Can I Use Vaseline On A New Tattoo?

Now that you have a new tattoo, you will want to show it off. However, before you can do that, you need to allow it to heal. The aftercare routine can be complicated for anyone, especially when hearing contradictory advice. Vaseline has been a staple to help damaged and irritated skin. It might seem like a great option for your new tattoo, but you should think again. Vaseline isn’t the miracle skin healer, and it can actually do more harm than good.

Is Vaseline Good For Tattoos?

No! Let’s take a look at why you need to keep Vaseline away from a fresh tattoo. Vaseline is made from 100 percent petroleum jelly. Many people use this product to moisturize dry, damaged, or sensitive skin. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oil and waxes. Advertisers marketed Vaseline as a “wonder jelly.” With that, it was a staple in homes for many years.

For those fresh tattoos, Vaseline is not a good option. The thick petroleum jelly blocks the tattoo from getting air, affecting healing. After putting on Vaseline, you might even experience swelling or redness around the tattoo. If you see any of those signs, you need medical attention. An infection can lead to scarring, which can ruin your tattoo. If you want to reach for the jar of Vaseline, you might want to rethink that decision. Most Philadelphia tattoo shops will recommend that you keep Vaseline away from new ink.

Can I Use Vaseline On A New Tattoo?

Petroleum jelly can help prevent skin damage. However, despite those healing properties, you never want to put it on a fresh tattoo. Vaseline does not allow the skin to breathe. Due to its occlusive agents, it will clog skin pores. Clogged pores can result in prolonged wound healing, acne, and breakouts. Remember that a tattoo is an open wound that needs air to dry and form new layers. Oxygen is vital to promoting wound healing. Not allowing air to circulate near the skin will prolong the tattoo’s aftercare process.

Along with that, Vaseline can cause problems with the tattoo ink. When your skin is irritated, all of that fresh ink has not settled into the skin. The ink is susceptible to damage at this stage since the skin has not healed. The skin is tender during those first few days, and the ink is still trying to settle into the skin’s layers. As a result, the Vaseline will interact with the ink. In some situations, it can draw it out of the dermis.

For that reason, many artists recommend keeping hands and clothes away from the new ink for about 24 to 48 hours. The new tattoo will ooze blood, plasma, and excess ink. For that reason, the artist will protect the skin with a covering. After removing the plastic cover, your tattoo can start the healing process without any help from Vaseline.

Vaseline can actually cause infections by preventing air from reaching the wound. That can prolong the healing process, attracting germs and bacteria to the skin. Once germs and bacteria get into the skin, you can develop a severe infection. Infections often damage the appearance of the tattoo.

You will want to avoid putting Vaseline on your tattoo at all costs. However, this advice should apply to all petroleum-based products, even those intended for aftercare. Before rubbing anything on your fresh ink, take the time to read the ingredient list to make sure it doesn’t contain petroleum jelly.

What Should You Use Instead Of Vaseline?

For the first 24 to 48 hours, you should never apply anything to the skin of a new tattoo. The skin needs to start the healing process. Allow the area to rest and recover from the tattooing process. After that time, you can think about using alternatives to Vaseline products.

• LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a soothing balm that you can use on dry skin. This balm goes on smoothly as it minimizes the itching. Along with that, it helps to promote the healing process. You will want to apply the cream at least twice a day after washing and drying the skin. This option is excellent for irritated, itchy, sensitive, and dry skin.
• Bepanthen Diaper Care Ointment is often associated with baby skincare, but it is one of the best choices for tattoo aftercare. Many experts and artists recommend this product to their clients. With its gentle formula, it promotes the skin’s natural healing properties. You can use the ointment twice a day to help retain moisture and restore hydration.
• Sebamed Extreme Dry Skin Repair Lotion is another exceptional choice. This lotion has a high concentration of urea, which repairs the skin. You can also use this lotion to help relieve skin tightness, scaling, and itching. Many people love this lotion due to its water retention properties. With that, the skin will stay moisturized and hydrated. You will want to have a gentle lotion on hand throughout the tattoo healing process. Sebamed will help minimize flaking, dryness, and itchiness almost instantly.

Skip The Vaseline And Choose Lighter Options

As you can tell, Vaseline on a new tattoo is never a good idea. No matter what anyone tells you, Vaseline will prevent healing, clog your pores, and mess up the beautiful ink. That is the last thing you want after spending time and money on a new tattoo. Vaseline has been around for years, but that does not mean it is the best option to heal your skin. Focus on lighter, petroleum-free products to help with the natural healing process. With that, you can help promote healthy healing for your skin.

Find Local Tattoo Shops Near Me

At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we have highly trained and experienced artists from all over the Philadelphia area. Whether you want a new tattoo or never have been inked, we can help you find the right style to match your tastes. Our artists offer a variety of tattoo styles. You can schedule a consultation with our artists by calling 215-638-1601.