The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? 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.
The thick petroleum jelly blocks the tattoo from getting air, affecting healing. After putting on Vaseline, you might even experience swelling or redness around the tattoo. If you see any of those signs, you need medical attention. An infection can lead to scarring, which can ruin your tattoo.
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.
Tattoo artists use Vaseline when tattooing because the needle and ink are creating a wound. The wound needs something to help heal, and Vaseline can act as a protector for your skin. While it may not prevent scarring and other changes, it can help keep your skin healthy.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Exfoliation - Exfoliation paired with hydrogen peroxide can do wonders to gradually fade tattoo ink naturally.
Salt and Lemon Juice Cream
This homemade tattoo removal cream lightens the skin and the unwanted tattoo, as the lemon acts as bleach. The coarse salt acts as an exfoliator - to scrub off layers of skin and those with tattoo ink.
Petroleum jelly is very thick and non-porous, meaning that when applied to a tattoo, it will create an airlock around the skin, preventing precious oxygen from reaching the wound. Without generous amounts of fresh air due to the thick jelly, the tattoo will generally take much longer to heal.
Vaseline allows the tattoo to heal properly while also effectively moisturising it. It's also essential for helping your skin restructure. Our artists recommend applying at the end of the tattoo session. Because it applies thickly, it won't let the new tattoo get dirty or exposed for the first couple of hours.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. 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.
It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.
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.
Keep following your after tattoo care instructions to keep skin clean, dry and hydrated. Once your tattoo has fully healed, make sure to always keep the area hydrated with Vaseline® Jelly and a high SPF sunscreen. Tattoos can fade in the sun even long after they heal.
Wash the tattoo with soap and water once the appropriate time period has passed and gently apply a layer of lotion.7 It's best to wash and moisturize a couple of times each day until the skin has healed, which might take anywhere from two to four weeks.8 However, it's best to check in with your tattoo artist, who may ...
Use Waterproofing Ointment
Before going swimming, apply a thin layer of a waterproofing ointment or aftercare product to your tattoo. This will help protect it from the water and prevent skin irritation. Some effective products for this include petroleum jelly, coconut oil, and aftercare creams.
Does Vaseline fade tattoos? No, it won't “fade” a tattoo. What it could possibly do is draw the fresh ink up and out of the skin as its healing, which is why the artists tells you to only use a very thin layer, just enough to keep the skin moist.
Shaving before a tattoo is essential – it's important to make sure there are no hairs in the way to guarantee a smooth finish and to help prevent the tattoo from becoming infected. Tattoo artists will usually shave your chest, back, or wherever else you're getting tattooed, before inking you.
Tattoo cream: how many days you need to apply it for optimal skin healing. After getting a tattoo, you should moisturize it daily for at least 10 to 14 days. Respecting these timeframes is absolutely crucial because, if your skin dries out, you are likely to get very disappointing results.
Don't pick, scratch, or rub your tattoo until it's healed. You could cause scarring. Don't swim, soak in a hot tub, or take a bath until your tattoo has healed completely. Opt for a shower instead.
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.
Use common household items to lighten your tattooed skin naturally. Lemon and lime juice, glycolic acid, and hydrogen peroxide can all produce mild bleaching action when applied directly to the skin. Chances are, you have one or more of these items sitting around in your pantry or medicine cabinet right now.
Another homemade tattoo removing solution is made up of honey, aloe vera gel, salt, and yogurt. Combine these ingredients to make a thick paste and apply it four times a day over your unwanted tattoo. This solution works faster than plain aloe vera, and by using this method, you will have clear skin in no time.