When you get a new tattoo, you have to let it heal: don't stick it directly into the sunlight, don't itch or scratch at it and don't skip the artist's recommended recovery plan. Sure, you might have a million tattoos, but aftercare is no joke — just ask anyone with a horror story to share. Although there are dry healing how-tos hidden in deep, dark corners of the Internet, if you don't moisturize the freshly-inked skin, it will dry out, drastically increasing the likelihood that the same skin will crack, and ink can come off with it when it flakes off.
It's important that if you use a generic balm or lotion, its formula is both unscented and safe for sensitive skin. Tattooed skin is delicate, albeit even damaged, some would argue. But that's the art of it all. Your skin is permanently altered, and if you want the ink to stick around, you'll need to be careful with the skin it's in.
There are plenty of lotions formulated specifically for tattooed skin, and you'll find several below. Often, they have restorative additives within, which help heal the skin faster. Others are meant for everyday use, long after the ink dries. You'll find those below, too.
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According to tattoo artist and shop owner Carl Kuo from Mission Ink Tattoo and Piercing, these are the essential steps to any good recovery plan.
As soon as you leave the shop, Kuo says, apply an ointment wrap — like Tegaderm. It should stay on for three to five days and should only come off if irritation occurs. That's when you know something's wrong.
After the wrap comes off, it's important to wash the tattoo. You must do so using a gentle cleanser, though — no exfoliating body washes or bars or heavily-scented liquids. Go unscented, Kuo says, as it's the safest for sensitive skin.
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Throughout the healing process, and long after the ink has dried, it's important to apply hydrators, whether in balm or lotion form. Both do the job, so it's really more about remembering to apply either daily. Repetition is your best defense against fading.
It's always important to wear sunscreen, but especially so after you get a new tattoo. You should steer clear of excessive sun exposure for two weeks, Kuo says, and after that, an SPF lotion (30 or 45) is your smartest bet.
Although Aquaphor isn't technically a lotion, it is a powerful healing ointment with anti-inflammation properties. That makes it an ideal remedy for post-session itching or redness. Plus, it's a serious hydrator, too, as evidenced by the countless positive online reviews. Plus, GP's patron saint of body ink, Platforms Editor Scott Ulrich, trusts it as a part of his recovery plan.
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Dr. Woo is a talented tattooer with his own shop in Los Angeles. He's done projects for numerous celebs, from Justin Bieber and Drake to Kendall Jenner — if they're famous and have tattoos, Woo has probably done at least one of them. Considering his celebrity, it makes sense that he'd have his own line of tattooing gear — recovery aids included. His After/Care Moisturizer features shea butter for softness, Vitamin E for recovery and antioxidants to fight off bad bacteria, while also calming irritation.
This is Ulrich's go-to post-tattoo lotion. It's cheap, too, and you can find it in most convenience stores. It's not only good for tattoos but for your skin at large, making it easy to remember each day.
Kuo recommends Verb Body Lotion, because of its soothing aloe vera and barrier-creating coconut oil, which seals precious moisture inside the skin. Even long after it heals, this formula will help prevent fading.
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Packaged in a quantity big enough for daily use, Mad Rabbit's Daily Lotion is an upgrade over drugstore formulas. It's fragrance-free, super-hydrating and anti-aging, courtesy of ingredients like shea butter, Vitamin A and sesame oil.
Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is both fragrance-free and non-greasy but also non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. That's important when healing a tattoo, so you don't cause inconsistencies in the tattoo's tone or texture.
Saniderm doesn't just make wraps for new tattoos. The brand also makes lotions and balms. This one is daily driver, meaning you can apply it as often as needed — there's no such thing as overdoing it. It's made here in the US with a formula that comprises several oils, shea butter and citrus, delivering Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 as well as numerous antixodiants.
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Tattoo Goo is free from all of the bad stuff but loaded with natural recovery aids. It also, the brand says, helps enhance the colors of both new and existing tattoos, making this an okay extra to use on top of your usual lotion.
Shea, mango and aloe butters, as well as coconut and Vitamin E complex, make Hustle Butter a go-to for tattoo artists everywhere. You're likely to hear its name when soliciting recommendations for post-session recovery, and it's wildly available, too, meaning you won't have to look hard or long to find a tub of it. It's petroleum free yet plenty hydrating.
As the exclusive aftercare supplier for reality TV show Ink Master, After Inked has quite the reputation. The brand makes a bunch of tattoo treatments — this daily moisturizing cream included. It's enriched with grape seed oil, a powerful hydrator.
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Sorry Mom's Tattoo Cream not only heals and hydrates new tattoos, but it brightens old ones, too. It's "the lotion that makes your tattoos look fresh, " the brand states. The inked agree. It's unscented, not tested on animals and hypoallergenic, making it safe for just about everyone.
Although this is by no means an all-over lotion, Brooklyn Grooming's powerful tattoo balm works for small tattoos. It's also small enough to be carried with you for recovery on the go. It'd be a little weird to carry an entire bottle of Jergens with you everywhere you go.By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Isabelle has been contributing to since 2020. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more.
The 12 Best Lotions To Heal A Tattoo Of 2023
Kavita Mariwalla, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, NY. She has been practicing for 12 years. While growing up in New York, her family of physicians inspired her to go to medical school.
/ Chloe Jeong Tattoos deserve to be shown off, but before you can flash your new ink around, you have to diligently care for your tat to ensure proper healing. One of the most important steps in the aftercare process is choosing a lotion that will keep your fresh design moisturized, free of infection, and without irritation, according to tattoo artists. Because a tattoo is technically a wound, tattoo lotions are incredibly important to not only keeping your ink looking good but to aiding in the healing process as well. Finding your perfect lotion isn’t as easy as it sounds. “I think what lotion you use depends a lot on climate and skin type. Also how much you apply is important too, ” says the tattoo artist known as Olive, who is behind the Oregon-based Damn Zippy. “I prefer not to rep a certain brand because everyone is different and I want my clients to use what works for them, which might not necessarily be what works for me.” Still, there are certain things to look for in a formula. Knowing what you want (vegan? water-based? budget or splurge?) and what will work best for your skin and new tattoo is key. “I generally recommend that the person uses whatever they find most comfortable, ” says hand-poke artist Harper Rose of Melbourne’s Pocaharper. “After all, they have to wear it on their skin every day.” To help you narrow down your choices, we researched the best formulas, evaluating them on type, active ingredients, and skin-feel. We even tried a few formulas out—our product testers using a couple for weeks at a time and noting their insights. After considering dozens of options and consulting with two tattoo-artists, we landed on these picks. Ahead, find the best lotions for healing a tattoo and preserving your body art. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment at Ulta Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Billy Jealousy Tattoo Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vegan: Hustle Butter Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream at Ulta Jump to Review Best Gentle: Stories & Ink Tattoo Care Aftercare Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Soothing: Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water-Based: H2Ocean Aquatat Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Color-Enhancing: Tattoo Goo Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Oil: Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil at Amazon Jump to
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