Can I Put Vaseline on My Tattoo?

When you have a new tattoo, it’s important to know what kind of aftercare products are best for your skin. For starters, you’ll need to use an antibacterial wash and a moisturizer or ointment to help your new ink heal well.

The right moisturizer will help keep your ink from fading, while also providing a layer of protection for your tattoo to help it heal faster. Some people use water-based products, such as Aquaphor, while others choose to use petroleum jelly-based products.

Some experts believe that petroleum-based lotions and ointments are not the best choice for your tattoo. They block air from entering the wound and can lead to infections.

This is because an open wound needs air to dry out and form new skin layers. This process is essential for healing and preventing infection, but when Vaseline is applied to fresh tattoos, it can actually hinder the healing process.

You should avoid applying vaseline to new tattoos, and only do so after it has healed completely. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to speak with your artist first about a more suitable aftercare product.

It’s also a good idea to avoid using petroleum jelly on old tattoos, as it can trap moisture and bacteria. This can increase your risk of an infection and scarring.

If you decide to use Vaseline, it’s important to remove it regularly and apply a different type of aftercare product. In the long run, this will prevent complications from developing and your ink from fading or looking patchy.

Many tattoo artists don’t recommend using any petroleum-based products on new tattoos because they can slow down the healing process and trap bacteria in the skin, which can cause an infection. They also can create a dark spot on the tattoo if left untreated.

Moreover, the non-porous properties of Vaseline can stop your tattoo from getting enough oxygen to heal properly and can lead to ink fading. This can create a black or gray area on your tattoo, and can even lead to your ink becoming faded and patchy.

Another reason why you should not use petroleum-based products is that they can break down materials such as latex and nitrile, which can be used in the tattooing process. When this happens, it can transfer bacteria from the gloves of the tattoo artist to your tattoo, putting you at greater risk for infection.

What you can do to make sure your tattoo heals safely and quickly is to follow the proper aftercare procedures, including washing with an antibacterial soap and applying a moisturizing ointment or cream twice daily. It’s also important to not get your tattoo wet during the first few days after you get it, since water can irritate a fresh tattoo.

Some tattoo enthusiasts recommend applying a thin layer of Vaseline on your tattoo before you take a shower, because it helps to keep the ink from fading or turning brown. However, this isn’t always necessary.