8 Best Lotions for Tattoo Aftercare: What is the Best for a New Tattoo?

• Hydrating & Moisturizing: Fresh tattoos need consistent moisture to prevent dryness, flaking, and scabbing. A lotion that provides hydration ensures the tattooed area remains supple, speeding up the healing process.
• Gentleness: The last thing a new tattoo needs is further irritation. Gentle lotions, especially fragrance-free ones, minimize the risk of adverse reactions and infections.
• Natural Ingredients: Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil are natural and renowned for their nourishing and protective qualities. They create a protective barrier, ensuring the skin remains moisturized while also providing essential nutrients.
• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Properties: The initial days post-inking can come with swelling, redness, and itching. Lotions with anti-inflammatory properties help reduce these symptoms, while antibacterial ingredients prevent potential infections.
• Color-enhancing and brightening Effects: Tattoos can lose their vibrancy over time. Some lotions come with ingredients that enhance the tattoo’s color and brightness, ensuring your artwork looks fresh and vibrant for a more extended period.

Best Lotion for New Tattoo: Mad Rabbit Replenish Body Lotion

Best Lotion for Tattoos Table

What is the best lotion to put on a new tattoo? One that promotes healing while keeping your tattoo colors bright.

• Promotes Healing: A new tattoo is essentially a wound. Using the right moisturizer aids in the healing process, preventing unwanted scabbing and flaking.
• Prevents Infections: Keeping the tattooed area moisturized reduces the chances of it cracking and becoming susceptible to infections.
• Enhances Tattoo Appearance: A well-moisturized tattoo retains its vibrancy and clarity, making it look fresh and bright.

Excellent Lotions For Tattoo Aftercare

Aquaphor Healing Moisturizer

• • A gentle ointment designed to soothe and moisturize freshly inked skin, ensuring your tattoo heals properly.
  • Why It’s Great: Aquaphor is often recommended by tattoo artists because of its proven efficacy in preventing scabbing and potential infections. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an accessible choice for many.

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Lotion

• • • • Tailored for keeping ink vibrant.
      • Why It’s Great: Its blend of grape seed oil and jojoba oil nourishes the skin, promoting faster healing.

CeraVe Healing Ointment & Lotion

• • A hydrating ointment tailored for tattooed skin.
  • Why It’s Great: Fragrance-free and paraben-free, ensuring minimal irritation.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• • A lightweight lotion perfect for daily use.
  • Why It’s Great: It contains glycerin and petrolatum, key ingredients for preventing skin irritation.

Tattoo Goo Original Aftercare Salve & Lotion

• • An excellent all in one package that includes an awesome lotion for a new tattoo, antimicrobial soap, and tattoo balm to promote healing, protection, and hydration. A cult-favorite among tattoo enthusiasts.
  • Why It’s Great: Its blend of olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter offers a soothing experience.

Hustle Butter Deluxe

• • Specifically designed for tattoos.
  • Why It’s Great: Comprises natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera, ensuring maximum hydration.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion

• • A popular choice for tattoo aftercare.
  • Why It’s Great: Its blend of glycerin and grape seed oil ensures your tattooed skin remains hydrated.

What to Look for in a Tattoo Lotion

• Hydrating Properties: Ensure the lotion is hydrating and lightweight. A good lotion should penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
• Moisturizing Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, and coconut oil, are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients can help keep your tattoo moisturized and promote healing.
• Non-comedogenic: This means the lotion won’t clog your pores. It’s crucial, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
• Fragrance-Free: Fragrances can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially on freshly tattooed skin. Opt for lotions that are free from artificial scents.
• Natural and Soothing Ingredients: Ingredients like shea butter or soothing plant extracts like chamomile can provide extra nourishment and comfort to your healing skin.

Aftercare Products to Avoid

• Harsh Chemicals: Some lotions contain ingredients that might irritate the skin, especially if it’s freshly inked. Read the ingredients list and avoid lotions with alcohol, sulfates, or other potential irritants.
• Strong Scents: A strong scent might be off-putting even if a lotion doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Remember, you’ll be applying this lotion multiple times a day.
• Very Thick Creams: While you want a lotion that moisturizes, very thick creams can suffocate the skin, slowing the healing process.

When To Start Using Lotion on a Tattoo

After getting inked, one of the first questions many people have is, “When can I start applying lotion to my new tattoo?” Proper aftercare is really important for the healing and longevity of your tattoo, and using lotion at the right time plays a critical role in this process.

Why Wait Before Applying Lotion?

Freshly tattooed skin is essentially an open wound. The tattoo may still ooze a mixture of ink, blood, and plasma during the initial days. Applying lotion too early can trap these fluids against the skin, potentially leading to infections or complications in the healing process.

Steps for Proper Aftercare

1. Wait for the Tattoo to Dry: The immediate days post-inking are crucial. The tattoo ink can remain wet for the first 48 hours or so. Letting the tattoo breathe and dry out naturally during this period is essential.
2. Clean the Tattoo: As part of your aftercare regimen, gently clean your tattoo with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (read more here on the best soap for tattoos). This helps remove any accumulated fluids and keeps the tattooed area clean.
3. Apply Lotion When It Begins to Itch: Typically, by the third day, the tattooed skin starts to feel tight and may begin to itch. This indicates that the skin is drying out and could benefit from hydration.

Tips for Using Lotion

• Choose the Right Lotion: Not all lotions are created equal. Opt for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion. Avoid products that are made with alcohol, as they can dry out the tattoo.
• Use Sparingly: When you start applying, use the lotion sparingly. A thin layer is all you need. Over-moisturizing can suffocate the skin and hinder the healing process.
• Massage Gently: When applying, gently massage the lotion into the skin until it’s fully absorbed.

How Often To Lotion a New Tattoo

• Start Right Away: It’s recommended to moisturize your tattoo immediately after getting it. This prevents the tattoo from drying out and aids overall healing.
• Frequency: During the initial healing phase, it’s essential to moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day. This frequent moisturizing helps maintain the color vibrancy and accelerates healing.
• Duration: Continue this routine for the entire healing period, which typically lasts around three weeks

Final Thoughts on Finding The Right Tattoo Lotion

While the specifics of the lotion—brand, price, or popularity—might vary, the essential qualities remain consistent. If you need a good numbing cream, please check here. Furthermore, always patch-test any product on a small skin area before applying it to your tattoo. Your tattoo is a lifelong commitment; treat it as such!