Does Aquaphor Cause Pimples On New Tattoos?

Aquaphor is a very convenient tattoo aftercare product. Even though it is not specifically formulated for tattoos, still it is loved by many tattoo enthusiasts out there. But you probably heard this rumor that Aquaphor causes skin break out and may even cause pimples on new tattoos. Is it really true?

Aquaphor is generally used for chapped lips and dry skin. You can also use it on small cuts and bruises to protect them and fasten the healing process. Surprisingly people use it for tattoos as well. And guess what? It has a pretty solid reputation as a fine healing ointment for new tattoos. But because it is quite thick, does Aquaphor cause pimples on new tattoos? I will elaborate on the matter in today’s piece.

Key Takeaways

• Aquaphor is not formulated for tattoos but it is a quality healing ointment that can be used for tattoos.
• Aquaphor can cause pimples if you apply too much of it and end up clogging the pores on the tattooed skin.
• Pimples may form on a tattoo because of pores being clogged, irritated skin, or allergic reactions.
• You prevent pimples from forming while using Aquaphor on your tattoo by applying sparingly, washing your hand before applying Aquaphor, going for hypoallergenic products, washing Aquaphor frequently, letting your tattoo breathe, switching to lotion when it is time

Aquaphor: Brief Overview & How It Affects New Tattoos

Aquaphor is a healing ointment. It is generally used to treat dry skin. If you have chipped lips, dry skin, small bruises, or skin irritation then you can use Aquaphor to get some relief. It is affordable, easily available, and easily applicable, these qualities make it one of the top choices to treat dry, flaky, rough, itchy, scaly skin.

Everything sounds great but what about tattoos? Yes, of course, you can use Aquaphor for your new tattoo. It gets used as a primary tattoo aftercare product by many tattoo lovers. It provides a protective shield that a brand-new tattoo requires. And it provides the tattoo with crucial moisturization and does not let the tattoo become dry. It locks in moisture which keeps any type of tattooed skin moisturized. It lets oxygen get through so your tattoo won’t be suffocating as long as you do not put too much product over it.

Generally, Aquaphor is considered safe for new tattoos. Even many professional tattoo artist recommends using Aquaphor for new tattoos. It can be a small little guardian angel for your tattoo that protects it from harmful elements and keeps it nice and moisturized to promote the healing process.

Pimples on Tattoos: Why Do They Form?

Nobody likes pimples. And if you get pimples on your newly done precious tattoo then it becomes even more frustrating. But have you ever thought why do pimples form on tattoos?

Pimples can form because of various reasons. Let me elaborate on the prime reasons below:

1. Sensitivity to ingredients

Sensitivity to certain ingredients can lead to pimples. You may naturally be sensitive to certain ingredients, but when you get a tattoo, the tattooed skin can become more sensitive. And it can react to ingredients that never caused any negative reaction on your skin before. So using any ointment or lotion that contains ingredients that your tattooed skin is sensitive to may cause pimples.

2. Clogged pores

Clogged pores are one of the prime reasons why pimples form. Our skin may look waterproof on the surface but it has plenty of micro holes in it. You could call these holes process. These pores may release sebum and sweat. Now, these small little pores may get blocked or clogged because of dead skin cells and sebum making a weird mixture or they may get clogged if you use too much of a heavy product.

3. Irritation

Irritation can cause pimples as well. Any element that can cause your tattooed skin irritation should be avoided. Any lotion, ointment, bed sheet, clothing whatever is causing your newly done tattoo irritation should be avoided.

4. Allergies

Allergic reactions can be nasty. And it can be even more nasty if you get allergic reactions over your tattooed area. Figure out what is causing your tattooed skin to show sing of allergy and get rid of the cause as soon as you can. Because some times pimples can form over your tattoo because of allergies as well.

Aquaphor: Does It Cause Pimples on New Tattoo?

As I said previously that Aquaphor is highly recommended for new tattoos even though it is not a tattoo-specific product. It only protects your new tattoo but also moisturizes it and speeds up the healing process. If it is so good, then how come some people say it may cause pimples?

Aquaphor can cause pimples if you apply too much of it on your new tattoo. Aquaphor is a bit thick. Using too much of such a thick product can easily clog your pore on the tattooed skin and form pimples.

Even though it uses ingredients that are safe for a healing tattoo, it contains one ingredient which is not recommended to use on a new tattoo. That ingredient is Petrolatum. You probably heard of or used Petrolatum-based products before and never faced any issues. But it is known to clog pores easily and when you apply too much Aquaphor on your new tattoo the Petrolatum ingredient can clog the pores and create a complicated situation. It can lead to skin breakage and form pimples.

If you apply Aquaphor on your new tattoo and later do not wash it properly then even if you had applied a thin layer of it, it can potentially clog your pores. Clogged pores can easily create pimples and if you pop these pimples it can lead to infection. Infection on a new tattoo? That is scary bad. An infection on a tattoo can potentially fade or distort the tattoo.

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6 Ways to Prevent Pimples While Using Aquaphor on New Tattoos

Interested to know how can you still use Aquaphor while eliminating the chance of pimples from forming? I got you covered buddy! Just follow the tips I have provided below and you can use Aquaphor without facing pimple issues at all.

1. Apply sparingly

Just because Aquaphor is good for your new tattoo does not mean you should go overboard and apply a ton of product to your new tattoo. Too much Aquaphor can clog your pores and cause pimples. So take a tiny bit of Aquaphor on your fingertip and gently massage it all over the tattoo. If you end up applying too much of it, do not worry, just use a paper towel to gently dab over the tattoo to remove any extra ointment on the skin.

2. Wash your hand before applying aquaphor

Your hands may contain oil, dirt, germs, and bacteria. Using a dirty hand to apply Aquaphor on your new tattoo would intrigue your tattoo to infection and clogged pores, which could cause pimples. So make sure to wash your hand properly using a quality soap, green soap, or cleanser before you apply Aquaphor.

3. Go for hypoallergenic products

If Aquaphor is irritating your skin then go for any quality hypoallergenic tattoo-specific product. There are plenty of safe products out there that are safe for tattoos and do not clog pores. You can take recommendations from your tattoo artist as well.

4. Wash aquaphor frequently

Do not just apply Aquaphor once and keep that ointment on your skin for days. Any product left on your new tattoo for a long time can clog your pores and cause pimples. Make sure to wash the tattoo after 3 to 4 hours of applying Aquaphor. You may leave Aquaphor overnight on your tattoo if your tattoo artist recommends it. Otherwise, just wash the tattoo and apply a new layer of Aquaphor to moisturize it.

5. Let your tattoo breath

Sometimes when you stay in a small closed room you feel suffocating, right? Your tattoo may feel the same way if you keep it covered in Aquaphor 23-7. Aquaphor, when applied sparingly, can provide some breathability, still, you should let your tattoo stay for an hour or two without any products. And after giving it a break time you can reapply the Aquaphor.

6. Switch to lotion when it is time

You are not supposed to use Aquaphor during the whole healing phase. You should use it only during the first 2 to 3 days or during the weeping phase of your new tattoo. After the weeping phase if you keep using the Aquaphor you may end up over moisturizing the tattoo and cause pimples to form. That is why after 2 to 3 days of getting the tattoo switch from Aquaphor to lotion and avoid possible pimples from forming on your tattoo.

Pimple Like Bumps

A healing tattoo may show many weird tantrums. One of which is forming little bumps. All bumps are not pimples. It can form bumps because of irritation, allergy, or for other reasons. Do not mistake them for pimples. And do not go scratching or pocking on those bumps.

Healing tattoo naturally forms scabs. If for some reason your tattoo is overly moist or oversaturated then the scabs would look thick and juicy. You may have never seen such scabs and think of them as pimples. But they are not pimples. The raised, bumpy or juicy scabs would eventually flatten and dry, all you have to do is avoid over-moisturizing it and let it dry at its own pace. If you pick on the scabs thinking these are pimples then you will cause the thick scabs to fall off prematurely. Premature falling of thick scabs means they fall off while holding some of your tattoo ink in them. If had let them fall off naturally then the ink would have gone back into the skin and the scabs would fall off without harming the tattoo. But if the scabs fall off prematurely then they can potentially distort or ruin your tattoo.

Pimples on New Tattoo: When to See A Doctor?

If you get pimples on your new tattoo does not mean you have to go see a doctor or visit your tattoo artist for some special advice. Pimples can form because of Aquaphor and many other reasons. Pimples are generally harmless, they will form and go away on their own you don’t have to do anything.

But if the pimples are getting out of control and forming on your tattoo in high numbers then it is a matter of concern. If the pimpled tattoo show signs such as:

Then make sure to visit a dermatologist and also your tattoo artist. They are the experts and they can tell what really going on with these unusual pimples and how to fix the situation.

FAQs

Does Aquaphor fade tattoos?

No, Aquaphor does not fade tattoos. It is a healing ointment that protects your new tattoo, keeps it moist, and speeds up the healing.

How come Aquaphore causes pimples?

Any thick product that has ingredients that can clog pores can cause pimples. Aquaphor contains petroleum jelly 41% which can clog your pores if you apply too much of the product and lead to pimple forming on your new tattoo.

Can I put an Aquaphor on my tattoo, on the first day?

Yes, after your newly done tattoo is all cleaned up and dry, you can apply Aquaphor on your tattoo on the first day. But do not continue to apply after 2 to 3 days as the weeping phase is the only time frame you can apply it on your tattoo.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, the lowdown on Aquaphor-pimple connection. Does Aquaphor cause pimples? Yes, it may cause pimples if you excessively apply it to your new tattoo. Do not mistake Aquaphor for a bad product for tattoos. It is a trusty sidekick for new tattoos that provide many benefits to the healing tattoo. But you know what they say, less is more.

Just apply Aquaphor sparingly and wash the tattoo 2 to 3 times properly so that oil and dirt do not clog your pores. As long as you can keep your pores nice and healthy and open, there is nothing to worry about. Let your tattoo breathe, and take a break from applying Aquaphor. And keep an eye out so that you do not end up over-moisturizing the tattoo, as it can also cause pimples.

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