Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

[@mikestapia1627]

As a professional Tattoo artist. I would never recommend Vaseline as a healing ointment for a fresh tattoo. Being 100% petroleum base, it usually will give you a faded looking tattoo. Very popular back in the days. But we're not living in the 70's. For ointment I recommend using aquaphor. For the past year I been using Saniderm which I find an easier alternative for healing. But sorry Dr. Dray no Vaseline please.

[@4.little.legends561]

What would you recommend if someone’s allergic to lanolin(in aquaphor) and allergic to saniderm?

[@orpheliaolivia]

Why would it give you a faded look? What's the science behind that?

[@acuriousspoon843]

also, aquaphor is patroleum based as well....

[@isprikitiktus1449]

I have been using petroleum jelly since i got my first tattoo but the color did not fade

[@asankacreations]

@@isprikitiktus1449 i also

[@JessieBanana]

It’s bizarre that a diaper rash cream would have fragrance in it. I wouldn’t put fragrance on any type of rash.

[@olivia4394]

I don’t understand their logic in the development of that product at all

[@jamiesmiles8312]

So glad you were able to tell us how to care for tattoos, without bashing those of us who have tattoos. Thank you.

[@JessieBanana]

Lol Dr Dray now promotes sleeves and full body tattoos to encourage sunscreen compliance 🤣.

[@xanpena2858]

Omg i spit my tea out lmao

[@salamannader]

I already apply sunscreen heavily when I go out in the sun because I'm super pale- but not ruining my tattoos DEFINITELY helps me be more thorough about sunscreen application than before 🙃😂

[@trace9657]

@@salamannader Same, I only have one, a turtle I had put on my shoulder in 2004, It still looks great. Granted, most days it does not see the sun anyway, but if I am wearing a bathing suit or tank top. The heaviest sunscreen goes on my face and the turtle. I have been wanting a second for a few years now..

[@user-ls3wf4kq9k]

@@xanpena2858 Lol

[@kianairissummers]

I’ve used Vaseline for pretty much all my tattoos, and they still look vibrant. I used A+D for one of my tattoos and it actually looked more faded.

[@georgettethomas2540]

Exactly

[@yourdad139]

ive had my tat for a week now and have only been using vaseline. Should i keep using it till it's fully healed?

[@Celene19]

@@yourdad139yes!

[@daphneem-richer3659]

Big tattoo fan here (10+). I have a really sensitive skin and Rosaceae. Here's what I do: I ask my tattoo artist for second skin (it's like a plastic sticky film normally use after surgery to make sure the wound doesn't get infected) and I keep it on for 5 days, no products at all, if Im in the sun I put in some kinetic tape on the second skin. When I remove it (there's a proper way): I clean it with a natural, no fragrance soap and water and dry it up with a paper towel. Last step is to apply a little layer of my regular cream (Cerave again no fragrance) every couple of hours. Easy breezy.

[@saraeclipse]

After care with tattoos is so important for skin health and the outcome of the tattoo. I've used Aquaphor on my tattoos before too and that worked great!

[@renithomasia5790]

I got my first tattoo last year..i used aquaphor for a week until it started pealing then switched to fragrance free lotion..my tattoo artist said to apply a small amount of lotion when it starts to itch and it worked out really nice plus always wear sunscreen

[@Fabian6980]

I used cerave today on my 4th day I haven't added any other cream or ointment just water and soap it was getting super scabby and itchy on the 4th day cerave instantly took care of it

[@madison9812]

Me watching this with no intention of getting a tattoo😂😂

[@salamannader]

I just got a tattoo finished today! I have always been recommend to use aquaphor/A&D Ointment (unscented) and wash the tattoo 2-3x a day for the first 3-4 days and then switch to applying an unscented, non-irritating lotion or balm often after that until the tattoo is healed. Otherwise, if the artist uses something like saniderm, I switch to the unscented lotion after leaving that on for about 3-5 days. I also avoid swimming for 2-3 weeks.

[@TheFlutetune]

I’m getting a bigger tattoo today, going to remember this, and watch again after! Thanks Dr. Dray! ❤️

[@rosemarytea3878]

Good luck with it!

[@TheFlutetune]

Rosemary Tea it went great! So beautiful and I’m gonna wash and Vaseline! 🥰

[@Malditachulada]

Can we get an updated video? Aquaphor vs specialized tattoo creams (Mad Rabbit, Sorry Mom, Hustle Butter, etc)? Thank you 🫶🏽

[@ehhh888]

100% white petroleum is best because it's hypoallergenic, so neither

[@arghhvideos]

I cover my tattoos with tegaderm for a few days after getting the tattoo. It keeps bacteria out and stops me from scratching.

[@ashleeb9690]

I have 18 tattoos and I’ve used Cerave gentle soap, A&D Gold, then Lubriderm unscented lotion. My tattoos are over 10 years old and still look like I got them a week ago

[@emeraldlaurel]

It's official: Dr. Dray knows everything about everything. Never thought I would see this topic here but am very grateful for it! Thanks, Dr. Dray!

[@suzannebranscomb1711]

Laurel Plummer yes, she’s so smart! Love Dr. Dray!

[@borta2759]

i've been getting tattooed for years and every artist i've ever had has told me not to use vaseline on a fresh tattoo..

[@jackieowens0930]

That’s because Vaseline pulls ink out of tattoos. It was commonly used in the 70s-ops that’s why so many old tattoos look so blotchy now

[@Daily-Bugle24]

She's trolling

[@AroxTheMutilator]

Im a tattoo artist and my new boss says that Octenisept spray can help in healing as well when you spray it after you clean the tattoo. What s your take on it? These are the ingredients: octenisept. Composition: 100 g solution contain: octenidine dihydrochloride 0.1 g, phenoxyethanol (Ph. Eur.) 2.0 g ; Other ingredients: cocamidopropylbetaine, sodium D gluconate, glycerol 85%, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, purified water.

[@lindseystein9676]

I would recommend using Vaseline/aquaphor/A&D ointment for the first couple of days. After that I’d have people switch to an unscented lotion after washing. Reason being, using ointment for the entire healing process could stretch out healing time.

[@Siberius-]

What are the downsides of stretched-out healing time? (other than it taking longer).

[@ClarkyWarky]

Getting my... 20th tattoo? in a few weeks! Love that you keep it safe and simple! Have always had better luck with vaseline compared to anything else! 😉

[@maddiev7644]

Hi Dr Dray, thanks for the content. I used to have terrible blackheads. My skin has never looked better after following your tips! :)

[@DrDrayzday]

Glad to hear it

[@evflyleaf]

What did you use to get rid of them?

[@borta2759]

ohh, how did you get rid of them?

[@mkim4091]

How?

[@amandanjax90]

I usually use dial antibacterial soap to clean the tattoo and a Aveeno or aquaphor afterward. Worked great for my last tattoo! I remember seeing a guy in the news that just got a full back tattoo and then went swimming in the ocean a few days later and he died from sepsis if I remember correctly. Not a good idea.

[@jennadelek]

I have numerous tattoos and love using Tattoo Goo (the balm in the tin, not the lotion) for my aftercare. My tattoos have always turned out great!

[@motivat3dVergil]

Vaseline can be applied to thick and keep the tattoo from healing properly. I've used different kinds of aftercare and the best I've used is 100 percent coconut oil. Also saniderm is the best for right after the tattoo is done.

[@daniela9488]

Cover the tattoo at night too to avoid scratching when asleep. I catched myself once scratching my tattoo while in that phase of waking up and makes me wonder if I also scratched while asleep.

[@taay_thegreat2057]

It’s not recommended to recover the tat what I do it I pat it and the itch goes away

[@jugosam8237]

What helps take off Tattoos

[@saradias569]

Got my 5th tattoo yesterday , my 3rd tattoo got healed with vaseline 4th tattoo with bepanthene . Both look exactly the same , no fade what so ever . I Heard vaseline fades tattoos but mine are pretty good . I think now in my 5th tattoo i will use vaseline because i like the protective layer that give you . A good tip its to use a small amount and spread it well .

[@natko5171]

LOVE IT! Finally! Most tattoo creams have petroleum as the main ingredient anyway! And a lot of tattoo creams have fragrance or are very drying! One needs to be on the lookout for those! I had good experience with Bepanthen baby rash cream, but it isn't vegan. TattooMed after tattoo cream (from Germany) is my favourite so far. Thank you Dr Dray! PS: please don't get a tribal tattoo 😂😂😂

[@hanara24]

Great advice Dr Dray! I’ve worked in tattoo studios for the past 11 years, I have always used Bepanthen fragrance free cream for the first few days of healing then a fragrance free moisturiser from then on (especially adding more when the itching starts!) and my tattoos have all healed perfectly 😊 The tattoo aftercare products in general are all full of essential oils/fragrance and extremely over priced! They’re glorified body butters really 🤦‍♀️

[@levikiddd]

I used Cerave moisturizing lotion on my tattoos and it worked perfectly :)

[@bunnyyummy123]

I was wishing you had a tattoo aftercare video because I'm getting one in August! This is perfect :) You're the voice I trust the most!

[@danielegagnon7920]

Happy Thursday! I've had a little tattoo for several years. I think you have to do your homework and do a little research to choose a good place. I followed the guidelines and I had no problems. Since I have it on the back of my shoulder, I can't see it! And I even forget that I have one!

[@Gracewillford]

Wtf I literally just got a tattoo and this pops up😂

[@coffeewithconnie]

My tattoo artist advised me to use antibacterial soap (fragrance free) and pea size Lubriderm fragrance free lotion.

[@vriksi]

I only have 3 tattoos so far but this is exactly how I healed all of them as well. All have healed well.

[@yikes8901]

Go off dr dray love this more slightly edgy content I’ve heard a lot of different things and hearing a drs opinion is great, could you also do one on pericings? Also preventing body acne from sports bras / work out stuff / swim suits

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

Edgy? Lol

[@Siberius-]

@@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen - Your KZbin name is very funny in this context.

[@MegaBronx13]

I have always used Coco Butter 100% for the healing and moisturizing. $2.00 a stick.

[@becreb]

On a fresh tattoo, i usually apply fragrance free lotion about 3 times a day and aquaphor right before bed to help with the healing and protect my tattoo from bacteria.

[@croutonjohnson]

yessss i requested this and this video is coming out on the day i'm getting a new tattoo! thank you dr dray!!!

[@oscarchagoya5985]

I like to know what moisturizer you are wearing. Your skin looks awesome.

[@jt8142]

I don’t have tattoos but I’m still interested in watching this video. Many people have requested info on this topic and will benefit by Dr Dray’s knowledge. 😊 👏

[@DrDrayzday]

Happy Thursday :)

[@carter5548]

I have lots and this is a life saver. I trust Dr Dray. I'm going to be rewatching this video before my next one.

[@WillowMurdock]

Dr Dray hiya! We just started carrying the “Free & Clear” line in the Pharmacy where I work...what are your thoughts on the line?

[@isabellabourque4802]

An amazing product for tattoos and itching is the aveeno anti itch eczema balm!!!

[@dekalogue]

pure VASELINE is what they immediatamente apply to boxers' wounds during a fight. 💙💙

[@sarah2806]

u mean pure petrolatum

[@dekalogue]

@@sarah2806 yes

[@pdxorbust27]

if you get a large tattoo ( sleeve, back, etc ) it’s impossible to keep it covered for two weeks.

[@Panya.V]

@@pdxorbust27 It's impossible to wear a shirt for two weeks?

[@vickyoli]

That’s to avoid making it bigger or worst, so if they receive another punch, the fist slips away

[@tashstar8399]

Can you do a video on the effects of UV/LED lamps used in nail salons please?! Love your videos!!

[@user-ls3wf4kq9k]

Dr. Stay, what about eyebrows and microblading after care?

[@lefthandanimation8603]

Aquaphor is the best thing for tattoo healing..

[@user-mc6df1ep3c]

Do not put a petroleum based anything on your tattoo use water base only

[@olgab478]

Piercing aftercare next please!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@inalikechina]

Also, what about regular Aquaphor? I've been told to use that in the past.

[@lindseystein9676]

Regular aquaphor works phenomenally. That’s what I’d recommend to people. Along with any unscented lotion.

[@embooth7106]

Vaseline is not necessarily the best. We use aquaphor and unscented lotion..

[@MsSwthrt102]

Use Tegaderm too if u can. It made my tattoo heal without itching etc

[@taay_thegreat2057]

That works

[@devonbear4979]

iv had laser to try to get rid of my tattoo but still watching and liking. Love how Dr Dray covers so many topics for everyone

[@hayleylouise7051]

most artists actually recommend not put vasaline on new tattoos - it stops the tattoo from being able to breathe properly. a great alternative to Vasaline is Aquaphor. i’ve used this for most of my tattoos and it works amazing! i know other people use bepathen. I would always follow the advise of your tattoo artist if you are unsure. i’m from the UK and most artists here do not use vasaline.

[@genevievemanalo]

Aquaphore is 41% Vaseline lol

[@21stcenturyschizoidgal71]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video for such a long time. Thanks Dr. Dray!

[@DrDrayzday]

hope the tips were helpful

[@21stcenturyschizoidgal71]

Dr Dray It did. Thanks! This is pretty much how I care for mine. I work in the medical field and have always found it “interesting” to hear of all the different methods out there for caring for tattoos while they are healing. There are a few popular products contains ingredients that I can’t imagine putting on a healing wound. Any opinion on applying a product like Tegaderm? There are a few products for tattoos that are similar. My skin hates these, so I would never use them, but they are becoming popular. Any recommendations on how to care for healing tattoos that are under clothes (of the loose-fitting variety)? Thanks again for the video and for all the information you share with all of us on the internet!

[@carter5548]

I'm wondering about saniderm or tegaderm too. My artist used saniderm on my last tattoo and I liked it. I left it on for a few days. It didn't itch as much as normal.

[@michellem.69]

Thanks for keeping your content so fresh and relevant! Love to you and your Mom!

[@lucasballas]

Thanks! I was wondering, is it fine to apply AHA/BHA/Retinoids on tattoos?

[@nicolaconroy9938]

I've just had mohs surgery on my face,my plastic surgeon told me to use vaseline on my wound,I've also used this on all my tattoos,if it's washed the vaseline prevents a scab forming.

[@marinasarte6148]

I have been told in the past, not to apply any wound healing ointments so that the tattoo heal naturally and not accelerated????

[@brandihugheysaidy9351]

Wish I would have had this info 20 yrs ago. I put some bacitracin on mine, which as it turns out I'm allergic to. Nothing like a weepy contact dermatitis on top of a wound 🙄

[@Bb-rr4no]

What are some products that would keep tattoos vibrant over time besides lotion?

[@joseiraqui]

OMG, OMG, OMG. FINALLY!!!! THANK YOU DR. DRAY!!! VENEZUELA LOVES YOU!

[@DrDrayzday]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomjones2348]

Dr. Dray, you are the Derm goddess extraordinaire! Question: What about applying betadine solution periodically to prevent infection? Olive oil?

[@smokestudiosgh]

Can I use heat to heal the wound faster? Will the heat be bad for the ink?

[@mrskaa7584]

I recently got my first tattoo, my husband got his second around the same time, we had two different artists. His advised neosporin ointment twice daily, which of course is petrolatum based. Mine advised neosporin cream, as often as I could apply it. Being a former home care nurse with quite a bit of experience working with wounds and wound nurses, and after discussing healing goals with my tattoo artist, we both felt petrolatum and like-based ointments were too occlusive, potentially softening the area too much and trapping any drainage. I personally like zinc based creams for shallower wounds, but again, the specific goals for healing a tattoo did not sound like it would necessarily benefit from zinc oxide either. Anyway, my tattoo healed beautifully. It was a little more work to do the frequent cream application, but it had minimal scabbing and healed with the colors still vibrant. My husband's did not heal as well, lots of scabbing and drainage...in fact, he had to call for antibiotics after about 10 days, it was looking pretty bad. It looks ok now, the colors have faded, but he wanted them to fade a bit. Admittedly, the world of tattoo healing is a bit unique, trying to actually preserve damage done to the skin. But my tattoo artist was very like-minded to myself in that he promoted using products without fragrance, as well as sun protection, long after the tattoo had healed.

[@dimitra.1763]

Dr Dray, I would be grateful if you could tell me how safe is tattoo removal - mainly regarding long term complications. (And maybe best equipment?)

[@sophiabri123]

I healed my tattoo with a tegaderm medical bandage they gave me right after they tattooed it and they told me to leave it on for about 4 days then gently use dial antibacterial and lubriderm and it healed perfectly i wonder why the tegaderm helps so much aside from keeping bacteria out ?

[@karenmacrae9232]

I use coconut oil and Bepanthen interchangeably. The coconut oil really seems to jumpstart healing. I have two new tattoos and only use water, no soap, no shampoo. They're healing beautifully.

[@hollymhood]

I use Saniderm stickers instead. Two applications, no constant washing, no lotions to worry about. So simple.

[@angelaliushcka9912]

Love this video finallly a dr did it I love you for that...could you recomand something for body acne that won't affect the tattoo? Because there are many normal body lotions or creams that fades the colors 😑 I am from EU

[@zakkattakkable]

Wow very informative. I have a question and would love your opinion. Many tattoo artist are seeking petroleum-free and vegan alternatives to moisturizers. What do you think of HustleButter? It has fruit oils, aloe, and shea butter. Your thoughts??

[@norniea]

I had permanent eyeliner done a few years ago & my cosmetic tattoo artist gave me a petroleum jelly product to apply with very similar instructions for aftercare. :-) Thanks Dr. D!

[@pompommania]

Dr Dray you have been looking great lately. Good job!

[@Mako956]

My tattoo artist recommended cleaning it with antibacterial soap. Should I just use plain fragrance free soap instead? A lot of antibacterial soap I see have dyes.

[@beccahg.3157]

Dr. Bronner's baby mild is the best

[@taay_thegreat2057]

Baby soap, antibacterial is fine I am heavily tatted all over my body, also don’t use any thick ass lotions I typically use cerave or vanicream aquaphore is fine too and also after your tat heals make sure you put sunscreen on it from having it sun bleach and it makes the ink look vibrant longer

[@Panya.V]

In general it's been advised that people stop using antibacterial soap because it's contributing to antibiotic resistance, and it's not any better than regular soap at killing bacteria anyway.

[@cristinabeleza1102]

Hi Doctor! Thank you so much for the video! What lotion would you recommend for long term use in tattooed areas (after the healing process)? Thank you!

[@coffeewithconnie]

My tattoo artist recommended Lubriderm fragrance free. Hope this helps.

[@belenramirez5549]

Hi Dr. Dray can you please do the best Avene moisturizers, since I loved and it really helped a lot the video you did about the Avene best cleansers. Thank you! Btw, new subscruber

[@dianalau7956]

shall we do one wipe with soap and water, apply vaseline before sending the customer home?

[@smellophane]

what do you think about saniderm? it's my favorite/easiest way to heal tattoos for sure! heaven sent for my massive stomach tattoo

[@vickyoli]

Excellent topic, Dr! I remember using Cicaplast Baume, La Roche Posay with my first tattoo (my artist told me to get that one, change special bands {Tegaderm like and lint-free gauzes} often and wash it with water often) and wear cotton, well ventilated clothing around the area. I didn’t have allergic reactions BUT my body reacted to the tattoo. Every time I had a tattoo done, I got fever after having them for several hours, and no more than 100.4 F. I felt like sh*t, and I realized was always after a tattoo done, so for the second one I visited a doctor the day after. She told me the tattoo looked fine, well cared and performed, no infections of course or allergic reactions. I guess my body overreacts to the injury itself. No surprised though, bc as a person that has arthritis, have had anaphylactic reactions and weird allergies, and as a Kid I used to get fever whenever my dad used to travel... I guess my own body is a drama queen.

[@KrisKat28]

It's not entirely uncommon and it's nicknamed the "tattoo flu".

[@vickyoli]

Kat K ohh, I didn’t know that!

[@amyclause2298]

Great video! Would love to know your thoughts on how to keep your tattoo looking like new other than sunscreen, well after the tattoo has healed. Also, what do you do if you end up getting a scratch or cut on your tattoo years later? I have a tattoo on my foot for a few years now and I scratched it along side the pool (very minimal) and I immediately put Neosporin on and a bandage and continued do this everyday for a week. The tattoo is now faded on that part.

[@fannycastro9435]

Great videos. I love them. It would be possible to have a review of hair care products for dry, brittle hair. Thanks.

[@autonomousplayer583]

Dependes on how your skin reacts ointment,moisturizer or vaseline

[@secretlifeoflibra]

Hi Dr. Dray! Could I use cerave healing ointment on a new tattoo instead of Vaseline or aquafor?

[@NikolaTransforms5]

Work in pharmacy and has a customer asking about tattoo aftercare so this video is perfect timing! Thanks Dr Dray 💕

[@DrDrayzday]

hope the tips are helpful :)

[@NikolaTransforms5]

Dr Dray would you recommend the Avene Cicalfate cream for tattoo aftercare?

[@LeonaZiyan]

Just watching this to comment that this is SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SET UP!!!!! Gorgeous. Love Dr Dray!

[@brena2628]

Would aloe vera be okay for the itching after putting on aquaphor or vaseline?

[@stephanieapolo8816]

If I have a facial tattoo, should I change my skin care routine? I use vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid and moisturizer

[@tommyharris5817]

Is Vaseline as good as hydrocolloid dressings, such as Duoderm? In studies, hydrocolloid dressings have shown to be very effective in preventing scabs or drying of the wound.

[@donleo8037]

I didn't use any cream . Went for a swim right after the new tattoo. Tattoo still healed amazing.

[@spicyzing]

Great timing! I'm getting a tattoo on my right side today! So glad for this video!

[@dklaver543]

the video is not correct though, hope you know that by now💪🏼😂💚

[@andrearamos2649]

Hi Dr. Dray. Planning on getting my first tattoo soon. Just wondering how long after a tattoo can I workout?

[@ginarae3081]

I have that tattoo itch again ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much!

[@AndreeaBS99]

i was thinking just yesterday if you would ever do this and what is your opinion on this besides wearing sunscreen on them. i used bepanthen on mine and they turned out great. thank you, it is very much appreciated! later edit: what actually got me to stay away from the sun forever was getting a tattoo on my shoulder because i care to much for it's evolution throughout the years to ever go out again...it also got me to religiously apply sunscreen.

[@DrDrayzday]

thanks for watching :)

[@jessicabookout771]

When I got my latest tattoo they put like a clear plastic on it that made it not scab it's called saniderm I kept it on for 3 days and I took it off and had no scabs and then just put aquaphor on it everyday for like two weeks, it was my best healed tattoo!

[@StephG93]

Hi Dr. Dray, Can you make a video on laser tattoo removal after care?Or can I use the same tips you gave for tattoo after care?

[@sunnynova6]

you re looking so good Dr Dray!!!! i have a question for you, are you gonna review different skincare brands like: biologique recherche, verso, blue lagoon, susanne kaufmann, etc?

[@keola7230]

It's been awhile ive watched your video, but I wanted ur opinion on handmade soap is it worth buying then the ones from the store?

[@aimeeburch8329]

A good tattoo artist will tell you all this stuff to. But with all of my tattoos each artist has a slightly different healing method recomondation

[@amixeblu]

I have a small tattoo in a place that's not visible to the world ;) and my tattoo artist (90s) was old school and put Nivea blue tin cream on it. It did the job, and did it well and I had it at home anyway because I used it for the face. It scabbed over on its own, and I let them fall off naturally. Gentle patted with a wet washcloth and re-upped on the cream until it healed. It's now 2020 and the colors are still as nice as on the day the scabs came off.

[@sarahk6254]

Can you do a video on how to maximize my skins tattoo removal process? How should I take care of my skin after tattoo removal? I bet it’s the same as this though

[@shikhatripathi7327]

My tattoo artist advised me not to touch or not to wash the tattoo... And not to pick any scabs... And not to use vaseline... It turned out fine

[@olivia4394]

Would you consider doing a video on those tattoo fading creams? I have friends who use them and say they are totally safe, but I’m not convinced. I have also heard it makes tattooing over that skin even more difficult

[@rozillasamuel8725]

I will stick to using coco butter on my new tattoo.

[@dann6329]

Thank YOU! I’ve been waiting for you to discuss this topic.

[@meganbarragan5833]

Dr Dray please review La Roche Posay's new serums!! the vitamin c serum, hyaluronic and retinol serums