12 Of The Best Tattoo Lotions To Keep Your Ink Looking Fresh (Updated 2022)
SPF
Containing an SPF—or sun protection factor—is by no means a deal-breaker (many lotions don’t contain an SPF). But, if you’re going away on holiday freshly tattooed, you’re fair-skinned or you live in a hot climate, grabbing a lotion that soothes your tattoo while shielding the area from the sun’s rays is probably a good idea.
Skin type
When it comes to being kind to the skin, not all tattoo lotions are made equal. That means that while some lotions are kind to very sensitive skin, some can act as an irritant and could harm your tattoo. That said, you should always check what kind of skin type a lotion caters for before hitting the buy button.
Size
Depending on your budget and how long you plan to use your lotion (a few weeks versus ongoing), you should look at the flow-ounce quantity of a lotion before committing. If you’re looking to use a lotion long term, getting something in larger quantities is advisable. But, if you travel a lot, smaller tubes or tubs will be far more convenient.
Bonus tip: Always check a lotion’s active ingredients and what they do for your skin. This will ensure you get the right product for your skin type, tattoo style, and personal goals, preferences, or needs.
FAQ
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- When can I put lotion on my tattoo?
Many professional tattoo artists recommend applying tattoo lotion to your body art before you go to bed or when you wake up, preferably after you’ve washed or showered. However many advise to wait 24hrs before moisturizing.
The reason for this is because your skin gets dehydrated overnight which can make your tattoo dry and sore. Apply your tattoo lotion before and after sleep and you will keep you body art in tip-top condition at all times.
- How often should you put lotion on your tattoo? As a general rule of thumb, applying tattoo lotion to your body art twice a day will provide the best results.
- When can I put lotion on my tattoo?