Can I use Aquaphor on my new tattoos?

Which Aquaphor product do you mean?

Aquaphor sells Healing Ointment, Moisturizing Cream and Hydrating Daily Lotion, so the brand name is not a formula, despite doing a convincing impression of one. Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a skin protectant that helps retain moisture and supports healing of minor cuts, scrapes and burns. It forms a barrier that reduces moisture loss while allowing excess moisture to escape. Those general uses are different from choosing aftercare for a fresh tattoo.3

Petroleum based products such as petroleum jelly can cause tattoo ink to fade. Avoid petroleum jelly while the tattoo heals. If your artist has named Aquaphor, confirm the exact product and how they want you to use it rather than substituting another product from the range.124

How should I care for the tattoo?

Tattoo aftercare centers on cleaning and moisturizing, a considerably less elaborate production than the artwork itself.4

1. 1Follow your artist's instructions for the dressing. Some medical adhesive coverings stay on for several days, so do not remove yours just to apply ointment.
2. 2Wash your hands before removing the dressing or touching the tattoo. Remove the covering gently when instructed.
3. 3Wash the exposed tattoo gently twice a day with mild, fragrance free soap and warm water. Do not scrub or rub.
4. 4Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel and let the skin dry before applying your artist's recommended ointment or a simple moisturizer.
5. 5Continue moisturizing twice a day. Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce sticking and rubbing.

How many days should you use Aquaphor on a new tattoo?

There is no single Aquaphor timetable for every new tattoo. If your artist recommends it, ask when to stop that specific ointment or switch to a moisturizer. General tattoo care involves washing and moisturizing twice a day through the first month, not necessarily using the same ointment throughout. Healing depends on the tattoo's size and location, and larger tattoos can take months to fully heal.14

What is normal, and when should I get help?

Some redness, swelling, soreness and clear fluid can occur initially. Itching, flaking and scabs can also be part of healing. Do not scratch, pick scabs or pull away flaky skin.45

See a doctor promptly for spreading or darkening redness, worsening pain, pus, open sores, fever or chills. Do not treat these changes by simply adding more ointment. A reaction is not necessarily caused by the moisturizer: tattoo ink can also trigger allergies. Seek immediate medical care for a tattoo reaction accompanied by trouble breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, hives or intense swelling.5

Keep it protected while it heals

Avoid direct sunlight, exfoliation and soaking in pools, baths or hot tubs until the tattoo is healed. Do not apply sunscreen to the healing tattoo. Once healed, protect it with broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours, because ultraviolet light can fade tattoo ink.24