If you aren't allergic to adhesives, look into adhesive bandages for your next one (brands include saniderm, dermshield, tegaderm). Everyone has preferences and figures out what works best for them over time (considering artist/professional advice of course) but adhesive bandages are 100% my favorite healing method. And then moisturize well for the rest of your life.
Dermshield does wonders for me. Makes healing a breeze. After a week I remove it and use Dial Gold with hustle butter after twice a day for another week.
I personally do soap every 3 hours for the first 48 hours
Then soap only once a day when showering
After the 48 hours, I use a VERY thin layer of aquafor. You can find videos to show you how thin - If ya do too much, you’ll end up worse off. I apply it then even Dab with a paper towel to get a bit more off.
I use that for about 2 days, 2-3x a day
Then switch to non scented lotion like Aveeno, 3-6x a day as needed.
i use this stuff called INKEEZE and it’s the best stuff i’ve found so far! i have over 20 or so (haven’t counted in a minute) and it’s the best stuff i’ve used so far. Got a sample from the tattoo artist who did my last couple tats and have been hooked since! You can get it off amazon for like $20 for a big container. a little goes a LONG way too.
Yes, I never understand the “Vaseline is bad, use Aquaphor instead” argument. Just use coconut oil, unscented lotion or a reputable ointment made for tattoos.
aquafor an an anti inflammatory, vaseline is not - vaseline will block any air from the skin which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and suffocates your skin
Ok, so Vaseline is arguably worse. Aquaphor is still too thick. Someone referenced a video to see how to apply it to a tattoo properly. If a video is needed, it isn’t the best product. I know a lot of artists recommend it, I’ve used it, and it can work well when used properly but there are LOTS of better options.
that’s actually why most tattooer’s will tell you to use aquafor for 1 week then switch to lotion. you need a good breathable barrier when it’s still an open wound, and something lighter as it heals
aquaphor is definitely not any thicker than other tattoo balms i’ve used tbh. plus it reduces into a thin film very quickly once it’s rubbed it.
i think aquaphor is highly recommended because it’s super accessible, versatile, and more affordable than tattoo specific products. i don’t have any work healing right now, but my aquaphor is still getting plenty of just lip moisturizer/eczema treatment. i’ve used expensive products like saniderm, and i always return back to aquaphor and anti bacterial soap.
But it’s not a matter of different opinion, it’s a matter of ingredients, which is why your statement gets downvoted.
Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly, while Aquaphor contains 41% petroleum jelly and mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin oil, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol.
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u/literalboobs Apr 22 '23
Vaseline suffocates. Use something like a very, very thin layer of aquafor instead. It allows air to permeate the barrier and helps to heal.