How to buy Tattoo Aftercare Products

With each new piece of body art comes the dilemma of what tattoo aftercare product to buy and use to keep it protected and staying bright. If you don't have a regular tattoo artist, you'll likely get a variety of recommendations from different artists. The best solution is to find the product that works best for you and stick with it.

Instructions

1. Choose a product size suitable for the area your tattoo covers. If you have a small tattoo, such as a quarter-sized heart, then a small disposable packet (pillow pack) should do. However, if you're starting a full back piece or sleeves, then go for the economy size; you'll need it before you're done.

2. Consider products that are well publicized. Many tattoo studios sell their brand of choice. For example, Tattoo Goo includes all natural ingredients and has a low incident of allergic reactions. Other well-known choices include Ink Fixx, Tattoo Magic, Black Cat and H2Ocean.

3. Try an alternative product. Tattoo Therapy, which uses emu oil as its base, is one such product manufactured for the explicit purpose of caring for a fresh tattoo.

4. Use a lotion without added dyes or perfumes that can cause irritation. Many tattoo artists suggest just washing the tattoo with antibacterial soap and then using an unscented hand lotion such as Lubriderm during and after healing.

5. Skip products with 100 percent pore-clogging petroleum jelly. Although these products were once the most widely used aftercare choice, they hamper healing by not allowing the tattoo to breathe and have no healing properties. Instead, try water-based products such as Aquaphor, which have very little petroleum jelly.

6. Switch aftercare products if you notice an infection. The tattoo may look red and severely irritated, start oozing a yellowish or greenish discharge or feel hot to the touch. Buy a triple antibiotic, such as A&D, Bacitracin or Neosporin, until you can get to the doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read the ingredient list. If you're allergic to bees, there's a strong possibility you will also be allergic to beeswax, a common product in many professional tattoo aftercare products.

• Products with lanolin, like petroleum, can clog your pores and prevent tattoos from breathing. This can actually hamper the healing process, potentially lead to an allergic reaction and cause you to lose ink (color) or have permanent damage (scabbing that leads to scarring).

• Never combine tattoo aftercare products. Ingredients from one may react negatively with the ingredients of the other and cause an allergic reaction.

• Never share tins of tattoo aftercare with anyone.

Resources

• Check out Tattoo Goo
• Consider emu oil for tattoo aftercare