After your tattoo has healed..how long should you keep lotion on it?

Question

Got a new tattoo and want to make sure it heals correctly.

Answer 1

i do tattoos and i will cut and paste what i give out
Tattoo care instructions

After 2 hours, remove the bandage. (Tattoo should only bleed for an hour or two at the most.)

Clean tattoo gently with mild soap and water. Be sure to remove any dried blood. Blot dry gently.

Apply a thin layer of Bacitracin ointment. Apply ointment 3 or 4 times a day for the first 3 full days. Remember to apply only a thin layer, because too much will actually slow down the healing process and may even draw out some color. (If you are having a reaction to the Bacitracin......Use A&D ointment or Preparation 'H' instead.

There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo. It is best if air can get to the tattoo to speed healing. However, if you feel the need to re-bandage it, only do so for the period of time necessary. (Such as, for working or sleeping.) Allow the tattoo to breath open air as much as possible, but at the same time keep it moist with the ointment. Don't allow it to dry out. (re-apply ointment as needed)

During the healing process, the tattoo should not be allowed to soak in any kind of water for a period of time. (Water is the worst thing for a healing tattoo.) No swimming or soaking in a hot tub. If you shower, be careful to keep it as dry as possible until you can carefully dab it dry as soon as you can.

During the healing process, do not allow the tattoo to come in contact with the sun for any periods of time. ( a sun burnt tattoo is painful and can cause infection.) "Sun will fade the paint on your car!"....It will also fade your tattoo.

After 3 days of ointment on the tattoo, it should be peeling sort of like a sunburn. At this time a good Vitamin 'E' or Vitamin 'E' based lotion is best for the final healing process.

The tattoo should be finished healing in one to two weeks, if you take care of it properly. Take the extra time to do it right. After all, it's only a couple of weeks. The tattoo will be with you the rest of your life.

It is also a good idea to use sun block on your tattoo after it is healed, when you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. You've spent the time and money on a nice tattoo..........Why ruin it quickly by exposing it to the sun?

"The way you take care of your new tattoo.......determines how it will turn out."

Answer 2

After Tattoo Lotion

Answer 3

After your tattoo is completely healed you will want to use lotion daily to keep it looking fresh. Other wise it can start to look all ashy from the skin being too dried out. In the winter months you may want to apply lotion 2 times a day at least.

Answer 4

AFTER it's finished healing, you don't HAVE to keep lotion on it...

but you should.

It keeps your skin hydrated, and makes your tattoo look much better. :)


And if you're a guy who doesn't really do the whole "lotion" thing, just buy a small bottle of an unscented lotion. It won't smell like flowers or fruit or perfume, so you'll be fine. :)

Answer 5

I usually use Tattoo Goo (love this stuff) or A+D Ointment for the first week or so.

Then I start using Lubriderm lotion, fragrance-free, for about 3 weeks daily.

And even now in the winter, when my skin is dry and ashy it makes my tattoo look chalky and light. When I rehydrate my skin with lotion, it makes all the colors appear bright and vivid again.

Answer 6

I don't use ointments on my tattoos. I remove the bandage after an hour, wash it gently with warm water and dial soap. Let it air dry for a while and then apply lotion about 4 times a day. I wash it normally in the shower.

Answer 7

I am currently using Aquaphor on mine. I apply a thin layer anytime it feels dry to the touch. I'll be putting a fragrance free lotion such as Aveeno until the peeling stops and there are no more scabs. After that, anytime it feels dry or tight, go ahead and put some lotion on. Everyone has their own way of caring for tatts. When in doubt, call your artist. He/she should be able to tell you what you need to know.

Answer 8

Lotions are good for tattoos or skin in general,especially during the colder,wintery seasons. During the warmer weather I try not to apply lotions to my tattoos because the body sweats and creates its own moisture,I also use a skin hydrating body wash ( Dove ) so it doesn't dry out my skin like a soap would. To much lotion can cause pimples and clog pores and having nice ink with little pimples is a bummer. Lotions make the tattoo nice and shiny,but don't overdue it if you have to use lotions. Best advice is to just listen to your body,if your skin is dry..use lotions,if not,let it be.

Answer 9

keep the lotion on for at least one or two weeks after the tattoo is healed

Answer 10

If you want it to heal correctly...do not use lotion! You need to cleanse it 3 times a day with an antibacterial soap like Dial liquid. You then need to put a very thin layer of antibacterial ointment on it but not Neosporin or Vasaline. I use an A&D ointment or a generic triple antibiotic salve. Also do not cover it with a wrap after 4hours. Let it breathe with just the ointment.
Good luck and take care.