It’s a form of petroleum jelly. Its melting point so close to body temperature has led it to become one of the most widely used skin protectants in the world today! Once the scabs begin to flake off, resist the urge to scrub at them and let the skin flakes come off gently in the shower. Any licensed and reputable tattoo artist will tell you exactly how you should look after a new tattoo on the day, but in case you were too nervous/excited/worried to pay full attention, we explain how to get the best from your new tattoo. Choose your aftercare product.There are a whole host of fantastic aftercare products out there – we’ve listed some of our favourites below. Whatever you choose, be sure to avoid fragrance and alcohol-based products and make sure you don’t use too much of it. Your skin needs to breathe, but if it’s drowning in a tattoo aftercare balm it won’t be able to do so. Your pores could also become clogged leading to spots. Eww.

Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070Don’t overexpose your tattoo to sun.A fresh tattoo is a raw open wound so it will have no natural protection from the sun – even tiny amounts of UV rays can cause damage. Don’t use suncream either until your tattoo is fully healed and sunbeds are definitely a no!

Petrolatum, a byproduct of the distillation of Petroleum with unique properties for skin care applications, is renowned for its ability to form an effective barrier against moisture loss and infection-causing microbes.

Think clean.Make sure you’re washing your tattoo at least twice a day and you should only be touching your tattoo with clean fingers. If you work in a dirty or active job, you might want to take some time off, or if you have to wear a grubby uniform. Second skin products like Dermalize and Tattoomed, as mentioned above, are a good idea if these situations can’t be avoided. However, if you can’t use these wraps, Bepanthen is safe to use and will heal your tattoo nicely. What else can you use Bepanthen for? Bepanthen is an aftercare product recommended by tattoo artists, it protects, heals and softens tattooed skin. One male reviewer even mentioned that he used this in place of a beard oil after suffering from irritated skin and it worked wonders! Pastor-Nieto, MA., Gatica-Ortega, ME. Ubiquity, Hazardous Effects, and Risk Assessment of Fragrances in Consumer Products. Curr Treat Options Allergy 8, 21–41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40521-020-00275-7

The other 4 ingredients do offer some benefits, but basically most of the ingredient content in Bepanthen, are not going to deliver to you any type of specialised healing when it comes to tattoo aftercare. Based on the results of a study questionnaire, which was filled in by subjects during visits on Day 2, Day 7 and Day 14(n=56 subjects). Application of Bepanthen® Ointment 4–8 times daily for 14 days on newly tattooed skin. Don’t expose to the sun: While your tattoo is healing, stay out of the sun or wear clothes that protect it. Sun exposure on traumatised skin can affect how it heals and lead to fading. "After it has healed (which can take up to 6 weeks depending on the type and size of tattoo), regular sun cream should be fine," says Hayes. “If you want to keep the colour vibrant, use a high SPF.”However, there are environmental concerns around Ozokerite due to its origin in the petrochemical industry. However, it doesn’t often cause skin allergies or issues with people and is widely viewed as safe for skin. Glyceryl Oleate

After 48 hours it is best to start applying a aftercare cream see Mr Bees Manuka link here under your bandage, you only need a very thin layer to begin with.The ointment does contain Dexpanthenol and Panthenol 5% (pro-vitamin B5), both have the known property to support skin repair. There are plenty of alternatives to Bepanthen. I now mostly use Saniderm Tatoo bandagesfor most of my clients. Think long-term. As you age, the loss of the elastic tissue in your skin causes your skin to thin and sag. Your tattoo is no different. You should look after your tattoo as you do your skin, taking care to avoid too much sun. There are a few specific tattoo sun protection creams and moisturises specifically aimed at keeping them bright featured in our top aftercare products list below. This can clog your pores and break you out in a rash and cause further inflammation to your skin which is definitely something you don’t want when you have a new tattoo.