal for tattoo aftercare to help protect the new tattoo, decrease the risk of infection, and promote healing," says Carmen Castilla, MD, a New York City-based . Apply your favorite lotion after drying and youre good to go.