If you just got a new tattoo, you know the importance of taking care of it during the healing process. Moisturizing is an essential step to help speed up the healing process and prevent cracking and bleeding. But how often should you be moisturizing your new ink to make sure it looks its best?
As a general rule, it’s recommended that you moisturize your tattoo 2-3 times a day, which means every 8-12 hours. However, the frequency of moisturizing may vary depending on individual preferences and skin type.
To avoid over-moisturizing, which can be just as harmful as not moisturizing enough, follow our aftercare guide.
We understand that there may be some confusion around this topic, which is why we’ve created this post to help you properly moisturize your tattoo. In this post, we’ll cover the right technique to moisturize your tattoo, how often you should moisturize it, and how to avoid over moisturizing your tattoo.
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So, How Often Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo?
Generally, it’s advised to moisturize the area 2-3 times a day to promote healing and protect the fresh ink from cracking and bleeding. However, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust the frequency based on your individual needs. Proper moisturizing creates a protective barrier, promotes new skin cell growth, and aids in the healing process. It’s crucial to prevent your newly tattooed skin from becoming dry, which can damage your artwork. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, and some may require more or less moisturizing than others.
Can You Over Moisturize a Tattoo?
It’s normal to want to take good care of your new tattoo, but can you go overboard with the lotion? Many people believe that the more moisturizer they apply, the better their tattoo will heal. However, this is not always the case.
Applying too much lotion on a new tattoo can clog your pores and cause breakouts, which can be detrimental to your skin’s healing process. Remember that your tattoo is an open wound, and while it may dry out at times, over-moisturizing won’t solve the problem.
It’s important to keep a balance when it comes to moisturizing your tattoo. Too much or too little can lead to scabbing and cracking, which can damage your tattoo. To avoid this, make sure to follow proper washing and moisturizing techniques, as recommended in our aftercare instruction’s guide.
How Much Moisturizer Should You Apply?
When it comes to applying moisturizer on your new tattoo, less is more. It’s important not to overdo it as too much lotion can clog pores and lead to breakouts. So how much moisturizer should you apply to your new tattoo? A thin layer of your preferred lotion or balm is usually enough to keep your tattoo moisturized without suffocating it. To help you get a better idea, an example of a thin layer is when the moisturizer is barely visible on the skin. Applying a thin layer will allow your tattoo to breathe and heal faster.
What Happens If You Don’t Moisturize Your Tattoo?
Many people believe that leaving a new tattoo to “air out” can be beneficial for the healing process. However, this is not true, and it can actually slow or ruin the healing process. Medical research has shown that keeping the tattoo area moist can help speed up the healing process. Check out our post on the benefits of moist healing for more information.
Not moisturizing your tattoo enough can lead to skin irritation, itching, and scabbing. And if you let your tattoo get too dry, it can even start to bleed and crack. So it’s important to keep your new ink properly moisturized to ensure a smooth and successful healing process.
Do I Need to Keep Moisturizing My Tattoo After It Has Healed?
The short answer is yes. If you want your tattoo to maintain its freshness and vibrancy, it is crucial to provide proper aftercare even after it has healed completely.
The truth is, our skin is constantly renewing itself, and without proper maintenance, your tattoo can quickly lose its vibrancy. To keep your tattoo looking its best, it’s important to continue moisturizing it after it has healed.
Using a non-irritating, oil-free lotion is key to keeping your tattoo healthy and beautiful. Neglecting to moisturize can cause wear and tear on your tattoo, which can dull its radiance.
Characteristics Of a Good Moisturizer
To ensure your tattoo heals properly, it’s important to choose the right moisturizer. Look for a gentle, unscented product that has been dermatologically tested. You have a variety of options to choose from, such as ointments or lotions.
Ointments are recommended for the first two weeks of the healing process, as they are a good source of vitamins and minerals for your skin. After that, you can switch to a lotion to continue keeping your tattoo moisturized.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring that your new tattoo looks as fresh and vibrant as the day you got it. Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is a key factor in the healing process and can help prevent cracking, bleeding, and scabbing. However, it’s important not to over-moisturize your tattoo, as this can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Remember to choose a gentle, unscented, and dermatologically tested moisturizer for optimal healing. Even after your tattoo has fully healed, continue to moisturize it to maintain its radiance. Taking care of your tattoo requires diligence and patience, but it will be worth it in the end when you can proudly show off your new ink.
FAQ
If my tattoo is peeling should I put lotion on it?
If you’re using the tattoo film healing method, don’t use lotion/ointment for the first 4-5 days. Afterward, you can remove the film and apply ointment as needed. If you’re not using the film method, avoid using ointment for the first two days. Once you notice some tightening, drying, and peeling, begin applying light layers of ointment after washing the tattoo.
What are the signs of over moisturized tattoos?
If you’ve been applying too much moisture to your tattoo, you may notice some signs of irritation and inflammation on the skin. Scabs might form on the tattoo, or the area around the tattoo could appear redder than usual. Additionally, the ink may appear slightly blurred.
Related articles:
Tattoo Blowout: What Is It and What You Can Do About It
Itchy Tattoos: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
Coconut Oil: The Natural Solution for Tattoo Aftercare
Can You Prevent Tattoo Scarring? What You Need to Know
Protective Tattoo Film vs Cling Film: Which is the Best Option?
