Can You Use Baby Lotion On a New Tattoo?

Chances are if you’re reading this, you just got a new tattoo, which is awesome. However, now comes the part when you actually have to truly take care of your fresh ink so that it can heal properly. And, things can get tricky without proper guidance.

For example, your tattoo artist probably talked about tattoo aftercare and what you should do; like clean the tattoo, moisturize it, keep it away from water, etc. But, you still have questions, like; can I use this baby lotion I already have to moisturize and hydrate my tattoo?

Luckily, we are well aware that people have a lot of questions regarding tattoo aftercare, especially regarding the products they want to put on the tattoo. Therefore, we’ve decided to tackle the question of baby lotion and tattoo moisturizing once and for all. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Baby Lotion Vs. New Tattoos

Let’s Talk About Baby Lotions First

Now, baby lotions are intended to take care of the ultra-sensitive baby skin, and as such, contain safe ingredients. Regular body lotions seem to be too harsh for the thin and sensitive baby skin since they don’t provide proper hydration and leave the skin dehydrated much faster.

So, as common sense would have it, using baby lotion on sensitive adult skin would be a logical thing to do. And yes, many adults do use baby lotions to combat skin dryness and rashing in case of truly sensitive skin types.

But, why are baby lotions so effective, and how do they deal with sensitive skin?

First of all, baby lotions are generally formulated without parabens, silicones, dyes, mineral oils, phthalates, and petroleum. These ingredients can be harmful, especially in cases of eczema, skin rashing and other skin conditions that cause skin drying, cracking, and redness.

So, to be more suitable for ultra-sensitive baby and adult skin, baby lotions contain ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera juice, sunflower seed oils, oatmeal, avocado oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, etc. All of these ingredients make baby lotions plant-based, organic, vegan, and of course, fragrance- and dye-free.

Because of the ingredients, baby lotions are suitable to combat skin inflammation, like in the case of a diaper rash. Baby lotions are generally non-irritating, nourishing, and soothing to ultra-sensitive skin.

So, Can You Use Baby Lotion On a New Tattoo?

Now that we know a little more in-depth about baby lotions, we can see why people would want to use them on their new tattoos. Tattooed skin is as sensitive as it can get since it is basically an open wound until the skin starts sealing; that can take a few days, so in the meantime, the aftercare is of the utmost importance.

• You Should Not Use Baby Lotion On a Fresh Tattoo

During the first few days, while the tattoo is closing and the skin is preparing for the next healing phase, it is essential NOT to put anything on the skin, not even baby lotion.

So, if you’re wondering whether you can put baby lotion onto a fresh tattoo, the answer is always a strong NO. Neither baby lotion nor any other moisturizing cream or lotion should be used on a tattoo that is still open and fresh.

• At First, You Can Only Use Water and Antibacterial Soap

The only thing you can use on a new tattoo is just lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, to wash it. You should wash your new tattoo once to twice a day. After it starts healing and closing, after each washing you should also apply a thin layer of baby lotion or moisturizer.

Only when the tattoo has started to close and there is no risk of it starting to bleed again can you use lotion to hydrate and moisturize the tattoo. That can take a few days; between 2 and 4, in some cases 5 to 7, depending on your skin health, immune system, and metabolism. So long the healing is not accompanied by swelling, redness, increased pain, bleeding, fever, and other infection symptoms, your tattoo is doing good and healing properly.

• Apply Baby Lotion 2 to 3 Times A Day Onto Healing Tattoo

After the initial healing stage has passed, and the tattoo is sealing, it is essential to moisturize it, using nourishing and hydrating products. Baby lotion is a great option, especially if it contains shea butter, cocoa butter, and similar, organic ingredients.

Make sure to moisturize the tattoo 2 to 3 times a day, or whenever it gets dry, flaky, and itchy. As we mentioned, it is essential to moisturize the tattoo after cleaning it or after showering, since that is when it is at its driest.

Which Baby Lotion Is The Best For Tattoo Moisturizing?

There are numerous exceptional baby lotions on the market suitable for use on hyper-sensitive skin, such as the healing tattooed skin. Here are some of our favorite baby lotions for this purpose;

• Pipette Fragrance-Free Baby Lotion – this baby lotion is dermatologically tested for highly sensitive baby skin. It contains organic, plant-derived ingredients, which make it non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. The lotion doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petroleum-derived components, or synthetic fragrances. It is soothing, gentle and ensures the skin stays hydrated and moisturized.
• Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Lotion – this baby lotion is made for ultra-sensitive baby skin to ensure it stays hydrated, moisturized, and protected. The lotion contains oatmeal, shea butter, and organic chamomile, to soothe irritated and healing skin. There is also jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and glycerin. The lotion is anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, all necessary to keep your tattooed skin healthy and proper healing.
• Louis Widmer Baby Pure Nourishing Lotion – this might be one of the best baby lotions out there. It is formulated to hydrate and protect sensitive and dry baby skin. It is anti-inflammatory and promotes long-term skin hydration by creating a protective barrier against external irritants and the drying effect. The lotion contains almond oil and shea butter as the main ingredients. There are also glycerin, panthenol, lactic acid, and vitamin E, to help your tattoo heal faster and stay hydrated.
• JOIK Organic Extra Gentle Baby Lotion – another exceptional baby lotion comes from JOIk. This lotion is suitable for babies and adults with sensitive skin equally. It is unscented and formulated using organic ingredients like shea butter and organic oats. Because of its light formula, it absorbs quickly but provides moisture and hydration throughout the day. Because it is made with organic and raw ingredients, it will provide nourishment and hydration to your tattooed skin as well.
• Attitude Baby Leaves Body Lotion – our final recommendation is this baby lotion from Attitude. It is an exceptional, natural body baby lotion intended to hydrate and protect sensitive skin. The lotion is fragrance-free and completely lightweight. The formula is also hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive skin out there, which makes it perfect for tattoo aftercare. The lotion contains shea butter, chamomile flower extract, avocado oil, and much more.

FAQs Regarding Baby Lotions and Tattoos

How Often Should I Apply Baby Lotion During Tattoo Aftercare?

You should apply the lotion 2 to 3 times a day, or whenever you notice the tattoo is drying out or getting flaky. Try to first clean the tattoo and then apply the lotion, to avoid over-moisturizing. Our best recommendation is; wash the tattoo twice a day and apply the lotion after each cleaning. Do not over-moisturize the tattoo, as that can be counterproductive, prolong the healing process, and potentially cause tattoo inflammation.

How Should I Apply Baby Lotion Onto The Tattoo?

It is important not to just slap lotion onto the tattoo randomly. Make sure to always apply thin layers of lotion. The tattoo shouldn’t disappear under the product, so think a layer of lotion should suffice to keep the tattoo hydrated and moisturized for a few hours, or until the next application.

Can I Overmoisturize My Tattoo?

By applying any kind of lotion or ointment onto the tattoo too frequently, you’re increasing the moisture of the skin. When that happens, the skin doesn’t get enough oxygen to dry and continue healing. As a result, the tattoo can form too many scabs, prolong the healing process, and become infected. So yes, you can over-moisturize the tattoo. As we mentioned before, try to apply lotion only when needed, or up to 3 times per day.

How Can I Know Which Baby Lotion Is The Best?

As we mentioned before, baby lotions that are organic, vegan, plant-based, and made from organic and raw ingredients are the best for sensitive skin, such as tattooed skin. Good baby lotions do not contain fragrances, parabens, silicones, dyes, sulfates, petroleum-derived ingredients, etc. Check out our recommended lotions, or go for others that fit your preferences and budget more. Just make sure to pay attention to the ingredients.

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