Fun fact you may not have known about me: I have one full sleeve of tattoos. What started out as a single tattoo, turned into another, then another, then an “I swear I’m done,” then more!
And because tattoos are (a) expensive and (b) a work of art, I’ve always been careful to take good care of my sleeve.
But finding the best lotion to keep tattoos bright? It took a few years of trial and error.
Let’s back things up a little, shall we?
Understanding Tattoo Aftercare
Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring your new ink heals correctly and stays vibrant. It starts with the initial healing process and extends to ongoing maintenance of your skin.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your tattoo looking its best.
The Healing Process
Technically, your new tattoo is an open wound, so healing is your top priority.
In the first few days, you can expect some redness and swelling. Within the next few weeks, the outer layer of your skin will start to heal.
Aftercare Timeline:
- Day 1-2: Oozing and redness may occur.
- Day 3-14: Your tattoo may start to peel and itch.
- Day 15-30: The tattoo should look healed but may still be sensitive.
Essential Post-Tattoo Tips
Once your tattoo artist has finished their work, they’ll apply a thin layer of petroleum ointment over your new ink and cover it with plastic wrap or Second-Skin.
Here’s what you should do afterward:
- Leave your tattoo as-is for the rest of the day and through the night, if possible.
- The next morning, carefully remove any plastic wrap. (Second-Skin can and should stay on for 2-3 days.)
- Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Moisturize with tattoo aftercare products like Aquaphor to keep the skin hydrated without suffocating it.
What to Avoid During Tattoo Healing
To protect your sensitive skin and ensure proper tattoo healing, there are several things to avoid:
- No scratching or picking: Even if your tattoo itches, resist the urge to scratch. (I find gently slapping itches can help.)
- Avoid sun exposure: Keep your tattoo out of the sun. Once healed, apply sun protection to keep the colors bright.
- Stay away from water activities: No swimming or soaking in tubs until fully healed.
Choosing the Right Lotion
When selecting a lotion to keep your tattoo vibrant, you’ll want to consider not only the ingredients but also how they align with your skin type. The right lotion can significantly prolong your ink’s freshness and protect your skin.
Ingredients to Look For
Natural ingredients often provide gentler care for tattooed skin. Look for lotions that contain aloe vera and vitamin E, as they’re crucial for nourishing and helping to maintain the skin’s health, leading to greater ink clarity and longevity.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and hydrates skin
- Vitamin E: Supports skin repair and protection
Lotions for Different Skin Types
Your skin type is a significant determinant in choosing the best lotion. If you have sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula is crucial to prevent irritation.
For dry skin, consider a tattoo balm with natural oils to provide deeper hydration.
- Oily Skin: Light, non-comedogenic lotions
- Dry Skin: Richer balms with natural oils such as olive oil
- Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and free of potential irritants
Selecting a lotion that suits your skin type and contains beneficial ingredients is key to maintaining the vibrancy of your tattoos.
Let’s tackle the best lotions for fresh tattoos and the best lotions for older tattoos, separately. First up – fresh tattoos!
The Best Lotions for Fresh Tattoos
When you get a new tattoo, picking the right lotion is crucial to keep your skin soft, and your tattoo vibrant. Being mindful of fresh tattoo aftercare is essential to preserving the art you just added to your body.
Moisture-Rich Ingredients
Look for lotions with coconut oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, which nourish the skin deeply and help maintain the brightness of your tattoo. These ingredients are known for their healing properties and can aid in the quicker recovery of tattooed skin.
Avoid Harsh Additives
It’s important to choose products without harmful chemicals. Tattoos are sensitive and can react negatively to strong fragrances and additives, so opt for lotions that are free of alcohols and artificial dyes.
Recommended Products
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment – Great for the initial healing phase, this ointment is widely recommended and easily accessible.
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion – Popular for not containing harsh additives, this lotion is suitable for daily application once your tattoo starts to heal.
- Mad Rabbit Defend – This 100% mineral sunscreen offers a great option for protecting your skin from the sun during (and after!) healing while keeping the tattooed area moisturized.
The Best Lotions for Older Tattoos
But what if your tattoo is older? What if you’ve neglected it for years and are looking to breathe fresh life into it?!
My friend, you’ve still got a lot of options for boosting vibrancy and extending your tattoo’s life! Proper moisturization is key to revitalizing the look of your tattoos and keeping the colors bright.
Revitalizing Faded Ink
Faded tattoos regain some of their former glory when you nurture your skin regularly with the right oils.
Olive oil, which is readily available, is known for its natural antioxidant properties that can enhance the vibrancy of older tattoo ink. Similarly, argan oil not only nourishes the skin but also has a restorative effect on your faded tattoos, aiding in bringing back some richness to the design.
Maintaining Tattoo Clarity
To keep the outlines and colors of your old tattoos clear, choose a moisturizer that provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
Grapeseed oil is lightweight and contains linoleic acid that can promote skin health, thereby maintaining the clarity of your tattoos. Regular use can help protect the sharpness and contrast of your tattoo’s colors, so they stand out as they were meant to.
Recommended Products
Not a fan of applying pure olive, argan, or grapeseed oils to your skin? These lotion alternatives also have a great track record for revitalizing older tattoos:
- CeraVe – My personal favorite, this lotion keeps my tattoos vibrant as one of the best tattoo lotions, keeps the rest of my skin radiant as an overall body lotion, and even doubles as a highly-effective face lotion. I’m all about simplifying skincare!
- Cetaphil – This lotion is a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts for both healing and maintaining hydration post-healing, due to it being unscented and gentle on the skin.
- Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream – This cream is highlighted for its ability to revive old tattoos and hydrate new ones with natural ingredients and a petroleum-free formula.
- Billy Jealousy’s Tattoo Lotion – This popular lotion contains essential oils and shea butter, which can help to bring out your tattoo’s color and definition.
When choosing a lotion for old tattoos, it’s important to look for products that offer hydration and are free from irritants.
Protecting Your Tattoo from the Sun
No discussion about maintaining tattoo vibrancy would be complete without mentioning the sun.
When your skin is graced with ink, it’s crucial to shield it from the sun’s harsh rays. New tattoos are vulnerable while healing, and the sun can drastically fade the vibrancy of older tattoos.
- Use Sunscreen: Look for products that offer broad-spectrum sun protection and contain ingredients like zinc oxide. This acts as a protective barrier between your tattoo and UV rays. A high-quality sunscreen should become your go-to product before heading outdoors.
- Cover Up: If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period, consider covering your tattoo with clothing or a bandage. This is especially important if your tattoo is still healing from a recent tattoo session.
Essentials for Sunscreen:
- SPF: Choose a minimum of 30 SPF, although higher values provide more protection.
- Application: Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
| Sunscreen Tips | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Broad-spectrum protection | Shields from both UVA and UVB rays |
| Water-resistant formulas | Provides lasting protection even while wet |
| Non-comedogenic | Won’t clog pores and cause skin irritation |
Incorporating Tattoo Care into Your Skin Care Routine
Caring for new tattoos is a crucial extension of your skin care routine. A dedicated regimen is important to help tattoos retain their vibrancy.
Here’s how to integrate tattoo care seamlessly into your daily skin care routine:
- Morning Cleanse: Start with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and warm water to wash around your tattooed skin. This removes overnight build-up without irritating the artwork.
- Moisturizing: After cleansing, apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free lotion that’s formulated for dry skin or sensitive skin, ensuring your tattoos stay hydrated. Lotions with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be a great option as they help to draw moisture into the skin.
- Protection: When you’re planning to spend time outdoors, protect your tattoos from the sun’s rays by applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
Daily Check-In
Halfway through your day, take a moment to do a quick check. If your tattoo feels a little bit dry or tight, it may be time to reapply a thin layer of your chosen lotion to maintain moisture levels.
Evening Routine
In the evenings, after your shower, let your tattoo air dry or pat it dry with a soft towel. Once dry, reapply your specialized tattoo moisturizer to keep the skin supple as you sleep.
Remember:
- Use hypoallergenic products to avoid any adverse reactions.
- Be gentle; excessive rubbing can fade the tattoo prematurely.
And there you have it…the best lotion to keep tattoos bright!
Found any favorites I didn’t include? Be sure to share them in the comments!
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