Tattoo aftercare is essential for maintaining tattoo quality. It promotes healing and helps prevent infection.
A key component are tattoo aftercare lotions, which deliver crucial moisture and nutrients to your healing skin. A fresh tattoo is like an open wound, vulnerable to bacteria. Proper aftercare supports healing and minimizes infection risk.
Lotion does two important things:
- Acts as a barrier, protecting your skin from contaminants
- Minimizes discomfort from sensitivity and itchiness
The healing process affects your tattoo’s final appearance, so using aftercare lotions can help keep colors vibrant and lines crisp.
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Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Options
After getting a tattoo, it’s crucial to choose the right lotion to promote proper healing and maintain the vibrancy of your new ink. There are various options available, each catering to different preferences and skin types. Two of the most recommended options are Aquaphor and Lubriderm (we recommend these at our shop, too!)
Both are known for their skin-nourishing properties and compatibility with newly inked skin.
Aquaphor (Best Right After Saniderm)
This ointment is often celebrated for its intense moisturizing ability. It creates a protective barrier over the skin while allowing air to penetrate, so your tattoo can breathe and heal properly. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way in keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Once you’ve removed your Saniderm bandage—especially in the first several days—using Aquaphor can help lock in moisture and protect your healing tattoo. It acts like a barrier, shielding the area while keeping it hydrated without making the skin feel overly heavy.
To apply it properly, warm a small amount between your fingers first. This helps it glide on more smoothly and evenly.
Avoid skin-contact versions of Aquaphor—they’re not designed for fresh tattoos. These formulas can create friction, introduce bacteria, and risk damaging your ink.
We recommend: Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Amazon)
Lubriderm
If you prefer something a little lighter after those first few days, Lubriderm is a great go-to. Designed by dermatologists, this lotion absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy feel behind—perfect for daily use.
Apply a thin, even layer to your tattooed skin. This helps calm irritation, ease itching, and support the healing process.
Bonus: It’s fragrance-free, which makes it safe for sensitive or freshly tattooed skin. Just don’t overdo it—too much lotion can smother the skin and slow down healing.
We recommend this one: Lubriderm Advanced Therapy (Amazon)
Why You Need Them
Applying lotion to a tattoo as it heals can help to keep the skin hydrated, which is essential for proper healing and the prevention of scabbing.
With the right ingredients, you can:
- Reduce redness
- Minimize Inflammation
- Alleviate Itching
- Prevent infection
When selecting an aftercare lotion, it’s important to consider your skin type, any potential allergies, and the specific needs of your tattoo.
How to Choose Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
Getting a tattoo means committing to aftercare while it heals. To keep it looking great and healing well, choosing the right aftercare lotion is crucial.
With so many choices out there, how do you find the one that’s best for your tattoo? Let’s explore the important factors and tips for picking the right lotion.
Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-Free
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, opting for fragrance-free and alcohol-free lotions is crucial. Search the ingredients list on your lotion thoroughly for each of these.
Fragrances, while appealing, can lead to irritation and allergic reactions, particularly on sensitive, healing skin.
Alcohol, on the other hand, can be too drying and may interfere with the healing process, causing discomfort.
Remember, your tattoo is an investment. Providing it with the gentlest and most effective care will help maintain its vibrancy and longevity. Choose products made without synthetic fragrances or alcohol to nurture your skin safely during its healing journey.
For more information on the tattoo healing process and general aftercare instructions, check out our article on the tattoo healing process.
Ingredients to Look for in Aftercare Lotions
When selecting an aftercare lotion for your tattoo, it’s important to consider the ingredients that will contribute to the healing and maintenance of your tattoo. Look for tattoo aftercare lotions that contain moisturizing ingredients, soothing and healing ingredients, and antimicrobial ingredients.
Moisturizing Ingredients
Moisturizing ingredients are essential as they help prevent the tattooed skin from becoming dry and flaky, which can lead to irritation and affect the healing process. Look for lotions that contain ingredients such as:
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: Helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
- Ceramides: Help prevent moisture escape and protect against environmental pollutants
These moisturizing ingredients work together to keep the skin nourished and promote optimal healing.
Soothing and Healing Ingredients
After getting a tattoo, the skin may experience redness, inflammation, and sensitivity.
If your skin feels like it needs some TLC, look for:
- Chamomile: Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
- Calendula: Helps to soothe and promote healing of the skin.
- Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Supports the skin’s natural healing process.
These ingredients provide relief to the tattooed area and aid in the healing process.
Antimicrobial Ingredients
To prevent infection and maintain the cleanliness of the tattooed skin, you might choose a tattoo aftercare lotion that includes antimicrobial ingredients. This isn’t always necessary as antibacterial soaps may be easier to find.
If you decide you need antibacterial protection, here are some things you can look for:
- Tea tree oil: Known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
- Witch hazel: Helps to cleanse and soothe the skin.
- Benzalkonium chloride: A common antimicrobial agent used in topical products.
These bacteria-fighting ingredients work to keep the tattooed area clean and minimize the risk of infection.
By selecting an aftercare lotion that contains these beneficial ingredients, you can provide your tattoo with the proper care it needs during the healing process. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s essential to follow the tattoo aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist or professional.
Best Practices for Using Aftercare Lotions
To ensure optimal healing and protection for your new tattoo, there are a few simple things to remember. Proper application techniques, frequency of application, and knowing what to avoid are key aspects of effective tattoo aftercare.
Proper Application
When applying an aftercare lotion to your tattoo, it’s crucial to follow these proper techniques:
- Clean Hands: Before touching your tattoo or applying any aftercare lotion, make sure your hands are clean and free from any dirt or bacteria.
- Gently Pat Dry: After washing your tattoo according to the tattoo aftercare instructions, gently pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the tattoo as it may cause irritation.
- Apply a Thin Layer: Take a small amount of lotion and spread it thinly over the tattooed area. Use gentle, circular motions to ensure even coverage. Avoid applying too much lotion as it can clog the pores and hinder the healing process.
- Avoid Excessive Rubbing: While applying the lotion, avoid excessive rubbing or massaging of the tattoo. This can potentially damage the delicate healing skin and cause discomfort.
How Often to Apply
The frequency of applying aftercare lotion to your tattoo depends on the stage of the healing process. Typically, it is recommended to apply twice a day–once in the morning and once at night. However, it’s essential to follow the guidance provided by your tattoo artist.
During the initial stage of healing, which can last for about a week, you may need to apply the lotion more frequently. As your tattoo starts to heal and dry out, you can reduce the frequency of application. Remember, it’s important to keep your tattoo moisturized without over-saturating it with lotion.
What to Avoid During Aftercare
To ensure proper healing and prevent complications, it’s important to avoid certain practices while using aftercare lotions:
- Picking or Scratching: Avoid picking or scratching your tattoo as it can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It’s normal for your tattoo to itch, but resist the temptation to scratch it.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Protect your tattoo from excessive sun exposure during the healing process. UV rays can damage the tattoo and prolong the healing time. If you need to be in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to the tattooed area.
- Swimming and Soaking: Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or any natural bodies of water during the initial healing stage. These environments can introduce bacteria and chemicals that may irritate or infect the tattoo. Additionally, avoid soaking the tattoo in water for prolonged periods, such as taking long baths or sitting in hot tubs.
By following these best practices, you can ensure that your tattoo receives the appropriate care and protection it needs to heal properly. Remember that tattoo aftercare lotions are just one component of the overall tattoo healing process.
We Care About Aftercare
If you’re looking for a tattoo shop that cares about the entire tattoo process, from design to aftercare, schedule a consultation with us at The Honorable Society.
Not ready to take the plunge on your next tattoo? Follow us on Instagram to keep up with our latest work.
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