It’s no secret that tattoo lotions can help keep your ink looking its best. While many lotions promise to make your tattoo fade faster, others are made with permanent formulas that leave the ink looking streaky after a certain period of time. If you’re planning on getting a new tattoo, you may be wondering how to get the most out of it. Read on to learn more about the different types of lotions, and their benefits.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Tattoo Lotion
Many lotions promise to make your tattoo fade faster, but they usually contain oils that are toxic to your skin. Scrubs and oils are supposed to go on your skin, but not in direct contact with it. Creams, oils, and serums should be applied topically to your skin for longer-term benefits. What you need to know about tattoo lotions:
Tattoo lotions are meant to be applied twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. You should avoid applying them on sensitive skin at times like during massage or in the evening.
Tattoo lotions should be applied with moisturizing body butter, lotion, or gel. While oil lotions are a no-go, solid body butter, lotion, and gel are okay to apply topically.
Remember: When it comes to lotions, the more you know about them, the better off you’ll be. If you’re unsure about something, stick to the basics and start with how to apply a cream or oil. You’ll soon get the hang of it.
Read More: How to Take Care of Your Tattoo Aftercare
Read More: Best Tattoo Aftercare Products with Pros and Cons
Types of Tattoo Lotions
There are a few different types of tattoo lotions on the market, and they each have their own benefits. Gel Lotions – These are the least expensive and most common types of lotions, and they often contain alcohol. Solid lotions take longer to dry, but they can be used on delicate skin like the face. Creams – Creams are meant to be applied more absorbently, like a night cream, and they usually contain oils. Creams don’t dry as quickly as oils, so they don’t lose their effectiveness as quickly as expected. Oils – Oils are meant to be applied more quickly than cream lotions, and they usually leave the skin smoother. While oils are good for all skin types, they’re more likely to strip the skin of its natural oils when applied hurriedly. ## How to Apply a Tattoo Lotion
Depending on how you’re getting your new ink, you may be able to apply your lotion at home. If not, you’ll need to go to a tattoo shop. If you’re getting a full-body tattoo, you’ll likely be given a cream or oil to apply. You can either check with the artist on how to apply your lotion or ask a friend to help. When applying a cream or oil, you’ll want to mix it with your favorite skin cream or make sure to pick a water-based formula so it won’t dry out your skin. After you’ve applied your lotion, use a clean towel or old 1-2 shirt to blot the excess oil from your skin. You don’t need to dry your skin completely off before moving on to the next stage.
Aftercare for a New Tattoo
After you get your new tattoo, the most important step is to protect your skin. Make sure to shield your skin from direct sunlight and wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. If you’re getting a new tattoo, it’s a good idea to wear ultraviolet (UV) sunscreen when you go to the beach or the pool. Keep your skin moisturized, but not over the top. Moisturizing too much can strip your skin of its natural oils, so you don’t want to go overboard.
If you’ve had a job where you’ve been putting in hours in the sun, or you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to consider getting achromatic tattoo removal. This is the removal of all colors, and it’s done well enough that it can be done before your tattoo is removed.
Conclusion
Tattoos are beautiful, and there’s nothing wrong with getting inked for your own unique style. Whether you get a full-body tattoo, a single-word design on your bicep, or a custom watercolor on your foot, you can rest assured that your new ink will stay looking great. Make sure to follow these tips to get the most out of your lotion. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask. No one knows your body better than you, and there’s no point in having a bad skin care regimen if you don’t know how to take care of yourself.