Tattoos only require unscented lotion because fragrances are chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and irritation on the sensitive, healing skin of a new tattoo. A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and the goal of aftercare is to promote healing without introducing potential irritants.
We determined that allergic contact dermatitis from the scented lotion caused scarring and premature fading of the new tattoo. Tattoo artists should recommend avoidance of scented lotions and instruct clients to care for their new tattoo like a wound in their aftercare instructions.
Most fragrance-free, non-irritating, moisturizing lotions are safe after a tattoo has fully healed. Avoid strong chemical exfoliants, retinoids, and fragranced/dyed products over tattooed skin; use daily SPF to prevent fading. If adverse reactions occur, stop the product and seek medical advice.
Scented soaps increase the chance of infection along with irritating the wound. You want to think of your tattoo as a piece of roadrash or scrape. If you don't want it to scar take care of it accordingly.
Tattoo cream: the importance of protecting a new tattoo
But if you don't care for the health of your ink, it can lose colour or fade more quickly, and in extreme cases the skin can become irritated, damaged or infected.
Some people with tattoos find dry healing works for them as they may avoid allergic reactions to certain skincare products, for example. However, it's not recommended.
Bepanthen Tattoo Ointment
The formula with Pro-vitamin B5 creates a waterproof and breathable protective layer that provides the moisture level needed to help the skin to regenerate from within and to stabilise the natural skin barrier function.
Yes, you can take a short shower in cold or lukewarm water. after getting a tattoo. Try to keep the tattooed area out of the direct flow of the water–never soaking it. Use your hand to lightly rinse the tattoo.
How to Tell if a Tattoo Is Over-Moisturized
Some scented soaps contain artificial and synthetic ingredients that can irritate your tattoo (or worse), lengthening the healing process. If your tattoo is irritated, it can result in an increased risk of infection. READ the ingredients on any product BEFORE you consider applying it to your tattoos.
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.
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching/picking, submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), direct sun exposure, tight clothing, and harsh soaps or petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with mild soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal undisturbed to prevent infection and preserve the ink. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
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.
Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks.
After the first few days, your tattoo may become itchy or begin to form flaky scabs. They will fall off on their own, so DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO. Doing so can cause some of the pigment to disappear, and your tattoo may not heal properly.
as long as you moisturize when you get home, itll be fine. maybe grab a basic unscented lotion from a pharmacy on your break if you're worried, but one day without won't ruin it.
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.
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.
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.
Once your tattoo stops oozing, which usually happens around days 5--7, you can reduce washing to once or twice a day. Washing too often can dry out your skin and slow down the healing process.
While patience is key, there are several proactive steps you can take to help your skin recover more quickly and effectively.
If you don't look after your new tattoo, a few not-so-great things can happen. The biggest concern is infection. A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and if you don't clean it properly, bacteria can sneak in.
Keep it up. Continue to clean and moisturise the tattooed area until it has completely healed (may take up to 4 weeks). Keep it up even after the scabs are gone. FYI, there may be scabs.
However, if you take a closer look at the ingredients, you'll find that there's almost no real difference between the regular Bepanthen and Bepanthen Tattoo.