Tattoo Aftercare Contradictions—From Petroleum Jelly to Bacitracin

Tattoos have been around for a while. In fact, humans have been decorating their skin with ink of thousands of years—as early as the Bronze Age. With such a large body of history to build from, you would think (and hope) tattoo care is pretty cut and dry at this point. But the reality is that tattoo aftercare contradictions are an industry norm. According to board-certified dermatologist, Lauren Penzi, MD, rubbing alcohol and/or hydrogen peroxide was once touted as the wound-cleaning go-to, but more recent findings prove the combination will actually delay the healing process.

These days, it seems each studio has its own best practices for healing body art. Some swear by going all in on the antibacterial front. Others will tell you that antibacterial ointment is a major "no-no." And the old-school artists advise against using any ointments or lotions at all, saying they may be vehicles for bacteria and can cause infection and scabbing. Admittedly, it can be quite confusing. So with all the varying opinions out there, how do you know what's best for your new ink?

"A good aftercare treatment will create a barrier on the skin that protects it from external stressors, like dirt and pollution, provide a healing environment, and promote healing," says double board-certified dermatologist, Brendan Camp, MD.

But what exactly should you be slathering over that pricey skin art? Read on for expert advice from Drs. Camp and Penzi on how to properly care for a new tattoo and the outdated methods that are probably better off ignored.

The Evolution of Ointment for Tattoo Care

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly was once the most widely used tattoo aftercare product. It's highly available, inexpensive, and just plain gets the job done. "Petroleum jelly acts as an occlusive agent, creating a barrier over the skin," explains Dr. Camp. "It creates a protective environment that encourages healing after a skin injury, such as a tattoo. This protective barrier also helps limit the risk of infection and softens any scabs or crusts that develop after the tattoo." However, modern artists advise against using it, saying that petroleum-based products not only drain the color from a tattoo, but also that their non-porous formulation may prevent air from reaching the wound and allowing it to heal.  

Neosporin

Then, along came the over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment, Neosporin ($8). It contains healing ingredients that fight infection and shouldn't alter the tattoo's color like the petroleum jelly alternative. "Neosporin is available as a cream or ointment. The ointment version has a similar consistency to petroleum jelly," notes Dr. Camp. "It also contains the antibacterial ingredients neomycin polymyxin and bacitracin, which are active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria." But after a few years of recommended use, people complained of allergic reactions that resulted in tiny red bumps on the area. Once the red bumps disappeared, they took the tattoo's ink along with them, leaving the customer with a spotted design. While this is largely anecdotal, Neosporin allergies do exist.

"Both petroleum jelly and Neosporin provide an occlusive, protective barrier that seals in moisture, which is essential for healing, and shields the fresh tattoo from environmental factors like dirt, bacteria, etc. Neosporin additionally provides strong antibacterial properties," says Dr. Penzi. "In both cases, an allergic reaction can happen, although this is more common with Neosporin than petroleum jelly. Regular use of Neosporin can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. Overuse of both for extended periods of time can actually be too occlusive and limit wound healing."

Bacitracin

Next came Bacitracin ($11) for its promising advantages over Neosporin. Fewer people reacted to this product and the coloring results remained beautiful, according to anecdotal evidence. Even to this day, Bacitracin is one of the most highly recommended products—yet it has its failings. "Bacitracin contains just one antibacterial agent, its namesake bacitracin," says Dr. Camp. "This antibacterial is active primarily against gram-positive bacteria, like staphylococci and streptococci." Customers still report allergic reactions to this ointment, and according to artists, Bacitracin may also result in what they call a "weeping tattoo"—a tattoo that leaks a small amount of ink from the wound, even after several days of healing. "Excessive use of Bacitracin can saturate the tattooed area, preventing the skin from breathing and leading to an accumulation of the ointment," adds Dr. Penzi. "This excessive moisture can cause the tattoo to appear 'weepy' or 'leaking.'"

So it appears that some people don't jive with antibacterial ointments. "Allergic reactions are relatively common with the use of antibacterial ointment for tattooed skin. This has increased risk in those with sensitive skin at baseline, and with overuse of the ointment." says Dr. Penzi.

Though Dr. Camp offers: "Most people who use antibacterial ointments to treat their tattoos will have no reaction to them. Some people can develop allergic contact dermatitis to any of the ingredients in either ointment, though neomycin is a more common cause. Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis include redness, swelling, vesicle formation, weeping, and itch." 

Modern Healing Advice

A&D Ointment

A&D ointment ($6)—mostly prescribed for diaper rash—tops the list of recommended tattoo aftercare topicals. A&D contains both Vitamin A and D (hence the name) to treat abrasions and minor wounds. They also keep the skin supple and naturally protect it from outside organisms. "A&D ointment contains lanolin and petrolatum, which are both emollients that help soften and smooth irritated skin," says Dr. Camp. "It also contains inactive ingredients like cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamins A and D, and fragrance. It does not contain antibacterial ingredients." A&D's one downfall is that it will not prevent infection due to its lack of antibacterial properties. But healthy individuals need not worry—a clean tattoo is a healthy tattoo and infection-fighting ointments are really just more of a precaution than a necessity. Dr. Penzi also adds that while A&D can keep the tattoo moisturized, promote healing, and reduce scabbing, it can also clog pores, cause an allergic reaction, or impede wound healing due to over-occlusion.

Moisturizer

Almost all artists recommend using a moisturizing lotion after letting your tattoo heal for a few days. Some actually advise using nothing but lotion from day one. But this is where it gets tricky, as different brands of moisturizers contain different ingredients, some of which can harm your new tattoo or cause a reaction. "Look for hydrating ingredients that promote wound healing and are gentle on the skin," advises Dr. Penzi. "Look for petroleum jelly, jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, lanolin, shea butter, panthenol." (Stay away from lotions that contain lanolin, a natural oil that comes from sheep's wool, if you're allergic to wool.) Steer clear of unpurified beeswax, an emulsifying agent, which may clog pores and suffocate your healing skin. "Avoid alcohol, fragrance, parabens, artificial dyes," continues Dr. Penzi.

Tattoo Cream

Lastly, specially made tattoo aftercare products, like Tattoo Goo ($7) are popping up like weeds. Some artists highly recommend them while some say they're a waste of money. But these new creams do more than just heal your tattoo—a few contain sunblock and pain reducers—so it's impossible to know what to choose. Check to see if your local artist carries a preferable product before purchasing something random online.

The Final Takeaway

When it comes right down to it, following the recommendations of your local studio is always best. After all, they're the professionals. If you're susceptible to allergic reactions, have your tattoo artist provide a few alternatives for you. Discontinue use immediately if you experience problems with any skincare product. And don't be stingy when it comes to buying an expensive cream. Your tattoo will last you a lifetime, especially if you take good care of it.