If you’re a tattoo enthusiast (or thinking about getting your first one), you know ( or you’re about to find out) how important it is to take good care of your ink.
After all, you don’t want to end up with a faded, infected, or scarred piece of art on your skin, right?
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That’s why moisturizing is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare. It helps your tattoo heal faster, prevents dryness and itching, and keeps your colors vibrant and beautiful.
But, with so many moisturizing products out there, how do you choose the best one for your tattoo?
Well, let’s compare two of the most popular ones: Aquaphor and Lubriderm.
These are both dermatologist-recommended products that many tattoo artists swear by. But, which one is better for your tattoo?
Is Aquaphor or Lubriderm better for tattoos? And how do you use them properly?
Let’s discuss the benefits, drawbacks, usage tips, and alternatives for each product.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear idea of which one suits your tattoo needs better.
So, let’s get started!
The Best Aquaphor and Lubriderm Products for Tattoos
You’ve decided to use Aquaphor and Lubriderm for your tattoos, but which products should you use?
Both brands have multiple products on the market, but not all of them are suitable for tattoo aftercare.
Here are some of the best Aquaphor and Lubriderm products for tattoos, based on their ingredients, reviews, and popularity.
The Best Aquaphor Products for Tattoos
This is the classic product that most tattoo artists and enthusiasts recommend for tattoo aftercare.
It contains petrolatum, lanolin, glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol which work together to moisturize, protect, soothe, and heal the skin.
It forms a semi-occlusive barrier that prevents infection and scabbing, while still allowing oxygen to reach the wound. It’s fragrance-free, preservative-free, and hypoallergenic.
You can use it for the first few days to a week after getting a tattoo, and then switch to a lotion.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
This is a variant of the original product that is specially designed for babies sensitive skin.
It contains the same ingredients as the original product but in different proportions.
It’s fragrance-free, preservative-free, hypoallergenic and it’s gentle enough to use on your tattoo, especially if you have sensitive or allergic skin.
You can use it for the same duration as the original product, then switch to a lotion.
The Best Lubriderm Products for Tattoos
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion
This is one of the most popular lotions for tattoo aftercare.
It has water, glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, dimethicone, panthenol, and vitamin E, which help hydrate and nourish the skin.
It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
It’s fragrance-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic.
You can use it once you stop using Aquaphor or another ointment until your tattoo is fully healed.
You can also continue to use it to maintain your tattoo’s health and appearance. Check the price on Amazon
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin
This is another variant of the original product that’s specially designed for sensitive skin.
It has the same ingredients as the original product but without lanolin or parabens.
It’s fragrance-free, dye-free non-comedogenic, and gentle enough to use on your tattoo, especially if you have sensitive or allergic skin.
You can use it for the same duration as the original product until your tattoo is fully healed.
You can also continue to use it to maintain your tattoo’s health and appearance.
These are some of the best Aquaphor and Lubriderm products for tattoos that you can find online or in stores.
However, you should always check the labels and reviews of any product before using it on your tattoo.
You should also consult your tattoo artist for their recommendations and approval.
Usage Tips for Aquaphor and Lubriderm for Tattoos
Caring for a new tattoo isn’t really rocket science, but it does require some attention and dedication.
You want to make sure your tattoo heals properly and looks amazing for years to come.
Here are some general guidelines on how to care for a new tattoo:
Keep it clean – Wash your tattoo gently with unscented, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water at least twice a day.
Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and avoid rubbing or scratching it.
Avoid sun exposure – Sunlight can fade your tattoo and cause inflammation and infection.
Keep your tattoo covered or out of direct sunlight until it’s fully healed.
After that, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outside.
Don’t scratch or pick at it – Your tattoo will itch and flake as it heals, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at it.
This can damage your tattoo design and cause scarring or infection.
Instead, apply some moisturizer or ointment to soothe the itchiness.
Follow the instructions of your tattoo artist – Your tattoo artist knows best how to care for your specific tattoo.
Follow their aftercare instructions carefully and don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.
Now that you know the basics of tattoo aftercare, let’s talk about how to use Aquaphor and Lubriderm for tattoos.
These are two of the most popular products for tattoo aftercare, but they have different purposes and usage methods.
Here is some specific advice on how to use Aquaphor and Lubriderm for tattoos:
When to start and stop using them – You should start using Aquaphor as soon as you remove the bandage or wrap from your tattoo, which is usually after several hours to several days, depending on your tattoo artist’s instructions.
You should use Aquaphor for the first few days to a week of healing, then switch to Lubriderm or another lotion.
You should use lotion until your tattoo is fully healed, which is usually after 3 to 4 weeks.
How much and how often to apply them – You should apply a thin layer of Aquaphor two to three times a day for the first few days to a week of healing.
You don’t need to apply too much, as this can clog your pores and slow down the healing process.
You should apply Lubriderm or another lotion three to four times a day for the rest of the healing period.
You don’t need to apply too little, as this can dry out your skin and cause cracking or fading.
How to combine them in a routine – You should always wash your tattoo with soap and water before applying Aquaphor or Lubriderm.
This will remove any dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells that can interfere with the healing process.
You should also always dry your tattoo by patting it with a paper towel before applying Aquaphor or Lubriderm.
This will prevent any moisture from diluting the products or causing infection.
To give you some examples of how to use Aquaphor and Lubriderm for tattoos based on different scenarios, here are some possible routines:
For a small, simple tattoo on your arm – You can remove the bandage after 4 hours and wash your tattoo with soap and water.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and cover it with a clean bandage or wrap. Repeat this process twice a day for 3 days, then switch to Lubriderm or another lotion.
Apply lotion three times a day for 3 weeks, then continue as needed.
For a large, detailed tattoo on your back – You can keep the bandage on overnight and wash your tattoo with soap and water in the morning.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and cover it with a clean bandage or wrap.
Repeat this process twice a day for 5 days, then switch to Lubriderm or another lotion.
Apply lotion four times a day for 4 weeks, then continue as needed.
For a colorful, intricate tattoo on your leg – You can remove the bandage after 6 hours and wash your tattoo with soap and water.
Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor and cover it with a clean bandage or wrap.
Repeat this process twice a day for 7 days, then switch to Lubriderm or another lotion.
Apply lotion four times a day for 4 weeks, then continue as needed.
Remember, these are just examples and not rules. Your tattoo artist may have different recommendations based on your specific tattoo and skin type.
Always follow their instructions and consult them if you have any doubts or issues.
I hope this post has helped you learn more about how to use Aquaphor and Lubriderm for tattoos.
These are great products that can help your tattoo heal faster and more comfortably while keeping it moisturized and protected.
Just make sure you use them correctly and safely and enjoy your new ink!
Can I use Aquaphor and Lubriderm together?
Yes, you can use Aquaphor and Lubriderm together in a tattoo aftercare routine.
Just don’t use them at the same time or on top of each other.
Instead, use Aquaphor for the first few days after getting a tattoo to protect it from infection and scabbing.
Then, you should switch to Lubriderm to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking.
You can also alternate between them depending on what your skin needs.
How long should I use Aquaphor or Lubriderm for my tattoo?
This depends on a few things, such as the size, location, and style of your tattoo, your skin type, its condition, and your personal preference.
Generally, you should use Aquaphor for about 3 to 5 days after getting a tattoo, or until it starts to peel or flake.
Then, you should use Lubriderm for about 2 to 3 weeks, or until your tattoo is fully healed.
You can also continue to use Lubriderm or another moisturizer (like Cetaphil) to maintain the health and appearance of your tattoo.
What are some alternatives to Aquaphor or Lubriderm for tattoos?
There are many other products you can use for tattoo aftercare besides Aquaphor or Lubriderm.
Some, like Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare Balm or After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion, are specially made for tattoos.
There are also natural or organic products that offer similar benefits, like coconut oil or shea butter.
However, check the ingredients and reviews of any product before using it on your tattoo, and also a good idea to consult with your tattoo artist for their recommendations and approval.
So which one is better for tattoos?
You can’t go wrong if you choose Aquaphor or Lubriderm.
They can both help your tattoo heal faster and more comfortably while keeping it moisturized and protected.
Now go show off your new ink and enjoy it!😊
