What Is The Best Lotion To Use On A New Tattoo?

Most Philadelphia tattoo shops have specific lotions for aftercare that they advise their clients to purchase prior to getting their tattoos completed so the lotions are ready for use. At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we typically recommend that clients use certain moisturizing lotions as part of our aftercare instructions, as well. Many tattoo artists give their clients a list of preferred lotions to use while the tattoo site is healing. Since there are so many different types of lotions on the marketplace, this small job can seem very challenging at first. So, what are the best lotions to use on a new tattoo? Why is it so important to use lotions, creams or other related moisturizing agents after getting a tattoo?

Why Moisturizing With Non-Irritating Lotion Or Other Substance Is Crucial

Immediately after getting a tattoo design, your tattoo artist will likely already have given you some aftercare instructions. Many tattoo artists place a clear, plastic barrier directly on the tattoo site to promote setting of the inks used and to protect the site from irritation that could end up being detrimental to the skin.The majority of tattoo artists that do use this plastic derma barrier will tell the client to leave that on for 2 to 3 days. Afterwards, the client should begin applying moisturizing lotion as directed.

What Can Happen If You Neglect To Properly Moisturize A Fresh Tattoo?

The process of getting a tattoo involves putting small needles that are used with the desired inks to create either a black and white or colored tattoo. A new tattoo is basically a skin wound that could allow potential microbes and other irritants to get down into the inner layers where colored ink is typically saturated.The inks and other products used during a tattoo session may also be drying to the skin. If the tattoo site skin remains dry, it may begin to flake off or peel. If the site is irritated with fragrances, dyes, harsh ingredients and chemicals, this can make the situation even worse. As the skin heals, a scab will begin to form. The more irritated and dry the site is, the greater level of scab formation is possible. When the thickened scab starts to dry out and fall off, this may take a good bit of the ink used away with it leaving the tattoo design looking patchy or significantly faded.

What To Look For In A Good & Non-Irritating Lotion For After-Care Use

Fragrances used in the production of skincare and other personal care products tend to cause a lot of irritations and skin sensitivities including a true allergy. Fortunately, there are more good moisturizing lotions today than ever before to choose.Stay away from skincare lotions that contain alcohol, dyes and other additives for best results. Even natural scents may cause skin irritation in those with more sensitive skin types. Sometimes, just having the tattoo area worked on along with the sometimes-drying cleansing prep solutions can cause even non-sensitive skin types to become irritated, reddened or otherwise aggravated.

Read the Label First & Select a Lotion Formula That Is Gentle & Fragrance-Free

Again, it is essential to read the label and especially the ingredient list of any lotion or other skincare products before purchasing. Some people are still going to have reactions due to natural ingredients, but choosing lotions made of wholesome ingredients tends to be a safer bet for tattoo after-care use.

Choose a Natural Based Tattoo After-Care Barrier Lotion

More skincare manufacturers now use increased amounts of natural based ingredients especially in lotions designed specifically for use on recently tattooed skin. It can help to do some research online or via the company website prior to choosing your preferred lotion brand. Sometimes, the names for natural ingredients can look suspiciously harsh even though they are not.

Select a Hydrating Lotion in Easy-Use Dispenser Packaging or Tubes

As a healing tattoo site is still a source for infection due to the invasive needles used during the tattoo session, try to find hydrating lotions that come in easy-to-use dispenser packaging or lotions contained in tubes that can be squeezed. This helps to avoid getting your lotion, or other skincare product, contaminated with germs and microbes that are found on skin and various surfaces. This should be done until the tattoo is fully healed.

A List Of Effective Tattoo After-Care Lotions, Balms, Ointments Or Body Creams

 

Lotions

Most tattoo artists recommend using a better brand of lotion for after-care. This is especially important for the first two weeks or so, and then those risks gradually subside as the skin naturally heals itself over time.

Some terrific after-care appropriate lotions include:

• Woo After-Care Moisturizing Lotion
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
• Aveeno Kids Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
• Neutrogena Deep Moisture Body Lotion
• After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & After-Care Lotion
• Lubriderm’s Advanced Therapy Lotion
• Curel Fragrance-Free Lotion

 

Body Creams

Body creams are often well-hydrated with luscious moisturizing ingredients. Creams can be used for tattoo after-care if your tattoo artists or dermatologist approves. Choose creams that absorb quicker for less greasy feeling on the skin surface.

Some great creams to try for tattoo after-care include:

• Ciclafate+ Restorative Protective Cream
• Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Cream

 

Balms

Balms are another fantastic option for tattoo after-care moisturizing and protective barriers. One to consider is also a neat tattoo care kit that comes with several products in one package.

This balm is called:

• Marked IV Life Tattoo Care Kit by Billy Jealousy Moisturizing Balm Kit

Salves

Salves are also an excellent choice for some. This option leaves a thicker layer of moisturizing agent that is not so easily washed or sweated off.

Here is one effective salve:

• Original Tattoo Goo After-Care Salve

 

Ointments

There are lots of ointments designed to heal and protect a cut, skin tear, wound or other skin issue. This should be carefully washed off in-between dose applications so the barrier that this ointment creates is not so thick that skin can no longer breathe. Give these ointments a try that include:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• A&D First Aid Ointment

 

Final Thoughts

A tattoo should be protected during the first two weeks and for several months afterwards until the tattoo skin site is fully healed. Always follow your own tattoo artist’s advice on the after-care instructions for healing tattoos. After the initial two to three days, the barrier film is removed. Then, it is crucial to apply hydrating lotions to help prevent skin dryness and excessive scab formation that can also absorb much of the ink colors only to fall away when the scab does.

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo and do not know where to find a suitable tattoo artist and/or tattoo shop, try searching online for any local tattoo shops near me or ask tattoo enthusiasts that you know where they go for their inked designs. Get in touch with the tattoo specialists at Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Visit https://oracletattoogallery.com anytime online or phone 215-638-1601.