If you were to ask someone on the street what Vaseline is, there’s a high chance they would be able to tell you. Additionally, most people probably have a tub of it in their homes. This versatile product can be used for everything from dry skin to chapped lips. So, it’s no surprise that people often wonder if Vaseline can be used on tattoos.
The short answer is yes, you can put Vaseline on a tattoo. However, a few things you should keep in mind before doing so:
- For one, it’s important to make sure the Vaseline is pure petroleum jelly. This means avoiding any products that have added scents or colors, as these could potentially irritate the skin around your tattoo;
- Secondly, only apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the tattooed area – using too much could cause the ink to spread and distort the design;
If you’re like most people, you have at least one tattoo. And if you’re like most people with tattoos, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether or not it’s safe to put Vaseline on them. The answer is a little complicated. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of using Vaseline on tattoos, and we will help you decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you.
What Is Vaseline?
Since 1872, petroleum jelly has been widely used to treat inflamed skin and has since been recognized as a revolutionary innovation that has subsequently been branded Vaseline [1].
Petroleum jelly is a semi-solid mixture of waxes and mineral oil that can be melted. When a man known as Robert Chesebrough observed oil workers using oil jelly to heal their work-related injuries and burns, he figured out that this substance was beneficial in skin protection and the formation of an impermeable water barrier for the skin.
Many people call Vaseline “wonder jelly” because of its qualities, and they even advise it as a tattoo aftercare and healing cream. Now that Vaseline is quite inexpensive and accessible, many individuals utilize it for these applications, making it a regular in their homes.
Why Is Vaseline Used?
Vaseline is often used for tattoo aftercare as it can help to soothe and moisturize the skin, preventing the tattooed area from drying out and becoming irritated. It can also protect the tattooed skin from harmful bacteria that could cause an infection.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using water-based moisturizers instead of petroleum-based products because the latter can cause ink fading. However, some tattoo artists do recommend using Vaseline for the first few days of healing as it can create a barrier that will lock in moisture and keep bacteria out [2].
Is Vaseline Safe?
Vaseline is safe to use on tattoos as it is non-toxic and hypoallergenic. However, some people may be allergic to petroleum jelly, so it’s always best to do a patch test first before applying it to a large area.
It’s also important to note that while Vaseline can be used during the healing process, once the tattoo has healed you should switch to a water-based moisturizer to prevent ink fading.
So, in short, yes, you can put Vaseline on a tattoo, but it’s not the best option out there and you should only use it for the first few days of healing. Once your tattoo has healed, switch to a water-based moisturizer to keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.
Can You Put Vaseline on a New Tattoo:
Vaseline Doesn’t Allow the Skin to Breathe If you put Vaseline on a new tattoo, it won’t allow the skin to breathe. This can cause infection and slow down the healing process. It’s best to avoid using Vaseline on a new tattoo altogether [3].
There are plenty of other products out there that are specifically designed for tattoos, like tattoo ointments and lotions. These products will help keep your tattoo healthy and free from infection. Talk to your artist about what product they recommend for you to use on your new tattoo.
Vaseline Can Mess Up The Ink
Don’t use Vaseline on your fresh tattoo! It can cause the ink to spread out, making your tattoo look blurry and ruining the colors. Instead, try a product that’s specifically designed for tattoos, like a tattoo ointment or lotion. These products will help keep your tattoo healthy while it heals.
Vaseline Can Prolong Healing and Cause Infections
When you use Vaseline, prevents oxygen from traveling into the tattooed skin. Inadequate oxygen means that the skin is not healing properly or at all. Bacteria and germs can enter the skin when a long healing process is necessary. The bacteria and germs may grow trapped in the epidermis, resulting in an infection that needs immediate medical attention.
If you’re looking for something to help keep your tattoo moisturized, try using a lotion that is specifically designed for tattoos. These products will help keep your tattoo healthy and free from infection. Talk to your artist about what product they recommend for you to use on your new tattoo.
Products such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment and A&D Ointment are great alternatives to using Vaseline on a new tattoo. Both of these products are meant to be used on open wounds and will not clog the pores or prevent oxygen from entering the skin.
What if I’m Already Using Vaseline on My New Tattoo?
If you’re using Vaseline on your new tattoo, it’s best to consult with your artist. They may have a specific aftercare routine that they recommend. However, if you are using Vaseline and notice any adverse effects, such as excessive redness or swelling, discontinue use and contact your artist or doctor. Adverse reactions to topical ointments are rare, but they can happen. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Generally, it’s best to avoid putting Vaseline on a new tattoo until it has healed. Once your tattoo has healed, you can feel free to moisturize it with Vaseline or any other lotion of your choice. Just remember to keep it out of the sun, as UV rays can damage tattoos.
When Can You Use Vaseline on a Tattoo:
During the Shower
After you’ve taken off your bandage, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your tattoo during your shower. This will help keep the tattoo moist and prevent it from drying out. Just make sure to pat the area dry afterward so that excess moisture doesn’t stay on your skin.
During the Healing Process (If the Skin Gets Too Dry)
If your tattoo starts to feel too dry during the healing process, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to help keep the area moist. Just make sure to clean the area and pat it dry before applying the Vaseline.
Once The Tattoo Is Completely Healed
Once your tattoo is completely healed, you can use Vaseline to help keep it moisturized. Just apply a thin layer to the area whenever you feel like it needs some extra moisture. You can also use other products, such as lotions or oil, to keep your tattoo moisturized. But if you’re not sure what to use, Vaseline is always a safe option.
Avoid putting Vaseline on a new tattoo until it has fully healed. This could cause the scabs to come off prematurely and lead to an infection. Once your tattoo is healed, however, you can use Vaseline to keep it moisturized. Just apply a thin layer whenever you feel like it needs some extra moisture.
Which Products for Skin Care Should You Use? You’ve probably heard it a million times before: “Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize”. And while that may be great advice for your face, what about the rest of your body? Your skin is your largest organ, so it’s important to take care of it from head to toe. But with all the different products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you.
If you have a tattoo, you might be wondering if Vaseline is a good option for keeping your ink healthy and hydrated. We spoke to two dermatologists to get their expert opinion on the matter.
“Vaseline petroleum jelly is an occlusive agent”, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This means that it forms a physical barrier on the skin to lock in moisture” [4].
For that reason, he says Vaseline can be a good option for people with dry skin or conditions like eczema. “It can also be used to protect the skin from irritants,” he adds.
Dr. Zeichner notes that while Vaseline is safe to use on tattoos, it’s important to make sure you’re not allergic to it first. To do this, he recommends doing a patch test on a small area of skin before slathering it all over your tattoo. If you experience any redness, swelling, or itching, stop using the product immediately.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologic surgeon at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City, agrees that Vaseline can be beneficial for tattoos. “It creates a barrier on the skin to help lock in moisture,” she says [5].
However, she notes that there are some downsides to using petroleum jelly on tattoos. For one thing, it can make them more difficult to clean. “If you have a new tattoo, you want to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection,” she explains. “Vaseline can trap bacteria and dirt on the skin, which could lead to an infection”.
So if you’re going to use Vaseline on your tattoo, be sure to clean the area thoroughly before applying it. And if you start to experience any redness, swelling, or itching, stop using the product immediately and contact your doctor.
Now, if you’re looking for products as an alternative to Vaseline, there are a few effective and high-quality recommendations:
- Bepanthen Diaper Care Ointment. Bepanthen ointment is not only great for baby skincare, but it’s also one of the best products on the market for tattoo aftercare. Experts in the tattoo community recommend this product because of its gentle formulation that promotes natural healing properties in the skin. For best results, use this ointment twice daily after washing your tattoo to restore hydration and moisture [6];
- LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. Cicaplast is another great option for those with sensitive skin. This product contains panthenol and shea butter to soothe the skin while also providing long-lasting hydration;
- Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Butter. Hustle Butter is a vegan-friendly tattoo aftercare product that’s filled with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, avocado oil, and rosehip oil. It’s specifically designed to help heal dry, damaged skin while also preventing scabbing and scarring;
- Sebamed Extreme Dry Skin Repair Lotion. This lotion is enriched with a high Urea concentration to repair your skin immediately. If you’re struggling with chronic itchiness, scaling, or tightness, this could be the solution for you. The lotion is also loved because of its water-retention properties which keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. During the tattoo healing process – you will want a good quality lotion by your side. This formula works quickly to reduce dryness, flaking & itching almost instantly;
FAQ:
- What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?
For the initial days following your tattoo, use an ointment that’s petroleum-free to help with the healing process. A+D Original Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment are great options, but you could also ask your tattoo artist for their recommendation. After your tattoo has healed, you can switch to using an unscented lotion to keep your skin healthy and hydrated [7].
- Can you put Vaseline on a tattoo?
Vaseline is not recommended for use on new tattoos, as it can trap bacteria and irritate the skin. Once your tattoo has healed, however, feel free to slather on the Vaseline! It can help keep your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant by sealing in moisture. Just be sure to clean the area thoroughly before applying anything.
- Does Vaseline fade tattoos?
Vaseline does not fade tattoos. It can help them heal and look their best.
Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin. This is what gives them their permanence. The ink is held in place by a network of collagen and elastin fibers.
During the healing process, these fibers break down and reform around the ink particles. This helps to seal the tattoo and keeps the ink from spreading or fading.
Vaseline creates a barrier that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin while it heals. It also provides some much-needed lubrication, which can prevent friction and irritation. All of these things can help keep a tattoo looking its best.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to using Vaseline on a tattoo. It can make the area feel greasy and uncomfortable. It can also trap dirt and bacteria, which could lead to infection.
If you do decide to use Vaseline on your tattoo, be sure to clean the area thoroughly before applying it. You should also only use a small amount, as too much can hinder healing. Be sure to talk to your artist or doctor if you have any concerns.
- Should I cover my tattoo or let it breathe?
If your tattoo is not covered by clothing, leave it bare to allow your skin to breathe and heal. When outside, cover up. Choose loose-fitting, sun-safe apparel until the end of your healing process.
If you can’t avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun, always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously, and reapply as needed – especially if you’re sweating or swimming [8].
For the first few days after getting a tattoo, ointments like A&D, petroleum jelly, Bacitracin, and Aquaphor can help keep the area moist so it heals properly. Be sure to follow your artist’s instructions on how often to apply these products.
- Should I let my tattoo dry out?
No, you should not let your tattoo dry out. A new tattoo is an open wound and needs to be treated as such. Leaving a tattoo uncovered can lead to infection and slow healing.
- What happens if you over-moisturize a tattoo?
If you over-moisturize a tattoo, it can cause the colors to run and bleed. This is especially true for new tattoos. Over time, your tattoo will become less sensitive to lotions and creams. However, it’s still important to be careful not to overdo it. Too much moisture can cause the ink to spread and make your tattoo blurry.
It’s also important to make sure that your tattoo is completely healed before you start using any type of moisturizer on it. If you put lotion on a fresh tattoo, it can trap bacteria under the skin and cause an infection. So wait until your tattoo has fully healed before reaching for the Vaseline!
- Will my tattoo dry out overnight?
No, your tattoo will not dry out overnight. You can put a thin layer of Vaseline on your tattoo before bed to help keep it moisturized. Be sure to wash off the Vaseline in the morning before applying sunscreen or makeup.
- What soothes a tattoo?
If you’re looking for something more natural, aloe vera gel is also effective at soothing tattoos. Apply it several times a day during the healing process to keep your skin hydrated and free from irritation.
- How soon after the tattoo can you shower?
You can’t shower for a few hours, at least. The first 24 to 48 hours are critical for the healing process of your tattoo. During that time, you should avoid playing with and sprinkling water on the tattoo as much as possible. Because the tattoo or wound has to seal itself, this is why you can’t shower straight away [9].
- Should I cover my tattoo at night?
Yes, you should cover your tattoo at night. This will protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria that can cause infection. You can use a bandage or wrap the tattoo in plastic wrap. Be sure to clean the area before you cover it.
Do not put Vaseline instantly on your new tattoo. This will trap moisture and bacteria against your skin and can cause an infection. Please ask your artist or doctor if you have any questions about caring for your tattoo.
Useful Video: Can You Put Vaseline on a Tattoo?
References:
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/can-i-put-vaseline-on-my-tattoo/
- https://greatist.com/health/vaseline-for-tattoo#vaseline-science
- https://tattify.com/vaseline-on-tattoo/
- https://awesomejelly.com/vaseline-uses-that-you-may-not-know-t2
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a40652813/retinol-and-vitamin-c-together/
- https://www.bepanthen.co.uk/bepanthen-range/baby-and-parent/bepanthen-nappy-care-ointment
- https://www.healthline.com/health/tattoo-aftercare
- https://greatist.com/health/tattoo-aftercare
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/showering-with-a-new-tattoo