Tattoo artists use Vaseline when tattooing because the needle and ink are creating a wound. The wound needs something to help heal, and Vaseline can act as a protector for your skin. While it may not prevent scarring and other changes, it can help keep your skin healthy.
Vaseline is one of the world's most natural lubricants, and you'll find that most tattoo artists will use it on your skin during a tattoo session itself. Though most would also advise, it's unnecessary to use it in your aftercare process. Here's all you need to know about how and why we use it during your tattoo.
Saniglide is the tattoo care cream preferred by artists. This is the perfect salve to use during the tattoo process for soothing and lubrication.
That's right, baby wipes! Many tattoo shop owners and artists recommend using baby wipes to remove tattoo ink from your skin, as they are gentle and won't cause irritation. Plus, they're super convenient and easy to use - grab a wipe, wipe away the ink, and voila! Your tattoo is clean and fresh.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
Petroleum-based ointments
A&D ointment (yes, the kind used for diaper rash) is a cheap and popular choice for new tattoo aftercare. This ointment is also called Bepanthen. Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment is another hydrating and anti-inflammatory option. Good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) also works well.
Why Vaseline and petroleum-based jelly aren't great for a new tattoo. Petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade and may trap moisture and bacteria on top of the tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Use water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead.
Once you're sure you've found a professional tattoo artist, the next best way to prevent blowout is to follow aftercare directions closely and pay attention to your ink during the healing process. Make sure you're cleaning your tattoo twice a day and keeping it moist until it's fully healed, at least two weeks.
Don't be afraid to really wash your tattoo thoroughly, or you won't get the vaseline off. Use mild soap like Dove, Ivory or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It's best to avoid very hot water.
SKIN PREPARATION FOR YOUR TATTOO
Apply lotion to the area to hydrate and soften your skin; your tattoo will look cleaner and heal faster than if your skin is rough & dry. Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed.
There are lidocaine sprays that can be used after the skin is broken. Vasocaine is a popular one and I've had good results with B-Numb from Ink-Eeze. Don't ever use an ointment while you're tattooing.
Vaseline helps reduce the friction which would make a tattoo hurt even more and prolong healing. It also stops the ink from drying on the needle which means that the artist doesn't have to constantly rinse the crusty ink off which would greatly increase the amount of time a tattoo would take.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
As you can see in the photo examples, over the years, such tattoos look bad and cannot be corrected. This is because over time, the pigment in the dermis slowly migrates, visually creating a small shadow near the line, about a millimeter in size.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight. Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment helps heal and protect your tattooed skin. Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment is dermatologically tested to help heal and protect tattoos. It contains Pro-vitamin B5 which helps to keep your tattooed skin moisturised and protected.
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.