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.
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.
In fact, keeping your tattoo moisturised is really important while it heals. Not only does it ensure you don't end up with dehydrated, dry tattoos, but it can help reduce scabbing, promote faster healing, prevent flaking and, of course, reduce itching.
What Happens if your Tattoo Gets Too Dry? Letting a tattoo become too dry can introduce itchiness and irritation. This might increase your tendency to scratch the area, which is always something to avoid when healing a tattoo. When healing any wound, the area will eventually dry out and scab.
No Skin Reactions - Irritation and allergic reactions from creams and lotions do not occur when dry healing is the chosen tattoo healing method. Saves Time & Effort - Dry healing your new ink saves the time and effort of applying a moisturizer several times per day.
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.
Week one. Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash. A person with a fresh tattoo should follow their tattoo artist's instructions on when to start using moisturizer.
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.
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!).
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.
A general moisturizer e.g Bepanthen can be applied to aid healing (only after those first 3 days.) Change your cling film three times a day, for the first three days.
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.
While you don't want to forget to wash your tattoo for days on end, if you miss a couple of cleaning sessions, don't worry. Your skin will continue healing. Just pick up where you left off as soon as you can.
During these first few days, it is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender. You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
Change your bedsheets and use old sheets for sleeping. It's not unusual for some seeping to take place. If your tattoo comes in touch with the sheets then you can ruin your bedsheets, ink is not designed to wash out. It's a good idea to sleep using old sheets you don't mind throwing away.
The constant needle pricks can be physically draining for the body. As a result, the body can go into “fight or flight” mode and release adrenaline, which can cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This adrenaline rush is a natural response to stress and pain, and it can have a significant impact on the body.
We would not recommend using creams such as Bepanthen or Sudocrem. These are really only suitable for surface treatments – they're for nappy rash, not tattoos!
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.
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.
Never use petroleum based products A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, and Neosporin on your tattoos. These 6 products have a purpose, and it's not tattoo aftercare or tattoo healing.
Aquaphor's all-purpose ointment won a top spot in the 2022 Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards for its nourishing glycerin and panthenol formula. It creates a protective barrier that allows skin to heal and prevents moisture loss, according to the GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab's data evaluation.