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Hi everyone!
I just received my first tattoo this past Tuesday. It’s on my left pec. I’ve read a lot of things about tattoo aftercare. I also received specific instructions from my tattoo artist (an artist with 30 years experience who specializes in portraits and owns his own private, appointment only, studio).
He instructed me to use Vaseline for an initial 3 day period, in a thin coat, to protect the tattoo during its initial stages of healing. I asked him about that, since I’ve read that many people seem to be totally against Vaseline. He essentially said that it was, in a manner of speaking, an urban legend…
In my research, it seems that any ointment, used too heavily or incorrectly, can deteriorate the tattoo. There doesn’t seem to be any logical reason why Vaseline, or more specifically petroleum based products, has been singled out.
Your thoughts?
(As a side note: It’s been ~36 hours since I had my tattoo… I have ceased using the Vaseline mostly, and switched to a lotion. It stopped oozing yesterday (when I first received it) and seemingly haven’t had any oozing today. The skin is still sensitive and a bit red, but I think the redness is more from the razor burn of having to shave my hairy chest than anything going wrong. But of course, I’m still paranoid of an infection since this is my first tattoo… hence why I may just post a picture for someone to comment on!)
P.S. I posted some pictures in my album. Take a look 🙂
Hi
A thin layer of vaseline for 2-3 days will not damage the tattoo. It sounds like your artist is old school from the 60’s where vaseline was what was used (very little else to use except lard).
The problem with some petroleum based products is that they can contain stuff called Naptha-AS this is an irritant that can react with tattoo pigments (naptha is also in some pigments but is considered toxic).
The other problem with vaseline is that it can clog pores and ppl are tempted to scrape or scrub the area as it builds up.
Too much use like with anti-septics can lift inks as it soaks the scab pulling them off prematurely but that is if you slapped it on with a trowel.
Interestingly if you mix naptha and vaseline you can make a crude explosive.
Take Care
Matthew
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