Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to prevent infection and maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your new ink. After getting a tattoo, the client is responsible for caring for their skin, including cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting the fresh tattoo from the environment. Not all creams, soaps, sunscreens, and bandages are suitable for new tattoos, so it’s important to use products specifically recommended by experts.
To help you choose the best products for tattoo aftercare, we consulted with two tattoo artists and a dermatologist to gather their recommendations. We also searched for highly rated products on Amazon with at least 4.7 stars from over 3,200 reviewers. The categories of products we focused on include moisturizers, soaps, bandages, and sunscreens.
Moisturizers play a key role in promoting healing and preventing skin flaking or scarring after a tattoo. Some recommended moisturizers include Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Cerave Healing Ointment, Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Balm, Tattoo Goo Tattoo Balm, Amikole’s Shea Butter Lavender, and Dusty Swamp Provisions Bear Grease. These products contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, and natural bear tallow for hydration and healing.
For cleaning tattoos, gentle and unscented soaps are recommended. Some top choices include Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin Soap, SecondSkin Foaming Tattoo Wash, and Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap. These soaps help reduce the risk of infection and keep the tattoo clean without harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Bandages are often used to protect new tattoos, and options like Recovery Armor Derm Shield, 3M Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing, and Tattoo Armour Medium Sheets provide waterproof and breathable coverage. Sunscreens are essential for protecting healed tattoos from sun damage, and options like Native Mineral Sunscreen, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick, and Sun Patch Hand and Cheek UPF 50 Patches offer SPF protection.
When shopping for tattoo moisturizers, it’s important to choose hypoallergenic formulas with ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut oil. Consistency, sensitivities, and price should also be considered when selecting a moisturizer. Additionally, maintaining proper tattoo aftercare involves using adhesive films, dry pads, soap, and sunscreen to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and protected from the sun.
Overall, taking care of your new tattoo includes proper cleaning, moisturizing, and protection from the sun and environment. By using recommended products and following expert advice, you can ensure that your tattoo heals effectively and maintains its vibrant appearance for years to come.
