You should moisturize your new tattoo 2-4 times a day (or up to 6 times if very dry/large) for the first few weeks, applying a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion after gently washing and drying the area to keep it hydrated and prevent scabbing, but avoid over-moisturizing which can hinder healing. Always use an unscented, hypoallergenic product, and listen to your skin – moisturize when it feels dry or tight.
Over moisturizing your tattoo can damage it by causing ink to lift out, prolong the healing process, and cause clogged pores (which like I mentioned above, can cause damage to your tattoo when it's healing fresh like this).
After 3 days, your tattoo should show reduced redness and swelling. It will appear slightly dry with a thin film forming over it. Some clear fluid and ink may still seep out, but significantly less than the first day. The colors will appear bright but may have a shiny, tight feeling.
Why is my new tattoo fading after just a few days? It's not unusual for your new tattoo to appear to fade shortly after application. During the healing phase, the top layer of skin may dry out and flake, causing the tattoo to look dull or less vibrant. This is a normal reaction as your skin begins to heal.
After the tattoo has healed, it is usually suggested to moisturise for 2 weeks to one month. In most cases, ointments are best used in the early phases of the healing process (2 first weeks). Ointments are high in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. For the rest of the healing process, a lotion is ideal.
Apply a water-based lotion or cream to your tattoo to keep it moisturized — it's never a good idea to leave your fresh new ink susceptible to dryness. “Moisture will help the skin to heal faster and keep scabs from forming,” Dr. Sra says.
How to Tell if a Tattoo Is Over-Moisturized
Keeping your tattooed skin hydrated is the best thing you can do to keep its vibrancy. After you thoroughly cleanse the area, it's time to moisturize with a moisturizer formulated for tattooed skin. Moisturizing with lotion helps nourish the ink and prevent dryness and premature fading.
How Do You Tell if a Tattoo Isn't Healing Properly?
Here are seven ways to increase the vibrancy of your ink.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
The Scabbing Stage (Days 4-6)
Around four days after getting your tattoo, the redness and drainage should subside. The tattoo often takes on a cloudy appearance as scabs start to form over the ink.
Showering is fine, however, please DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least 2 weeks. This means no swimming, baths or submerging your tattoo in water for long periods of time. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 2 weeks and your tattoo is completely healed.
Bepanthen is one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for many tattoo artists and studios. Typically used as a nappy rash ointment, Bepanthen has been around for a long time, and its gentle formula is used to treat babies with irritated skin.
Apply a very thin layer of moisturizer, just enough to make the skin look slightly dewy. It's better to apply a thin layer frequently than a thick layer infrequently. Your tattoo should never look wet or greasy. A good rule of thumb is to use an amount about the size of a pea for a palm-sized tattoo.
Signs of a Tattoo Infection
It can look like the tattoo is leaking or spreading—but it's a normal part of healing.
Your goal with moisturizer is to keep your tattoo hydrated but making sure your skin can still breathe. Remember that over-moisturizing can cause your tattoo to hold in bacteria and can cause it to fade or bubble.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
If their space looks messy or they don't use gloves-run. 🚩 Doesn't listen or rushes you. A good artist will care about your idea and comfort. If they're pushing their own design or hurrying you into decisions, that's a red flag.
Over-moisturising your skin can also contribute to clogged pores, reducing your skin's natural ability to produce sebum that protects your skin. One of the many amazing abilities our skin has, is that it produces sebum naturally. Sebum is a waxy substance produced by our body's sebaceous glands.