Caring for your new tattoo seems pretty easy on paper. Keep the area clean with soap and water and moisturize the area while avoiding stress and sun exposure.
But what is the role of lotion when it comes to moisturizing a tattoo? It’s not always clear when to apply lotion during the tattoo healing process, and your tattoo artist may give you vague instructions that confuse you. .
Simply put, lotion is the key to healing your tattoo, and you need to choose the right product and stick to a consistent schedule. However, it gets more complicated when it comes to the timing, amounts, and techniques required to use lotions safely and effectively.
This article will help you understand how to use lotion for tattoo healing and beyond. It explains when and why to use lotion to support the healing process, and also provides tips for long-term tattoo care using lotions and other products.
Enough second thoughts. Use lotion the right way to keep your tattoo looking its best.
Healing timeline — when to start using lotion
To understand the role of lotion in tattoo aftercare and when to start, it’s worth following the tattoo healing timeline as a refresher. Let’s take a look at the first month of tattoo healing to see when you should start using lotion.
first 24 hours
Immediately after getting new ink, the area will be very sensitive and show signs of irritation. Your artist will probably advise you to cover the area with plastic wrap or a bandage to protect it and remove the wrap within a few hours.
Once you remove the bandage, you may want to apply lotion immediately. Please don’t do this! Instead, wash the affected area with warm water and a gentle, unscented soap. Keeping your skin clean is the top priority here, so stop using lotion before your first cleansing session.
When you clean your tattoo for the first time, you’ll see bits of ink and blood washed away into the sink or shower. That’s completely normal. Pat the area dry with a paper towel so you can clearly see your fresh tattoo before moving on to the next step.
At this time, it is too early to use traditional moisturizers on your ink, as the healing process has just begun. Instead, choose a soothing gel designed specifically for your new tattoo. This will help keep the area moisturized and able to breathe.
Avoid petroleum-based products that limit your exposure to oxygen and can trap bacteria in your surroundings.
Weeks 1 and 2
After a few days, a scab will begin to form and the tattoo will begin to heal. As new skin forms beneath the surface, the skin around the area may feel “tight” and itchy. Continue cleaning the area as usual and follow aftercare instructions.
It takes a lot of willpower to avoid itching in the area, so apply a thin layer of soothing gel to help soothe the sensation with a cooling effect. Don’t reach for your moisturizer just yet. There is still a long way to go before the area is ready to be filled with a thicker lotion.
Scabbing and peeling may make your tattoo look unattractive, but they are signs that the healing process is progressing smoothly. Continue your aftercare routine and continue supporting the affected area with your trusted soothing gel.
3rd and 4th week
By the third week, your tattoo should have turned a corner in the healing process and a brand new layer of healthy skin should emerge from beneath the scab. As long as you continue to wash and apply the gel regularly, the scab should fall off on its own.
At this point, the surface scratches have healed, so it’s time to switch gears and start using more traditional tattoo lotions. Our Daily Tattoo Lotion is the ideal moisturizer to use as your skin enters the next stage of healing. Although it allows the area to breathe, the formula is a bit rich to lock in moisture and support the skin with replenishing ingredients.
Please note that this type of lotion is only for tattoos that have healed for at least two weeks. The good news is that long-term use of this moisturizing lotion can keep your ink fresh, bright, and vibrant.
Applying lotion: do’s and don’ts
The key point when using tattoo lotion during the healing phase is that timing is critical. Use only a lightweight moisturizing gel to support the new ink for the first two weeks until the area heals with new skin.
From there, you can safely switch to a moisturizing lotion that supports the later stages of healing and provides long-term maintenance benefits. With these points in mind, remember the do’s and don’ts when using gels, lotions, balms, and other topical tattoo products.
Do: Be consistent with your application
It’s easy to fall into the “as-needed” approach to using tattoo lotion, especially if your skin is in good condition and is healing well. Still, even if everything looks and feels good, you should stick to the schedule and aim to apply the soothing gel to her twice a day during the initial healing phase.
Think of it like brushing your teeth or taking a shower. You need to do it even if you don’t feel like it.
Don’t: Go too far
Tattoo soothing gels and moisturizing lotions are formulated so that a little goes a long way. For palm-sized tattoos, you won’t need more than a few drops at a time, so don’t let it soak into the area any more than necessary.
Keep in mind that your skin needs to breathe during the healing phase, so even if the formula is breathable, too much product can be harmful. Using less will give you better results than applying a thick layer of lotion or gel.
What you should do: Keep the area clean.
Soothing gels and moisturizing lotions are great for hydrating and supporting the ink, but you’ll still need to clean the area frequently. Try cleaning your tattoo with soap and water before applying a light coat of gel or moisturizer. Never reverse it.
Gels and lotions work best when the area is clean and slightly dry, allowing the skin to fully absorb the ingredients without sliding off the surface. Before applying gels, lotions, etc., be sure to pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry. This supports natural healing processes and ensures maximum effectiveness of your favorite products.
What not to do: Pick at the scab.
Even if you diligently apply gels and lotions, tattoo scabs are a sign that the healing process is in full swing. Don’t worry if the scab stays on your skin longer than expected. This means the pigment is fully embedded and lasts longer.
This also shows that when using any type of gel or lotion, it is important to apply it gently and carefully. Breaking or peeling off the scab can leave a scar or cause the final tattoo to be incomplete. Instead, practice techniques like dabbing or patting the area rather than wiping or scrubbing.
Although it may feel awkward at first, this careful approach to using lotion will pay off once the tattoo is fully healed.
What to do: Maintain your routine long-term.
After a month of proper care, your tattoo will look great. But that doesn’t mean you can stop maintaining your ink. Get into the habit of consistently using lotion and caring for your tattoo over the coming months and years.
This is a good practice for tattoo care and skin care in general, and you’ll find that your ink retains its color and shape longer. Long-term care of your ink only takes a few seconds a day. Why not take advantage of this good habit?
Using Tattoo Lotion Correctly: Repair and Maintain Your Artwork
Tattoo lotions, gels, and balms are powerful allies to help repair and maintain your ink. The key is to know the differences between these products and when to use them.
If you use a tattoo soothing gel for the first two weeks and then a moisturizing lotion from the final stages of healing onwards, you’re already in great shape. From there, be sure to use her SPF sunscreen whenever you’re in the sun and maintain a balanced lifestyle that supports overall skin health and longevity.
Using tattoo lotions and gels shouldn’t be difficult, so we’ve made it easy for you. Check out the full collection of Mad Rabbit products to support your tattoo journey every step of the way.
source:
The Science Behind Skin Care: Moisturizers | NIH (National Institutes of Health)
Consumer preferences, product properties, and potentially allergenic ingredients in best-selling moisturizers | NIH (National Institutes of Health)
Tattoos: 7 unexpected skin reactions and how to deal with them | AAD
