Anyone who’s gotten a tattoo or been to a studio recently may have wondered why tattoo artists apply large amounts of Vaseline to the area every few minutes. Does this speed healing? Why is water not used?
A tattoo may seem like a design suitable for any part of the body, but getting a tattoo requires changing the body and the cells of the skin. The tattoo artist’s needle forces the ink to penetrate below the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. The dermis contains hair follicles, connective tissue, and sweat glands. Meanwhile, the epidermis is the layer of skin that sheds, so a tattoo there wouldn’t last.
Reaching the dermis, the tattoo can be permanent, but it can also leave scars. Biologically speaking, the body is not supposed to have such a modification, therefore scarring is a natural reaction that Vaseline can help treat.
Hydrates and promotes healing
Vaseline is the most common brand of the jelly-like substance, which is a mixture of natural waxes and oils. It is a purified version of Vaseline that can moisturize dry skin and heal minor wounds.
Tattoo artists take advantage of the healing properties of Vaseline to help their clients. Artists can use the most commercial brand, which is 100% Vaseline. Vaseline is mostly used when tattooing because the needle and ink create a wound. The wound needs something to help it heal, and Vaseline can act as a protectant for the skin. Although it may not prevent scarring and other changes, it can help keep skin healthy.
Tattoo artists can use a little Vaseline, or more, all over the tattoo site. Using a small amount can help prepare your skin for a tattoo, so it doesn’t take a ton to help you out. After the work is finished, we can clean the product. A new coat is then usually applied as part of the aftercare.
However, it is not always the best thing to use in the tattoo once we have left the studio. Using a little will help lock in moisture and promote skin healing and repair. However, using too much can trap bacteria and lead to infection .
Too much Vaseline can also affect the ink and cause the tattoo to start fading. So it is recommended to use it sparingly.
water is useless
We can use many things to add moisture to the tattoo, although water is not the best. Water can help moisturize the area, but it doesn’t stay on as well as some products. Tattoo artists and clients can use Vaseline to provide long-lasting hydration. We won’t have to worry about applying moisturizer all the time, we can get the benefits of moisturizing the skin often.
Even a moisturizer without petroleum jelly can add moisture and help your tattoo heal. We can use a tattoo specific moisturizer, still almost anything will be more effective than water alone. The best known brand for tattoo healing is Bepanthol.
