You will need: -Unscented antibacterial/antimicrobial liquid hand soap. -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).
NEVER apply Bepanthen, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other creams and lotions without asking your artist. Keep your tattoo clean, out of the pool/ocean for 1 week minimum, out of the sun for 3 weeks minimum. Don't wear tight clothing over your tattoo that can cause friction, this will ruin your tattoo quickly.
Hibler says the safest option is to use a gentle (aka fragrance- and preservative-free) cleanser, ointment, moisturizer, and sunscreen. He adds that many products safe for eczema-prone skin are also great options for tattoo aftercare because they have gentle formulas that retain moisture and restore the skin barrier.
A thin smear of vaseline always worked for me.
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.
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!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used!
Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment helps heal and protect your tattooed skin. Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment is dermatologically tested to help heal and protect tattoos. It contains Pro-vitamin B5 which helps to keep your tattooed skin moisturised and protected.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. 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).
Use some kind of breathable moisturizer. Options include products formulated specifically for tattoo healing, a fragrance-free moisturizer with water listed as the first ingredient, like Eucerin, Curel, or Lubriderm, or natural moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter.
As soon as the film is off, it's time to moisturize. I recommend unscented moisturizers like QV-Cream or Cetaphil. Cream your tattoo about three times a day for at least week or until you think it's fully healed.
Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is just the soap for this job! Most tattoo professionals recommend the Unscented variety so that you are not putting any potentially irritating essential oils on your sensitive skin. Make sure to use warm water, and wash your hands thoroughly before washing your tattoo.
Aloe vera is great for tattoo care. Finding tattoo care products that include aloe vera as an ingredient like ours can be key to the health of your art. Aloe vera can help ensure the area is soothed and protected, ease discomfort and irritation, and keep your tattoo moisturized while letting it breathe.
Without moisturiser, there's a risk that healing skin will get very dry, tight and itchy, and itchy skin that you can't scratch - that in fact you shouldn't touch at all - is not much fun! If you do itch then you risk damaging the new tattoo.
"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."
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.
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.
Savlon Antiseptic Cream is a healing cream that can gently sooth and aid in preventing infection. It also helps promote natural healing. It is a smooth white cream that has a slight antiseptic odour and can be used in the aftercare and healing of new tattoos and piercings.
Petroleum-based ointments
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.
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.
NEVER use Vaseline, Savlon, Coco Butter or Sudocrem or any other cosmetic cream as this can damage your new tattoo. Once your tattoo has fully healed, you can use alternative creams just ensure your tattoo is fully healed. After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possible scabbing.