Getting a new tattoo can be an exciting experience. However, proper aftercare is essential for helping your new ink heal properly and look its best. One of the most important aspects of tattoo aftercare is keeping the area moisturized with the right cream or ointment during the healing process. But with so many products on the market, it can be confusing to know which one is best for your new tattoo.
The key is choosing a cream or ointment specifically formulated for use on new tattoos. These products provide the right balance of moisture without clogging pores or suffocating the skin. They also contain ingredients to help soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection as your skin regenerates. Using the wrong type of product, or something too heavy or greasy, risks leading to problems with healing and can cause damage to your new body art.
In this article, we’ll look at the types of creams recommended for new tattoos and provide tips on how to choose the right aftercare product for optimal healing. We’ll also go over when and how often to apply tattoo cream or ointment. With the proper aftercare regimen, you can help your new ink heal beautifully.
When to Start Using Tattoo Cream or Ointment
Once your new tattoo is finished, the tattoo artist will clean and bandage the area. You’ll want to leave this original bandage on for a minimum of two hours before carefully removing it. This gives the open wounds time to begin closing up so the new tattoo is not as susceptible to rubbing or friction right away.
After removing the bandage, gently clean the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and warm water and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub or pick at any scabs or flakes – this can pull out the ink and lead to patchiness. At this point, you can apply a very thin layer of tattoo cream or ointment.
It’s important not to apply too much ointment at first or make the layer too thick. You want the tattoo to remain slightly dry for the first 3-4 days so scabs can properly form over the skin. Excessive moisture can lead to fluid buildup and plasma oozing, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
During the first 3-4 days, you’ll only need a pea-sized amount of cream or ointment each time you moisturize the tattoo. Spread this over the entire tattoo using clean hands, being careful not to rub too vigorously. Reapply whenever the area feels dry or tight. For the first few days, this is typically 3-5 times per day.
How Often to Apply Cream During Healing
Once the tattoos peels and scabs over after a few days, you can begin applying a heavier layer of cream or ointment 1-2 times per day. The goal is to keep the tattoo moist without saturating it. Excessive moisture causes the ink and plasma to leach out, while not enough can lead to scabbing and cracking.
Continue applying tattoo cream 1-2 times per day throughout the healing period as needed whenever the skin feels dry or tight. Most tattoos take 2-4 weeks to fully heal, depending on size and your body’s natural healing ability. Larger or more detailed tattoos may take longer.
Here are some general guidelines on frequency of application based on healing stage:
- Days 1-4: Apply a very thin layer 2-4 times per day
- Days 5-10: Apply a light layer 1-2 times per day
- Days 10-20: Apply once daily or as needed for dryness
- Days 20-30: Apply only as needed to avoid dryness
Keep in mind that overmoisturizing can also lead to problems, so don’t apply cream more often than needed based on the condition of your skin. Watch for signs of excess moisture such as oozing, along with leaking of ink and plasma.
Types of Cream for New Tattoos
When shopping for the right tattoo aftercare cream or ointment, look for products specifically formulated for use on new tattoos. These provide the right moisturizing ingredients to nourish skin and enhance healing. Here are some top options:
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is a go-to recommendation from many tattoo artists. The thick jelly helps seal in moisture while providing a protective barrier against friction, bacteria, and contaminants. It’s affordable, easy to find, and fragrance-free. Use a thin layer and ensure the area can still breathe.
A&D Ointment
A&D Original Ointment provides a blend of lanolin and petroleum to soothe, moisturize, and protect new tattoos. It helps reduce scabbing and prevents the tattoo from drying out. The ultrathick formula adheres well but avoid using too much.
Aquaphor
Aquaphor Healing Ointment also contains petroleum jelly along with additional moisturizing ingredients like mineral oil and glycerin. It creates a breathable barrier to lock in moisture and promote healing. Aquaphor is highly recommended by tattoo artists.
Hustle Butter
Hustle Butter Deluxe specifically formulated its tattoo butter with natural ingredients like shea, mango, aloe vera, and sunflower oils. It moisturizes while helping reduce irritation, inflammation and itching as skin heals. The vegan formula absorbs well without heaviness.
After Inked
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion utilizes a natural formula containing coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, and vitamins C and E. It hydrates the skin and enhances healing while reducing itching and irritation.
Tattoo Goo
Tattoo Goo Original Aftercare Salve provides a non-greasy formula with olive oil, vitamin E, rosemary oleoresin, and beeswax to moisturize and protect. It creates a breathable barrier for healing and reduces redness and swelling.
H2Ocean
H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap and Ointment is a gentle, vegan aftercare formula containing oils, vitamins, and natural extracts. The foam cleanser lifts away plasma and buildup while the ointment moisturizes without clogging pores.
What to Avoid
When choosing a cream or ointment for tattoo aftercare, avoid certain ingredients that can irritate and potentially damage healing skin:
- Fragrances
- Dyes
- Alcohol
- Mineral oil
- Lanolin
- Neosporin or antibiotic ointments
Products containing these, or made with harsh chemicals, can dry out and inflame the skin. They may also provoke allergic reactions. Read ingredient labels carefully and look for fragrance-free formulas made for sensitive skin.
Also avoid using moisturizers you already have at home not designed for tattoo aftercare. Lotions and creams contain ingredients that aren’t ideal for healing a new tattoo. And homemade concoctions like coconut oil or petroleum jelly by themselves tend to be too greasy. Stick with tried and true tattoo aftercare products.
Signs of Improper Aftercare
Using the wrong type of cream, or failing to adequately moisturize your new tattoo, can lead to poor healing and permanent damage. Watch for these warning signs of improper aftercare:
- Excessive scabbing or peeling – shows the tattoo is too dry
- Oozing of ink and plasma – signals too much moisture
- Redness, swelling, itching – indications of irritation or infection
- Patchy spots, fading – means moisturizer is inadequate
- Thick, raised scars – due to poor moisturizing routine
If you notice any of these, stop using the current product. Consult your tattoo artist or doctor to get their advice on the proper aftercare regimen. For signs of infection, including pus, red streaking, fever or heat, seek medical care promptly.
Tips for Applying Tattoo Cream
Follow these tips to get the most out of your tattoo cream or ointment during the healing process:
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or applying cream
- Use a pea-sized amount and spread evenly in a thin layer using clean fingers
- Do not oversaturate – the tattoo should not look shiny or greasy
- Apply gently without rubbing – don’t disrupt scabs
- Allow the product to fully absorb into skin before dressing
- Apply sunscreen over cream before sun exposure
- Keep your tattoo clean – wash gently with antimicrobial soap and water to remove buildup
- Avoid soaking in baths, pools, etc. until fully healed
Carefully following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and using the right cream or ointment will help your new body art heal beautifully. Be diligent about proper moisturizing techniques for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a cream or ointment on my new tattoo?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to keep new tattoos moisturized with an aftercare cream or ointment during the healing process. This helps replenish moisture, enhances healing, reduces irritation, and prevents scabbing and cracking. Using a product specially formulated for tattoo aftercare provides the right ingredients to nurture skin.
When can I switch to a regular body lotion?
It’s best to stick with a specialized tattoo aftercare cream or ointment for the entire healing period, up to 4 weeks. Regular body lotions tend to contain fragrances, dyes, and chemicals that can irritate healing tattooed skin. Only after the tattoo has fully healed and the skin has regenerated should you switch to gentle, fragrance-free body lotion to maintain moisture.
How do I know if I’m using too much cream?
If your new tattoo looks shiny, greasy, or slimy after applying cream, you are likely using too much. A pea-sized amount gently spread in a sheer layer is sufficient. Excessive amounts prevent proper air circulation and creates an environment inviting bacteria and plasma oozing. Watch for signs of overmoisturizing like cloudy plasma, leakage of ink, and swelling.
What happens if I don’t use enough cream?
Not using enough tattoo cream or ointment can lead to excessive scabbing, peeling, cracking, and drying of your tattooed skin. This causes the ink to fade and fall out resulting in patchy spots. Thick scars may also form without proper daily moisturizing. Apply a thin layer of cream whenever your tattoo feels dry or tight.
How long should I wait before applying cream after getting a tattoo?
It’s best to wait until after removing the original bandage, usually 2-4 hours after your session ends. Gently wash the tattoo first before patting dry and applying a thin layer of cream. Keep the initial applications light for the first 3-4 days so scabs can form properly as the skin heals.
Conclusion
Caring for a new tattoo doesn’t end when you walk out of the studio – proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing. Applying the right cream or ointment helps keep your new ink looking vibrant by moisturizing the skin and enhancing the healing process. Be sure to choose a product specifically formulated for tattoo aftercare and follow the recommendations for how often to apply it based on your healing stage. With the proper regimen, you’ll help your new body art heal beautifully.