Aquaphor is a skincare chapter for many people with dry, cracked skin or lips. This ointment draws its hydrating power mainly from petroleum jelly, lanolin, and glycerin.
These ingredients work together to draw water from the air into your skin and keep it there, keeping the skin hydrated. It also contains other ingredients, such as bisabolol, which comes from the chamomile plant and has sedative, anti-inflammatory properties. Although Aquaphor is best known as a moisturizer for dry skin, it is often used as a safe and effective tattoo care ingredient. If you are planning to buy new ink or you have just fallen out of the needle, you can learn more about how and why to use Aquaphor to get a new tattoo. For more information
Why is it recommended after tattooing?
Tattooing means exposing the skin to damage. You must give your tattoo the right treatment and time to repair it so that it is not injured, infected, or damaged. It will take about 3 or 4 weeks for the tattoo to heal completely. Moisture is the key to making your tattoo look good. After the tattoo, you want to prevent it from drying out. Dryness will cause excessive scratching and itching, which can damage your new ink.
Tattoo artists always recommend Aquaphor for aftercare because it is so good at hydrating the skin – and this is important when you get a new tattoo.
Of course, you can also use other unscented moisturizing ointments to take care of your tattoo. Look for Vaseline and Lanolin in the ingredient list.
However, you want to avoid using straight Vaseline as Vaseline. This is because there is not enough air in contact with the skin. This can lead to poor recovery and even infection.
How much will you use? Immediately after your ink, your tattoo artist will apply a bandage or wrap to the area of the tattoo on your skin. They will probably advise you to keep the connection or pack it for several hours to several days.
Once you get the bandage or wrap, you need to start the cycle:
wash your tattoo gently with odorless soap and lukewarm water
dry the tattoo gently by tapping with a clean paper towel
apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or other unscented ointments approved for the treatment of stains, such as A and D
How long should you use it?
You will repeat the process of washing, drying, and applying Aquaphor two to three times a day for several days after applying the ink.
When should you switch to lotion? In your wash-dry wiping routine, there will be a point where you will need to switch from using ointment to using lotion. This is usually after a few days to a week or longer after the first tattoo.
There is a difference between ointment and lotion. Perfumes such as Aquaphor do a harder job hydrating the skin than lotions. This is because ointments are oil-based, while lotions are water-based. Lotions are more dispersible and breathable than ointments. In addition, Aquaphor has anti-inflammatory effects, which make the tattoo repair process faster and more pleasant.
After a certain number of days of applying the ointment (as much as your tattoo will determine), you will switch to a lotion. This is because you need to keep your tattoos moist for several weeks until they heal completely.
During skincare, apply a thin layer of cream at least twice a day instead of ointment. However, it is necessary to apply lotion up to four times a day to keep the tattoo hydrated.
Make sure you use unscented milk. Perfume waters often contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin.
More tattoo care tips
Each tattoo artist will tell you that the more effort you put into adjusting your new tattoo, the better it will look.
Here are some more tips to make your tattoo look its best:
Do not rub tattoos when washing. Do not immerse or leave your tattoo damp for a long time. Although short showers are good, they mean no swimming, bathing, or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
Don’t choose scabs that can form on your tattoo to heal. Doing so will damage your tattoo.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight or sunbathing for 2 to 3 weeks. However, be sure to cover it with loose clothing, but not sunscreen. After the tattoo has healed, it is best to expose it to sunlight. But keep in mind that unprotected sun exposure can cause your tattoos to look good, so once your tattoo is in good condition, it is best to use sunscreen and other types of sunscreens when you go out.
If your tattoo is more scaly or itchy, you may want to consider keeping your tattoo warm for a few minutes a day. Fold two to three paper towels, wash them with hot water, and press and carefully apply the tattoo poultice. Make sure your tattoos are not too many.
Bottom Line
Aquaphor is a generally recommended part of tattoo care. It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that speed up healing and make the process more pleasant.
If you have new ink or just have a tattoo, you can try using Aquaphor.
