Never use petroleum based products A+D Ointment, Bepanthen,
So what product should you use? 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.
Is Bepanthen the best antiseptic ointment to use? Bepathen is a popular antiseptic ointment choice. However, other antiseptic ointments include Savlon and Soov. Any of the three can be used on new ink once gently cleaned with a combination of antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
As soon as the film is off, it's time to moisturize. I recommend unscented moisturizers like QV-Cream or Cetaphil. Cream your tattoo about three times a day for at least week or until you think it's fully healed.
Infections
Germs can enter from here, if the tattooed area is not taken care of as advised by the experts. Staphylococcus infection and impetigo are common reasons for tattoo rashes. These can cause acne like bumps or scaling of the tattooed area.
In the second week after having the tattoo, my artist recommended using any kind of moisturizer that you know you don't react you or have any problems with – for me this would be any of The Body Shop's Body Butters (Cocoa Butter pictured above), Vaseline's Coca Butter moisturizing oil, Korres Quince Body Butter etc.
For the first 2-4 days apply Nivea Creme or Aquaphor 3-4 times a day. Nivea creme can be used throughout the healing process (do not use in excess).
Tattoo artist Jack Poohvis recommends using Cetaphil soap, which gently cleanses and keeps the tattoo clean without irritating the skin. According to Jaliman, you will want to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser on freshly tattooed skin.
Can I use Bio-Oil® on my tattoo? Yes, once fully healed you can use Bio-Oil® to moisturise your tattoos as it helps to accelerate skin cell growth. Only use Bio-Oil® if your tattoo is fully healed, there should be no broken skin, scabs, wounds or peeling skin.
The safest way to quickly remove a tattoo is by laser therapy. Our revolutionary LightSense laser system is a unique and innovative option, using ultra-fast and physician-approved pulse speeds to quickly and safely break down ink pigments.
Can You Over-Moisturise a Tattoo? In a word: yes. It's definitely possible to over-moisturise a tattoo. An over-moisturised tattoo can lead to a whole host of issues, including breakouts, soggy scabs, and even infection.
A tattoo can become raised for a number of reasons. The most common factors that can cause tattoo raising are allergies, tissue damage, certain weather conditions, poor healing and rough tattoo artist work.
A tattoo will usually take 2–4 weeks to heal. During this time, it is important people closely follow aftercare guidance to ensure their tattoo heals and to avoid complications. If the tattoo develops an infection or excessive inflammation, it can slow the healing process.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Tattoo Tips
Your tattoo may be susceptible to sticking to your sheets or clothes. It is better that it sticks to you clothes rather than your sheets. If the tattoo sticks to your clothes, splash warm water on it and remove the clothing from the tattoo very gently. Remember, this is an open wound, so use common sense.
On day 3 you may apply some light moisturiser lotion (Vaseline Dry Skin is what we recommend) once a day or every other day, as little as possible, if at all. Your tattoo will heal naturally on its own. NEVER apply Bepanthen, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other creams and lotions without asking your artist.
-Ointment such as Bepanthen first aid, or a tattoo specific aftercare product such as supreme crème. (Do not use anything with aloe in it, antiseptic/iodine ointment, Lubriderm, Chapstick, Vaseline or haemorrhoid cream).
Olive oil is the best natural oil to put on the tattoo. It heals all the wounds and combats rashes or irritations on the skin.