Caring for a new tattoo seems simple enough: keep the area clean with soap and water, moisturize the area while avoiding stress and sun exposure.
But what is the role of lotion when it comes to hydrating a tattoo? It’s not always clear when you should apply lotion during the healing process of your tattoo, and sometimes tattoo artists give vague instructions that leave you confused.
The simple answer is that lotion is key to successful tattoo healing, and choosing the right product and sticking to a certain schedule is key. However, things can get a little complicated when it comes to the timing, amount, and technique needed for safe and effective lotion use.
This article will clearly explain how to use lotion for tattoo healing and more. It will explain when and why to use lotion to support the healing process, and also provide tips on long-term tattoo care with lotions and other products.
Enough with the confusion, use lotion correctly 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 you should start, it’s worth a refresher look at the tattoo healing timeline. 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 likely cover the area with a plastic wrap or bandage to protect it, and advise you to remove the wrap within a few hours.
Once you remove the bandage, you may be tempted to immediately apply lotion. Don’t do this. Instead, wash the area with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Keeping the skin clean is the top priority here, so refrain from applying lotion before the first wash session.
When you first clean your tattoo, you’ll probably see some bits of ink or blood run off into the sink or shower – this is totally normal. Once you’ve patted the area dry with a paper towel, you’ll be able to get a clear view of your new tattoo before moving on to the next step.
At this point, it’s too early to use a traditional moisturizer on your tattoo, as the healing process has just begun. Instead, opt for a soothing gel designed specifically for new tattoos to keep the area hydrated and allow it to breathe.
Avoid using petroleum-based products as they limit exposure to oxygen and can trap bacteria in the area.
First and second week
After a few days, a scab will begin to form and your tattoo will begin to heal. The skin in the area may feel “tight” and itchy as new skin forms beneath the surface. Continue to wash the area as you normally would and follow any aftercare instructions.
It takes a lot of willpower to stop the itch, so apply a thin layer of soothing gel to soothe the itch with its cooling effect. Don’t use moisturizer yet, it’ll be a while before the area is ready to be filled with a thick lotion.
Your tattoo may start to scab and peel, which can look unsightly, but this is just a sign that healing is going well, so be sure to stick to your aftercare routine and continue to support the area with a trusty soothing gel.
Weeks 3 and 4
By the third week, your tattoo should be nearing the end of the healing process and a new layer of healthy skin should emerge from underneath the scab. If you continue to clean and apply gel regularly, the scab should fall off on its own.
At this point, the superficial wound has healed, so it’s time to change gears and start using a more traditional tattoo lotion. Our Daily Tattoo Lotion is the perfect moisturizer to use as your skin enters the next stage of healing. This lotion allows the area to breathe, but the formula is a bit thicker to lock in moisture and support the skin with replenishing ingredients.
Keep in mind that this type of lotion can only be used on tattoos that have been healed for at least two weeks. The good news is that using this moisturizing lotion over the long term can help keep your tattoo looking fresh, bright, and vibrant.
How to apply lotion: do’s and don’ts
The key point about using tattoo lotion during the healing period is that timing is key: for the first two weeks, only use a light moisturizing gel to support the new ink until the area is covered with new skin.
From there, you can safely switch to a moisturizing lotion that will support the later stages of healing and provide long-term maintenance benefits. With these points in mind, you should also remember other precautions when using gels, lotions, balms, and other topical tattoo products.
Do: Make your application consistent
It’s easy to fall into the trap of taking an “as needed” approach to applying tattoo lotion, especially if your skin is in good condition and healing is going well. Even if everything looks and feels good, stick to a schedule and aim to apply the soothing gel twice a day during the early stages of healing.
Treat it like brushing your teeth or showering: even if you don’t feel like it, you have to do it.
Don’t: Overdo it
Tattoo soothing gels and moisturizing lotions are designed so that a little goes a long way — for a palm-sized tattoo, you don’t need more than a few drops at a time, so try not to wet the area more than necessary.
Remember that your skin needs to breathe during the healing phase, so too much product, even if it’s a breathable formula, is likely to do you harm. Using less will give you better results than applying a thick layer of lotion or gel to the area.
Do: Keep the area clean.
Soothing gels and moisturizing lotions are great for hydrating and supporting your ink, but they require frequent washing of the area. Make sure you wash your tattoo with soap and water before applying a thin layer of gel or moisturizer, never the other way around.
Gels and lotions work best when the area is clean and slightly dry, allowing your skin to fully absorb the ingredients without them sliding off. Learn to pat the area dry with a paper towel or let it air dry before applying any gels or lotions. This will help the natural healing process and maximize the effectiveness of your favorite products.
Don’t: Don’t pick at the scab.
If your tattoo forms a scab, even if you’ve been diligent in applying gels and lotions, it’s a sign that healing is progressing. Don’t be alarmed if the scab stays stuck to your skin for longer than expected, it just means the pigment is fully embedded and will last longer.
This also shows the importance of applying gels and lotions gently and carefully when using them. Don’t disrupt or peel off the scab, which can leave a scar or make your tattoo incomplete. Instead, practice techniques such as patting or tapping rather than wiping or scrubbing.
It might feel awkward at first, but careful use of the lotion will pay off when your tattoo is perfectly healed.
DO: Maintain a routine for the long term.
Your tattoo will look great after a month or so of proper care, but that doesn’t mean you should stop maintaining it. Make it a habit to continue using lotion and caring for your tattoo over the coming months and years.
This is a good habit to have for tattoo care and skin care in general, and you will notice that the color and shape of your ink will last longer. It only takes a few seconds a day to care for your ink in the long term, so why not take advantage of this good habit?
Use tattoo lotion correctly to repair and maintain your artwork
Tattoo lotions, gels, and balms are most helpful in healing and maintaining your tattoo. It’s important to know the difference between these products and when to use them.
Use a tattoo soothing gel for the first two weeks, followed by a moisturizing lotion for the final healing phase and beyond and you’re already in good shape. After that, make sure to use SPF sunscreen on the tattoo area whenever you’re in the sun and maintain a balanced lifestyle that supports the overall health and longevity of your skin.
Using tattoo lotions and gels shouldn’t be difficult, so we’ve made it easy. Check out our full collection of Mad Rabbit products to help you on your tattoo journey every step of the way.
source:
The Science of Skin Care: Moisturizers | NIH
Consumer Preferences, Product Characteristics, and Potential Allergenic Ingredients in Top-Selling Moisturizers | NIH
Tattoos: 7 Unexpected Skin Reactions and How to Treat Them | AAD
