Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience. Once the initial thrill wears off, however, you’re faced with the responsibility of proper tattoo aftercare. One of the biggest questions new tattoo owners have is whether or not they need to moisturize their new ink everyday. There are various opinions on the subject, but most tattoo artists and dermatologists agree that keeping new tattoos moisturized is vitally important, especially in the first month.
Why you should moisturize a new tattoo
When you get a tattoo, a tattoo needle deposits ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin below the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier. When you get a tattoo, this protective barrier is broken and the skin is essentially wounded. As the tattoo heals, new skin grows over the tattooed area and seals in the ink. During this initial healing phase, it’s extremely important to keep the tattoo moisturized so the skin can regenerate properly. Here are some key reasons why moisturizing new tattoos is so important:
- Prevents scabbing and peeling – Scabbing and peeling leads to patchiness and fading in a tattoo. Moisturizer creates a protective layer over the tattoo that prevents scabbing.
- Promotes faster healing – Petroleum-based moisturizers help seal in moisture and nutrients to the skin to aid the regeneration process.
- Reduces itching and irritation – A well-moisturized tattoo is less likely to become itchy and irritated as it heals.
- Enhances color vibrancy – Keeping a tattoo moisturized helps lock in color and prevent fading.
During the initial healing phase (about 1-2 months), a tattoo acts like an open wound. Letting it dry out can lead to complications. So in the first month or so, it’s best to moisturize a new tattoo 1-2 times per day.
How long should I moisturize my new tattoo?
Most tattoo artists recommend moisturizing a new tattoo for 2-4 weeks during the initial healing phase. However, continuing to moisturize beyond that time can also be beneficial. Here are some general guidelines on how long to moisturize a new tattoo:
- First 2 weeks – Moisturize 2-3 times per day
- 2-4 weeks – Moisturize 1-2 times per day
- 1-2 months – Moisturize once a day
- Beyond 2 months – Moisturize as needed when skin is dry or itchy
Once a tattoo is fully healed after about 1-2 months, the regular application of moisturizer is not as critical. However, keeping skin hydrated will always help a tattoo look its best. Dry, flaky skin has a worn and weathered appearance that dulls the look of ink. Using moisturizer as part of your daily skin care routine will keep tattoos looking vibrant for years to come.
What kind of moisturizer should I use?
When it comes to choosing a moisturizer for new tattoos, there are a few key things to look for:
- Fragrance-free – Fragrance can irritate sensitive new tattoos.
- Petroleum-based – Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and other occlusives are best for sealing in moisture.
- Thin consistency – Thinner lotions and creams absorb easiest into new tattoos.
- Simple ingredients – Avoid moisturizers with dyes, acids, or harsh chemicals.
Here are some excellent moisturizer options to use for brand new tattoos:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Petroleum-based ointment that seals in moisture.
- Fragrance, dye, and preservative free.
- Provides a protective barrier that prevents scabbing.
- Helps relieve itching and irritation.
- Recommended by many tattoo artists.
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion – Fragrance Free
- Light, fast-absorbing lotion.
- Extra soothing for sensitive skin.
- Contains skin nourishers like vitamin B5 and mineral oil.
- Non-greasy, won’t clog pores.
- Dermatologist recommended for new tattoos.
Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Moisturizer
- Specifically formulated for tattoo aftercare.
- Blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower oil.
- Calms itching and discomfort as tattoos heal.
- Antioxidants help prevent scabbing and fading.
- Lightweight yet intensely hydrating.
Application tips
When moisturizing a new tattoo, follow these tips:
- Clean tattoo gently with mild soap and water first to remove ointment buildup and dead skin.
- Pat dry the area with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a very thin layer of moisturizer with freshly clean hands.
- Massage in gently until fully absorbed.
- Wash hands immediately after to prevent cross-contamination.
- Repeat 1-2 times per day as needed.
A little bit of moisturizer goes a long way. Use only as much as needed to lightly hydrate the tattooed area. Too much can lead to pooling or scabbing. It’s also crucial to wash hands thoroughly before application to prevent bacteria transfer.
What not to use
When it comes to moisturizing tattoos, some products should be avoided, especially in the initial healing stages. These include:
- Petroleum jelly – Too occlusive, can pull color.
- Soaps and fragrances – Can dry out and irritate skin.
- Lotions with acids – Can cause sensitivities and stinging.
- Vaseline – Not absorbent enough.
- DIY oils – Higher risk of infection.
- Sunscreen – Shouldn’t be applied until fully healed.
Heavy products like petroleum jelly and mineral oil tend to sit on the surface of the skin rather than absorbing properly. Products with additives like fragrances, dyes, and acids can also further irritate tender new tattoos.
Moisturizing older tattoos
Once your new tattoo has fully healed after the first 1-2 months, the strict moisturizing regimen isn’t as crucial. However, keeping skin well hydrated remains important for enhancing any tattoo’s look. Here are some tips for moisturizing older tattoos:
- Apply unscented lotion daily after showering to prevent dryness.
- Use a rich night cream before bed to deeply nourish skin.
- Treat flaky or dry patches with petroleum jelly.
- Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin buildup.
- Drink plenty of water to hydrate skin from the inside.
- Protect tattoos with sunscreen to prevent fading.
A daily moisturizing routine utilizing quality lotions and creams will help keep existing tattoos looking smooth and vibrant. Target any visibly dry areas with a thicker ointment as needed. Be sure to hydrate well from within by drinking enough water each day too.
Moisturizing during a touch up
If you’re getting an existing tattoo touched up, you’ll need to follow the aftercare process again. Here are some tips for moisturizing during a tattoo touch up:
- Cleanse tattoo gently with antimicrobial soap like Dial or Provon.
- Pat dry then apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer.
- Repeat cleanse and moisturize routine 3 times per day.
- After 1 week, switch to unscented moisturizer 2 times per day.
- Use moisturizer sparingly to avoid blocking visibility of healing for the artist.
- Follow up with your artist 1 month later if needed before regular moisturizing.
When an existing tattoo is touched up, it’s essentially like getting a partial new tattoo. Be diligent about proper aftercare in the first month back to optimal health. Then you can resume your regular hydrating skin care regimen.
Benefits beyond healing
While moisturizing is critical for new tattoos, keeping skin hydrated has benefits beyond the healing process. Maintaining healthy, supple skin helps any tattoo look its absolute best. Here are some of the long term benefits of continuing to moisturize tattoos:
- Prevents dullness and fading – Dryness diminishes vibrancy of ink.
- Reduces appearance of scars and stretch marks – Soft skin disguises imperfections.
- Adds a radiant glow – Dewy, hydrated skin looks luminous.
- Prolongs color brilliance – Prevents oxidation and fading of pigments.
- Lessens visible skin aging – Plumps up flattening of collagen and elastin in dermis.
By keeping your tattooed skin nurtured and hydrated for the long term, your ink will continue looking crisp and eye-catching for years to come.
Risks of not moisturizing
If caring for a new tattoo, failing to keep it moisturized can unfortunately lead to permanent damage. Here are some of the risks of not properly moisturizing a healing tattoo:
- Scabbing – Can pull out color and cause patchiness.
- Scarring – Skin can harden and thicken without moisture.
- Infection – Cracked skin is more prone to pathogens entering.
- Fading – Flakiness and dryness causes tattoo pigment to exfoliate away.
- Blow outs – Ink can spread under poorly hydrated dermis layers.
- Loss of definition – Crisp lines and details turn blurry.
- Poor elasticity – Skin loses its ability to bounce back without moisture.
DEDICATION. Let the artist know you didn’t follow moisturizing instructions so they can best assess if these issues can be corrected or not. Catching problems early improves the chances of a fix, so speak up right away about any concerns.
Other aftercare tips
While moisturizing is imperative, proper tattoo aftercare does require some other crucial steps during healing:
- Remove bandage carefully after 24 hours max to prevent bandage adhesion.
- Wash hands thoroughly before touching tattoo area.
- Cleanse tattoo 2-3 times per day with antimicrobial mild soap.
- Use separate clean paper towels to pat dry after each wash.
- Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area.
- Only touch tattoo with freshly cleaned hands.
- No scratching, picking, or peeling!
- No swimming or hot tubs until fully healed.
- Avoid sweating through exercise for 2 weeks.
Caring for a new tattoo is crucial, but it’s not difficult. Being committed to the proper aftercare routine outlined by your artist ensures your ink heals beautifully.
What if I miss a day?
It’s perfectly normal to occasionally forget a day or two of tattoo moisturizing, especially once the initial healing period ends. If you miss a day here and there after the first month or so, don’t panic. Just resume your regular moisturizing schedule. If skin feels especially parched, do an extra application. For a new tattoo in the first month, a day or two without moisturizer can be a bigger issue. Again, don’t panic, but try to get back on schedule ASAP. Be extra diligent and do an additional application if needed to replenish hydration.
How can I add moisture back?
If you’ve missed several applications of moisturizer on a newer tattoo or notice your ink is looking faded and dry, don’t worry – you can add hydration back in. Here are some tips to replenish moisture:
- Exfoliate gently with a soft washcloth to remove dead skin.
- Apply a humectant like glycerin to draw moisture into the skin.
- Massage in a thick, fragrance-free body butter or ointment.
- Use an intensive overnight tattoo balm treatment.
- Seal it all in with an occlusive like petroleum jelly.
- Drink extra water and eat hydrating foods.
With consistent effort over 2-4 weeks, you can definitely revive the look of a dried out tattoo. Preventative daily moisturizing is always easiest though!
Final tips
Moisturizing new tattoos is hands down the most vital part of aftercare. By keeping your new ink hydrated and nourished, you ensure it heals beautifully. Be diligent in the first 2 months especially. Quality moisturizer applied 1-2 times per day provides the moisture and protection a new tattoo needs. Your artist’s specific guidelines always take precedence if they differ from this general advice. With their instructions plus your moisturizing efforts, get ready to show off your amazing new tattoo!
