"A&D tattoo" refers to using Vitamin A&D ointment, a petroleum-based product with vitamins A and D, for tattoo aftercare to moisturize, protect, and help new tattoos heal faster by forming a barrier and reducing scabbing. While popular and used during the tattooing process as a lubricant, it's now often recommended for only the first few days, followed by unscented lotion, as heavy use can clog pores or potentially draw out ink, according to some tattoo artists and community members, Reddit users, and YouTube videos.
Always with clean hands: Use the A&D ointment 2-3 times each day, for 2-3 days. Keep the tattoo clean and soft. 7. After 2-3 days, switch to using a non-scented, non-irritating lotion numerous times a day until it's healed.
Vitamins A&D ointment is a aftercare skin protectant. It works by moisturizing and sealing the skin, and aids in skin healing. A tattoo artist uses it as a moisturizing glide as well as a lubricant during the tattoo process.
Applying a thin layer of A&D can create a protective barrier against bacteria while keeping the area moisturized. After those first few days, however, many artists suggest transitioning away from heavy ointments like A&D.
This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.
A&D ointment is a mixture of petrolatum (like vaseline), lanolin and a few other additives; it's an opaque yellowish color but goes on fairly clear. It does not have the white zinc oxide in it like the stuff you use for diaper rashes.
Acceptable products to place over the open wound include: Plain petroleum jelly, ♦ A&D Ointment ♦ Bacitracin, or generic triple-antibiotic ointment ♦ Calmoseptine Ointment. Apply these to the wound with a cotton swab, or clean finger with each dressing change.
While many people assume that moisturizers and ointment can fade the beauty of their tattoos, topicals such as A&D ointment preserve the beauty of one's tattoo and helps keep it on the skin for a long time.
If you don't stretch the skin properly, your tattoos will never heal the way you want. Stretching changes the skin's tension and surface area and that controls how the ink sits in the dermis. If the skin isn't stretched, the needle can bounce or drag. This can make your lines look shady and your shading patchy.
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.
Moisturizer. Almost all artists recommend using a moisturizing lotion after letting your tattoo heal for a few days. Some actually advise using nothing but lotion from day one.
After washing, pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour. When the area is completely dry, apply a very thin layer of Grumpy Bosco's E-Ointment (or A&D ointment) to the tattoo, and leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe. Repeat this process at least 3 times daily.
A&D is acceptable but there is a wrong and a right way to use it. Small amounts, rubbed thin onto the tattoo works best. Too much and for too long can suffocate, trap moisture, and otherwise irritate your tattoo, possibly losing ink.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.
Artists recommend fragrance-free, non-petroleum products specifically formulated for tattoo healing. Tattoo balms (like Hustle Butter, Redemption, After Inked) keep skin hydrated and reduce irritation. Lotions (Lubriderm, Aveeno, Aquaphor Healing Ointment in moderation) work well if applied thinly.
Beginner Tattoo Tip: Pull your lines…don't push them. When you're just starting out, pulling your lines gives you more control, smoother results, and fewer chances of blowouts. It lets the machine do the work, while you focus on building steady hand pressure, speed and consistent depth.
A $2000 tattoo can range from a large, detailed half-sleeve or thigh piece to a significant portion of a full sleeve or back piece, depending heavily on artist skill, location, color, and detail, often requiring multiple sessions for complex designs. It's usually a large, custom design (like 12+ inches or covering a significant limb area) that takes several hours or more, rather than just a small or simple tattoo, as shown in this example of a $2000 tattoo.
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Whatever your preference, make sure it's fragrance free and colorless, don't want that fresh ink getting drawn out. I normally use Aquaphor the first 3-4 days, depending on scabbing, but A&D ointment is good too. And strictly lotion after that.
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
One of the best things about using A&D ointment is its speeds up healing of damaged skin cells. Not only helps the skin to heal but also promotes a good environment for skin cells.
Petroleum jelly, commonly known from brands* such as Vaseline and A&D, is used primarily as a moisturizer to treat and prevent dry, rough, itchy skin. It works by creating a water-protective barrier on the skin, helping skin heal and retain moisture.