An essential step to healing your new ink is using tattoo aftercare products that will help you, not hurt you.
Being conscious of the dos and don’ts will help your skin heal properly and make these products as effective as they can be.
You’ll want to keep in mind everything from how you wash your tattooed skin to what clothes you put over it.
For a more thorough look at how your skin recovers, read our article on the tattoo healing stages.
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Cleansers for Tattoo Care
A gentle cleanser specifically formulated for tattoo care is an essential part of your aftercare routine. Look for a mild soap that is fragrance-free and non-irritating to avoid any potential damage to your healing tattoo. These cleansers are designed to effectively remove any debris, excess ink, or ointment buildup without causing irritation.
Here are a few we recommend:
- Vanicream Gentle Body Wash (Amazon)
- Dove Beauty Bar (Amazon)
- Cetaphil Bar (Amazon)
To properly cleanse your tattoo, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap.
- Wet your tattoo with lukewarm water.
- Apply a small amount of the mild, antibacterial soap to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your tattoo.
- Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water until all the cleanser is removed.
- Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel or a clean, soft towel that you don’t mind ruining with ink. Do not rub!
Remember, it’s important to avoid using harsh soaps, excessive scrubbing, or rough materials that can damage the tattooed skin.
Now, it’s time to apply lotion.
Aftercare Creams and Lotions
Keeping your tattoo moisturized is extremely important for proper healing and preventing dryness, which can lead to itching and potential complications.
The more you itch, the more you ruin your tattoo. The drier your skin, the harder it is to heal. (You get the idea.)
Look for aftercare creams and lotions that are:
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
If you need a little more guidance on things to look for, check out our article on aftercare lotions.
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or lotion to your tattooed skin after cleansing. Gently massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed. Regular moisturization helps to keep your tattoo hydrated and promotes proper healing.
We recommend the basics:
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Amazon) for the first week or so because it has it’s thick enough to be protective against outside bacteria and lock in moisture without causing overgrowth. Not to be confused with Vaseline, which is not recommended for tattoos.
- Lubriderm Advanced Therapy (Amazon) for the rest of the time because it is lightweight, gets absorbed quickly, and spreads evenly.
How to Use Aftercare Creams Properly
It’s important to note that while healing ointments and balms (like Aquaphor) can be beneficial during the initial stages of healing, they should be used sparingly and as directed by your tattoo artist or professional.
Overuse of these products can hinder the healing process by suffocating the tattooed skin. Always follow the instructions provided by your tattoo artist or refer to our article on tattoo aftercare ointments for more information.
Apply Aquaphor: Once your tattoo is free of Saniderm (after 24-48 hours) and freshly clean, it’s time to apply a balm to kick-start the healing process.
- Apply a thin layer to the tattoo, creating a slight sheen—your skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
- Be gentle and ensure your hands are clean to prevent infection.
Transition to a lighter lotion: As your tattoo begins to heal, switch to a lighter lotion such as Lubriderm.
- Apply enough to cover the tattoo, but do so sparingly; a little goes a long way.
- This can be used whenever you feel it needs hydration or you need relief from itchiness.
- Consistency is key—apply your lotion at least twice a day, but it can be used whenever you feel it needs hydration or you need relief from itchiness.
Best Clothes to Wear Over a Tattoo
This part can seem daunting–you have a full day ahead of you, but you want to protect your tattoo. Part of that includes wearing clothes that let it heal properly.
Basically, stick to breathable fabrics and loose clothing.
Natural materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo are your best friends while your tattoo heals. They let air flow, absorb moisture, and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
Avoid synthetics like polyester, nylon, and spandex, which trap heat and bacteria.
Comfy Clothing Ideas
Upper body:
- Oversized cotton T-shirts:
- Loose-fit Vintage Wash T-Shirt (Amazon)
- Casual Oversized T-Shirt (Amazon)
- Loose hoodies from the back of your closet — this is their moment to shine.
Lower body:
- Lightweight pants such as linen or sweatpants made of cotton:
- Casual Linen Pants (Amazon)
- Linen Palazzo Pants (Amazon)
- Sweatpants
- Loose shorts
- Skirts
All over:
- Choose things like dresses or sweatsuits to cover the whole body
- Casual Flowy Sundress (Amazon)
- Summer Maxi Dress (Amazon)
- Women’s Sweatsuit (Amazon)
- Men’s Sweatsuit (Amazon)
- Other great picks: tunics, kaftans, ponchos, or shawls in soft fabrics
Feet/ankles:
- Go for slip-ons or adjustable shoes to avoid pressure
- Skip tight sneakers, boots, and snug socks
Dress for the Season
- Hot weather: Light-colored cotton or linen; wide-brimmed hats; UV sleeves
- Cold weather: Loose bamboo layers, oversized sweaters, and breathable scarves
- Rainy days: Loose waterproof layers that don’t cling
Avoid Friction and Pressure
Skip tight or structured clothes that rub or press against your tattoo:
- No skinny jeans, underwire bras, belts, or stiff collars
- Yes to soft waistbands and relaxed fits
- Try to avoid working out or sweating, but if you do: skip compression gear, and go for loose, moisture-wicking clothes
Comfort = healing. Loose, breathable, and gentle wins every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best possible outcome for your tattoo, it’s important to be aware of and avoid common aftercare mistakes. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:
- Neglecting Proper Cleaning: Failing to clean your tattoo properly can lead to infection and other complications.
- Over-Moisturizing or Under-Moisturizing: Finding the right balance is key when it comes to moisturizing your tattoo. Applying too much or too little moisturizer can hinder the healing process. Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare lotion or tattoo aftercare ointment as recommended by your tattoo artist.
- Picking or Scratching the Tattoo: Itchy skin is a common part of the healing process, but scratching or picking at the tattoo can damage the delicate healing skin and cause infections. Resist the urge to scratch and instead gently pat the area.
- Exposing the Tattoo to Sunlight: Sun exposure can fade the colors of your tattoo and damage the healing skin. Avoid direct sunlight and, when necessary, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF to protect your tattoo.
For more information on what you can do to maintain the quality of your ink, refer to our article on the tattoo healing process.
Factors Affecting Healing
Several factors can influence the healing of a tattoo. It’s important to be aware of these factors to ensure optimal healing and the longevity of your tattoo. Here are some key factors that can affect the healing process:
- Size and Complexity: Larger and more intricate tattoos may require additional time to heal compared to smaller, simpler designs. The amount of trauma inflicted on the skin during the tattooing process can impact the healing time.
- Placement: The placement of the tattoo on your body can affect the healing process. Areas with more friction, such as joints or areas that come into contact with clothing, may take longer to heal.
- Skin Type: Different skin types have varying healing characteristics. Some individuals may experience faster healing, while others may require more time.
- Overall Health: Your overall health plays a role in the healing process. Conditions such as diabetes, compromised immune systems, or certain medications can potentially affect the healing of your tattoo.
Remember to consult with your tattoo artist if you have any concerns or questions during the healing journey.
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