Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Yes, it is definitely possible to overwash your tattoo.
If you overwash your tattoo, this can lead to you accidentally washing away your body's beneficial bacteria, which will then prevent your tattoo from healing properly.
Wash and moisturize your tattoo daily until the scabs are gone. You should continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it's fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.
Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).
If you don't wash your tattoo, it could trap bacteria or particles inside the wound and disrupt the healing process resulting in infection, scarring, or general irritation until you get that stuff out!
In a word: yes. It's definitely possible to over-moisturise a tattoo. An over-moisturised tattoo can lead to a whole host of issues, including breakouts, soggy scabs, and even infection.
"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."
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.
Dry skin can make a tattoo look blurred or faded. Keeping your skin moisturized is your best bet for a fresh look. While you can buy lotions that are marketed as tattoo lotions, you don't need to spend the extra money. Avoid lotions with additives and fragrances, which can dry out your skin.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
Working Out After Getting a New Tattoo
As a general rule, it's recommended to wait 2-3 days before any high intensity training. Then, it's recommended to wait slowly with light exercise programs until the new tattoo is completely healed (2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo).
How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.
Application of Bepanthen® Ointment 4–8 times daily for 14 days on newly tattooed skin.
Is Bepanthen the best antiseptic ointment to use? Bepathen is a popular antiseptic ointment choice. However, other antiseptic ointments include Savlon and Soov. Any of the three can be used on new ink once gently cleaned with a combination of antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
Gutierrez recommends Aquaphor for the first two days following your tattoo, and then a basic moisturizer for two weeks after that. Many people opt for Vaseline, but he recommends Aquaphor instead and advises against Vaseline for this phase of the aftercare routine.
The takeaway: Peeling is normal (to an extent) but that doesn't mean you should peel it yourself. Let your skin do its thing for the two-ish weeks and keep the tattoo clean and dry while it heals for the best results.
By not using a moisturizing lotion on your tattoo and letting it dry out, you could cause your skin to dehydrate, causing it to crack, bleed and potentially become infected.
Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Unmoisturized skin makes room for thick, tight and painful scabs to form. These may crack when you move and cause early flaking, which pulls the tattoo ink away as the scabs fall away. The result means that your new skin can't heal properly, leaving it scarred and potentially distorting the tattoo's look.