Because they can clog pores and prevent the tattoo from breathing and healing properly, bepanthen and vaseline are not advised for use after a tattoo. Bepanthen is a heavy, thick cream that can be too thick to apply on tattoos but is intended for use on diaper rash and other skin irritations.
Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios. Typically used as nappy rash ointment, Bepanthen has been around for a long time, and its gentle formula is used to treat babies with irritated skin.
DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal). DON'T expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, swim, sauna, steam or tub for 2 weeks.
This may indicate that it'll be useful for treating sensitive skin, but it's not! Bepanthen isn't suitable for tattoos because it contains many harsh chemical additives: Petrolatum. Lanolin and lanolin alcohol.
A&D ointment (yes, the kind used for diaper rash) is a cheap and popular choice for new tattoo aftercare. This ointment is also called Bepanthen. Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment is another hydrating and anti-inflammatory option. Good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) also works well.
Do not use Savlon, Sudacrem, Bepanthen or any other creams that contain Lanolin or (Liquid)Paraffin on your new tattoo. These creams are not suitable for use on tattoos as they are too thick and can block the pores in the skin, potentially causing an infection.
Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Water-based lotions are breathable and won't suffocate your healing skin.
Once your tattoo is fully healed (after three to six months), you can use petroleum-based ointments or Vaseline to help relieve dry skin. Just remember to ensure the skin is clean and completely dry before applying any of these types of gels, so you don't trap in moisture and possibly bacteria.
In lieu of applying a tattoo lotion after your tattoo is completed, try a thin layer of Vaseline® Healing Jelly. The triple-purified white petrolatum can protect skin by creating a sealing barrier, locking in moisture which can help your skin's natural recovery process.
On the fourth day, wash it like normal, let it air dry and from that day stop wrapping it in cling film and stop using Bepanthen. Now start moisturising it. I use E45 moisturising lotion. It works for all different skin types.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
For the first few days post-tattoo, Wallin says artists often recommend applying Aquaphor to enhance healing and promote deep hydration.
-Ointment such as Bepanthen first aid, or a tattoo specific aftercare product such as supreme crème. (Do not use anything with aloe in it, antiseptic/iodine ointment, Lubriderm, Chapstick, Vaseline or haemorrhoid cream).
Yes, once fully healed you can use Bio-Oil® to moisturise your tattoos as it helps to accelerate skin cell growth. Only use Bio-Oil® if your tattoo is fully healed, there should be no broken skin, scabs, wounds or peeling skin.
You should apply Bepanthen Tattoo Intense Care Ointment up to four times a day as part of your personal skincare routine. Follow your tattoo artist's advice for how to best care for your tattooed skin.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says. "Keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
Coconut oil offers many health benefits that aid in the healing process of a tattoo. For example, coconut oil is made up of a number of nutrients that are natural antiseptics, meaning they can help keep the skin safe from microbial infections—a big potential risk with tattoos.
With amazing cooling effects and nourishing properties, your vulnerable-to-infection ink will thank you for using aloe vera. It is an all natural product that yields amazing results. So, yes, aloe vera is good for tattoos.
Tattoo artist Jack Poohvis recommends using Cetaphil soap, which gently cleanses and keeps the tattoo clean without irritating the skin. According to Jaliman, you will want to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser on freshly tattooed skin.