What lotion can i put on my new tattoo

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.

What to Look for in a Lotion

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.

How to Take Care of New Tattoos

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.

Let It Heal

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.

Wash It

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.

Nourish It

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.

Protect It

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.

LEARN MORE

Best Overall Tattoo Lotion

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Best Upgrade Tattoo Lotion

Woo Skin Essentials After/Care Moisturizer

Best Affordable Tattoo Lotion

Jergens Daily Dry Skin Moisturizer

Best Expert-Approved Tattoo Lotion

Verb Body Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Saniderm Daily Dry Skin and Tattoo Lotion

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion

Hustle Butter

Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer Cream

Sorry Mom Tattoo Lotion Aftercare Tattoo Cream

Brooklyn Grooming Tattoo Balm

A Tattoo Artist's Guide to Caring for New Tattoos

Congrats on the ink. Here’s how to keep those lines looking sharp, according to an expert (and a tattoo artist).

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If you just got a tattoo, one of the first things any reputable artist will tell you is how crucial aftercare is. "A tattoo takes approximately four to six weeks to completely heal, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make after getting a tattoo is to let it dry up," says Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. After getting new ink, the ultimate goal is to avoid scab formation, which will also help prevent lightened spots or scars from developing on the design. To stop the scabbing, you should always use a protective ointment, salve, or tattoo-friendly moisturizer (i.e. one that will protect it and keep it hydrated) following your appointment up until your ink heals completely.

Chances are, you already have a salve hanging around in your medicine cabinet, but just in case, we took the liberty of compiling some of the best tattoo-healing balms and elixirs on the market. Ahead, find nine picks that will leave your new tattoo in tip-top shape.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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