A tattoo is a form of body art that is created by inserting ink into the layer of skin called the dermis. Tattoos can last anywhere from a few days to a lifetime, depending on how well you take care of them. One of the most common problems that people have with their tattoos is over-moisture.
If your tattoo is still over-moisturized after following these steps, it’s time to consult a professional. A qualified tattoo artist will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and recommend a course of treatment.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes over-moisture and how to fix it!
What is Over-Moisturizing Your Tattoo?
Your skin is the largest organ in your body.
The epidermis is constantly shedding dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones. This process is called turnover, and it’s what helps keep your skin looking healthy [1] .
The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands. This is where your tattoo lives. The dermis is much thicker than the epidermis, which is why tattoos last a lifetime.
The subcutaneous tissue sits beneath the dermis and contains fat cells that help cushion and protect your body.
When you over-moisturize your tattoo, you’re basically suffocating it. Your skin needs to breathe in order to stay healthy, and over-moisturizing prevents that from happening.
This can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Ink fading;
- Colors running;
- Skin irritation;
- Infection;
Can You Over-Moisturize a Tattoo?
Many factors influence the healing of your tattoo. Moisturizing it can help promote the healing process and provide you with a long-lasting tattoo. If you apply too much lotion to your tattoo or don’t dry it fully after washing, though, it might delay the healing process.
You can over-moisturize your tattoo, which has a number of consequences. It may extend the healing period and cause an infection. All of this might harm your tattoo and leave you with less-than-perfect body art that you’ll have to deal with for years.
Before you leave the tattoo shop following your tattoo, your artist will discuss with you aftercare. They are aware of what they’re talking about, so pay attention and ensure that you comprehend everything before leaving[2] .
So how do you know if you’re over-moisturizing your tattoo? There are a few telltale signs:
- Your tattoo feels mushy or slimy;
- It’s red and inflamed;
- The colors are bleeding or running;
If you notice any of these things, it’s time to take action.
Why Does Your Tattoo Need Moisturizer?
When you get a tattoo, it is still an open wound at the time. It must be treated as such. When blood and ink have stopped flowing from the wound after 24 to 48 hours, the healing process will begin.
Keeping the skin hydrated throughout the healing process will aid in the tattoo’s healthy, successful healing.
As the skin heals, it will itch and peel. You can decrease the itching and prevent any peeling of your tattooed skin by moisturizing it.
What Moisturizer Should You Use on Your Tattoo?
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, there are many different products out there. But which one is the best for your tattoo?
If you have an over-moisturized tattoo, the first thing you need to do is stop using any moisturizer on it. This will help to prevent further irritation and damage to your tattoo.
Once your tattoo has had a chance to dry out, you can start using a light, unscented lotion. Be sure to apply it sparingly, as too much moisture can actually make your tattoo worse [3] .
If your tattoo is still looking irritated or inflamed, you can try using mild hydrocortisone cream. This can help to soothe any irritation and help your tattoo to heal.
Remember, if you are ever unsure about what to do, it is always best to consult with your tattoo artist or doctor. They will be able to give you the best advice for your specific situation.
How Much Moisturizer Does Your Tattoo Need?
For the tattoo to heal properly, only a thin coat of lotion or ointment is required. You must allow the region to air dry after cleaning it. When your tattoo is still wet, don’t apply moisturizer on top of it; otherwise, this will harm the region.
You must keep the dead skin from sticking to your feet with a thin layer of dermatologically tested, fragrance-free lotion or ointment once it has dried.
If you apply too little, you may always add more. If you apply too much, it will be difficult and perhaps painful to remove [4] .
Tattoos need a small amount of moisture to stay healthy and vibrant. However, too much moisture can cause the tattoo to swell and become over-moisturized. This can lead to the tattoo becoming faded, blurry, or even infected.
If you think your tattoo may be over-moisturized, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
- First, try gently patting the tattoo dry with a clean towel. If this doesn’t work, you can apply a small amount of lotion or petroleum jelly to the tattoo;
- Be sure to use a very small amount – just enough to lightly coat the tattooed area;
- Once you’ve applied the lotion or jelly, allow the tattoo to air dry for a few minutes before covering it with a bandage;
If your tattoo is still over-moisturized, you may need to see a dermatologist or tattoo artist. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatments to help fix it.
Over-moisturized tattoos are usually not permanent, but they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. If you think your tattoo may be over-moisturized, take steps to fix it right away!
What Are The Risks of Over-Moisturizing a Tattoo?
The risks of over-moisturizing a tattoo are an infection, fading, and poor healing. When a tattoo is over-moisturized, the ink can spread and cause the colors to bleed. This can make your tattoo look blurry and dull. Too much moisture can also cause the skin to peel, which can lead to infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dermatologist or tattoo artist right away.
What Are The Risks Of Lack of Tattoo Moisturizing?
It’s simple to over-moisturize a tattoo, but it’s also simple to under-moisturize one.
The following are some of the adverse effects of dehydration and moisturizing [5] :
- Dehydration;
- Dry skin;
- Allergies;
- Inflammation;
- Itching;
- Infection;
- Scarring;
- Fading tattoo colors;
The best way to ensure that your tattoo is neither too dry nor too moist is to use a light, unscented lotion on it regularly.
Be sure to test the lotion on a small patch of skin before applying it to your tattoo, as some people may be allergic to certain ingredients. Apply the lotion sparingly, and rub it in gently until it’s fully absorbed. Don’t use any lotion with a strong fragrance, as this may irritate your skin.
How Often Should I Moisturize My New Tattoo?
You should moisturize your new tattoo every day for the first week. After that, you can start to reduce the frequency to twice a week. However, if your tattoo starts to feel dry or tight, you should increase the frequency again [6] .
FAQ
Can you fix an overworked tattoo?
If your tattoo is looking worn down, it may be time for a rework. If the initial tattoo has faded or is light enough in color to be revisited, this technique is often used. When a tattoo artist goes back over old work to conceal any fading, blemishes, or unintentional blunders, he or she is reworking it.
Can moisturizer ruin a tattoo?
If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your over-moisturized tattoo is ruining your ink, you’re not alone. Many people ask can moisturizer ruin a tattoo? The simple answer is yes – too much moisture can cause the tattoo to fade and even lead to its destruction.
This includes lotions, creams, gels, etc.
If your tattoo is still healing, be sure to pat it dry after cleansing it with lukewarm water and mild soap.
Once the tattoo has healed, you can begin using a light layer of unscented lotion to keep the area moisturized.
Be sure to test the lotion on a small area of skin before applying it to your tattoo, as some people can have allergic reactions to certain products.
If you notice any redness, swelling, or other irritation, stop using the lotion immediately and consult your dermatologist or tattoo artist.
How do I know if my tattoo artist went too deep?
Blowouts are one of the most prevalent tattoo problems, and they occur when the artist pushes the ink too far into your skin.
If the ink is applied too deeply, it will spread throughout the layers of your skin. Blowouts are most apparent shortly after the tattoo is completed, although they can sometimes take a few weeks to develop [7] .
What happens if a tattoo gets too dry?
If a tattoo gets too dry, it can start to peel and flake off. This can be very painful and may even lead to infection.
Will scabs ruin my tattoo?
It’s critical not to pick at or scratch off the scabs, as this might damage your tattoo. That’s easier said than done, since scabbing tattoos may become itchy as they dry out.
Keeping your tattoo wet — but not overly moist — can help you avoid discomfort [8] .
Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?
The short answer is no. Peeling tattoo skin is not only painful, it can also damage your tattoo. If you’ve over-moisturized your tattoo, the best course of action is to gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and then apply a thin layer of lotion.
If your tattoo is peeling, it’s important to resist the urge to pick at the loose skin. This can cause infection and further damage to your tattoo. Instead, allow the skin to peel naturally. Gently washing the area with soap and water can help speed up the process.
When should I stop moisturizing my tattoo?
Wear tattoo-friendly sunscreen, and make sure your tattoo is covered. After the skin has healed, don’t scratch or peel it off. It’s commonly advised to moisturize for at least 2 weeks but no more than one month after the ink has healed [9] .
What moisturizer should I use for my tattoo?
You can use any type of lotion or cream, as long as it’s unscented and hypoallergenic. Avoid products with petroleum jelly, as this can clog pores and trap bacteria.
If you have sensitive skin, look for a lotion that contains Aloe Vera or chamomile.
Products containing vitamin E may also be beneficial for tattoo healing. Apply a small amount of lotion to the tattooed area several times per day. Gently rub it in until the skin feels hydrated but not wet.
If your tattoo becomes excessively dry, red, or irritated, stop using the product and consult your doctor or tattoo artist. You may be allergic to any ingredient in the lotion or cream.
With proper care, your tattoo will heal quickly and look great for years to come!
Should I moisturize my tattoo after it’s fully healed?
If you want your tattoo to retain its life and radiance many years after it’s been applied, you should continue moisturizing it even after it’s completely healed. The post-care regimen isn’t limited to the healing process.
Can I use Vaseline to moisturize my tattoo?
Vaseline can be used as a tattoo moisturizer, but it’s not the best option. It’s petroleum-based, which can cause your tattoo to heal slower and can make it more prone to infection. It can also trap dirt and bacteria against your skin, which can lead to irritation. If you do choose to use Vaseline, make sure you clean it off before applying any lotion or sunblock.
Shea butter is a better alternative to Vaseline for tattoo moisturizing. Unlike Vaseline, shea butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Shea butter is also rich in vitamin A and E, which are important for healing and preventing scarring.
Apply a small amount of shea butter to your tattoo after cleansing and before bed. Gently massage it into the skin until it’s fully absorbed. You can also use a thin layer of shea butter during the day, but make sure to apply sunscreen overtop to protect your tattoo from UV rays.
Useful Video: How to APPLY Healing Ointment & Moisturizer on a NEW tattoo | THE BEST NEW METHOD I ALWAYS USE
References:
- https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=anatomy-of-the-skin-85-P01336
- https://authoritytattoo.com/can-you-over-moisturize-a-tattoo/
- https://sorrymomshop.com/blogs/aftercare/how-often-lotion-new-tattoo
- https://authoritytattoo.com/can-you-over-moisturize-a-tattoo/
- https://www.savedtattoo.com/over-moisturizing-tattoo/
- https://sorrymomshop.com/blogs/aftercare/how-often-lotion-new-tattoo
- https://www.inkedmag.com/profiles-and-features-on-the-best-tattoo-artists-in-the-world/9-common-tattoo-complications-and-what-to-do-about-them
- https://www.healthline.com/health/body-modification/tattoo-bubbling#cause
- https://sorrymomshop.com/blogs/aftercare/how-often-lotion-new-tattoo