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What's the Best Ointment for Tattoos? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Getting a tattoo is an exciting journey, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities, especially when it comes to aftercare. One of the most crucial aspects of tattoo aftercare is choosing the right ointment. With so many options available on the market, finding the best ointment for tattoos can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore various ointments, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your new ink. Whether you're looking for something to soothe your skin or something to enhance your tattoo's vibrancy, we've got you covered.

Understanding Tattoo Aftercare

The Importance of Tattoo Aftercare

Taking care of your tattoo is essential for its healing and longevity. Proper aftercare helps prevent infections, ensures your tattoo heals correctly, and keeps the colors bright. Using the right ointment plays a significant role in this process.

Why Choose Ointment Over Other Products?

While lotions and creams are commonly used, ointments have a thicker consistency, which can provide a protective barrier for your skin. This barrier helps to lock in moisture and can speed up the healing process.

Best Ointments for Tattoos

1. Tattoo Goo: A Trusted Name

When it comes to tattoo aftercare, Tattoo Goo is a popular choice among artists and tattoo enthusiasts alike. This ointment is specifically formulated to promote healing and protect your tattoo. Its blend of natural ingredients helps soothe the skin and keep it moisturized.

Key Features:

Contains natural ingredients
Non-greasy formula
Helps prevent scabbing

2. Hustle Butter: The Natural Choice

If you're looking for a more natural option, Hustle Butter is an excellent choice. This ointment is made from shea butter and other natural oils, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It not only helps with healing but also enhances the vibrancy of your tattoo.

Key Features:

Made from 100% natural ingredients
Vegan-friendly
No petroleum or harmful chemicals

3. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: A Multi-Purpose Solution

Aquaphor is a well-known healing ointment that can be used for various skin issues, including tattoo aftercare. Its petroleum-based formula provides a protective barrier that locks in moisture and speeds up healing.

Key Features:

Multi-purpose ointment
Fragrance-free
Suitable for all skin types

4. Bepanthen: The Healing Power of Panthenol

Bepanthen is a popular choice in many countries for tattoo aftercare. Its main ingredient, panthenol, is known for its healing properties. This ointment is gentle on the skin and helps to keep your tattoo moisturized.

Key Features:

Contains panthenol for enhanced healing
Non-greasy
Suitable for sensitive skin

5. Coconut Oil: The DIY Option

For those who prefer a DIY approach, coconut oil is a fantastic option. It’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural remedy for tattoo aftercare.

Key Features:

Natural and affordable
Moisturizes the skin
Antimicrobial properties

How to Apply Tattoo Ointment

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Clean Your Hands: Always start with clean hands to avoid introducing bacteria to your tattoo.
Gently Clean the Tattoo: Use mild soap and water to clean the tattooed area gently. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply a Thin Layer: Using your fingers, apply a thin layer of your chosen ointment. Avoid using too much, as this can clog pores.
Let It Breathe: Allow the tattoo to breathe and avoid covering it with tight clothing.

When to Apply Ointment

It's essential to apply ointment immediately after getting your tattoo and continue to do so for the first few days as your skin begins to heal. After a few days, you can switch to a lighter lotion if desired.

Ointment vs. Lotion: What's Best for Your Tattoo?

The Benefits of Ointment

Ointments are thicker and provide a protective barrier, making them ideal for the initial aftercare of your tattoo. They help lock in moisture and prevent scabbing.

When to Use Lotion

Once your tattoo has started to heal and is no longer oozing, you may switch to a light lotion. Lotions can provide hydration without the heaviness of ointments.

Common Mistakes in Tattoo Aftercare

Overusing Ointment

Using too much ointment can clog pores and lead to breakouts. A thin layer is all you need.

Not Cleaning Your Tattoo

Neglecting to clean your tattoo can lead to infections. Always ensure the area is clean before applying ointment.

Exposing Your Tattoo to Sunlight

Keeping your tattoo out of direct sunlight is crucial for its longevity. Use sunscreen once it’s healed to maintain its vibrancy.

Conclusion

Choosing the best ointment for your tattoo is crucial for its healing and longevity. Options like Tattoo Goo, Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, Bepanthen, and even coconut oil offer various benefits that cater to different skin types and preferences. Remember that proper aftercare, including the right ointment application, is key to keeping your tattoo vibrant and healthy. By following these guidelines and choosing the right product, you can ensure that your tattoo remains a beautiful piece of art for years to come.

From the brand

Established in 2007, After Inked is a premium brand specially developed for tattoos and piercings and it is used and recommended by World-Renowned Professional Tattoo Artists.

After Inked is the Exclusive Tattoo Aftercare of TV Show Ink Master and has been also featured on NY Ink and Tattoo Titans.

Our Mission

We set the standards of excellence in the tattoo and piercing industry. We are innovative and pledge to develop safe and effective skincare products.

What makes our products unique?

Our products are blended and packaged in the USA and are Formulated for Perfection, delivering results that speak for themselves.

Why do we love what we do?

We care about our people. We care about our customers. We care about the tattoo industry. We care about animals. We care about nature. We care about the world.

Tattoo Aftercare Moisturizer

Patented Vegan formula that provides excellent skin hydration plus the additional benefit of reduction of TEWL.

Non-Petroleum Jelly

Vegan ointment that moisturizes the skin by forming an effective barrier against dryness.

Piercing Aftercare Spray

Optimal sterile solution formulated to gently cleanse piercings and body modifications without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 5 x 4 inches; 15.38 ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ N-FG4-7G-BG50
UPC ‏ : ‎ 893263002252
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ After Inked
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07PSPS6SK
RADIANT TATTOO AFTERCARE: After Inked Non-Petroleum Jelly improves your tattoo's brilliance. Enriched with grape seed oil and antioxidants, our tattoo aftercare jelly provides the essential hydration that your skin needs. Reveal the true vibrancy of your tattoo's colors and cherish its artistic beauty.
VERSATILE SKINCARE: After Inked NPJ serves several functions and can be used in various ways. a) Before, during and after tattoos and PMU for a better glide and optimal grip. b) Great for piercings and also a lubricant when inserting larger gauge jewelry. c) Provides essential hydration to hands, feet, elbows, heels and cuticles. d) After-laser ointment to nurture the skin. e) Baby bottom ointment for diaper use. f) Protects and restores moisture to dogs and cats elbows and paw pads.
GENTLE & NOURISHING FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: After Inked Multipurpose Non-Petroleum Jelly is gentle on your skin, making it suitable for all skin types. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance, preventing dryness and flakiness.
SKIN & TATTOO JELLY BLISS: After Inked Tattoo Non-Petroleum Jelly with an exclusive blend that is enriched with grape seed oil, an ingredient recognized for its ability to alleviate skin dryness, as well as improve suppleness and elasticity. Our multipurpose non-petroleum jelly will keep your skin well-hydrated. It is unscented and tailored to accommodate various lifestyles and skin types.
BEFORE, DURING & AFTER APPLICATION: Whether you apply it before, during, or after your tattoo session, you're in for a treat! Prior to tattooing, it lubricates, softens, and primes your skin for the ink. During the procedure, it offers an improved grip on the skin and effortless glide, without smudging stencils or clogging tubes. Post-tattoo, pamper your ink with non-petroleum jelly to maintain its vibrancy and hydration.