Is CeraVe Good For Tattoos?
For those who have been in the skincare game for a while, you’re probably familiar with the brand CeraVe.
Estheticians and dermatologists revere it for its ceramide-rich formula (which is the cause of its namesake).
It is known to be an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or damaged moisture barriers.
Despite its rockstar reputation, there is a question about whether CeraVe brand lotions would be a good choice for those with body art.
Keeping new tattoos moisturised helps the healing process, and those with fresh ink want to know if CeraVe is a trustworthy brand they can introduce to their tattoo healing routine.
So, is CeraVe suitable for tattoos?
CeraVe can be used on tattoos and may offer relief from the common pains associated with healing body art. However, it’s essential to understand when in the healing process a lotion like CeraVe can be most effective and what makes this lotion a suitable choice in the first place.
We have a ton of respect for those who want to ensure the health and cleanliness of their tattoos, so read on for an in-depth look at what you’ll need to succeed!
Why It’s Important To Moisturise Tattoos
The process of getting a tattoo done is undoubtedly painful, but you shouldn’t place all of your worries on the times you’re in the chair!
There should be diligence placed on the aftercare process, as the healing journey is when the most problems can arise.
To ensure that your new body art heals properly, it’s essential to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and guidelines for caring for your latest body art.
For tattoo novices, the biggest thing you should keep in mind regarding healing is that your tattoo is going to itch like crazy, and it’s going to flake like crazy, too.
These symptoms typically occur during the early stages of healing and can be alleviated by (you guessed it) moisturising.
Touching your tattoo during this initial healing stage can be detrimental to the healing process and may result in a distorted-looking tattoo or even an infection.
So it’s essential to keep the itchiness and flakiness at bay for your own sake.
Even if you believe that you can withstand the itchiness of your tattoo, keeping it moisturised can also prevent your tender skin from over-drying.
Over-drying can cause your tattoo to scab and scar, altering its appearance in its healed state.
For more info on tattoo aftercare, take a look at this video from board-certified dermatologist Dr Dray on YouTube!
Features Of Good Lotions For Tattoos
The primary consideration when selecting a lotion for your new tattoo is its ability to promote healing.
Your tattoo is more than just body art. Right after your session in the chair is done, you can think of it as an open wound.
That mindset can eliminate several lotion options from your list.
You wouldn’t place anything overly-scented, unnatural, or drying on your tattoo.
It wouldn’t hurt to go for a super gentle formula, one that’s suitable for sensitive skin, and would be best, since these are least likely to irritate your compromised tattoo.
Regardless of the size of the tattoo you got, it’s important to note that the only reason the ink was able to penetrate your skin is because of the needles used during the tattoo process.
With the use of those needles comes damage to your skin’s moisture barrier, also known as the first line of defense your skin has against infection and bacteria.
You can rebuild this barrier with the help of meticulously formulated products that aid in skin healing.
Lotions and salves rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial additives can help restore your skin’s health and defense, thus speeding up your skin’s reparations.
Benefits Of CeraVe
If there’s anything you can count on CeraVe lotions doing, it’s being an excellent choice for those with compromised moisture barriers.
One of the most significant benefits of CeraVe, and what sets it apart from many other lotion brands (such as Vanicream, Eucerin, and Aquaphor), is its ceramide-rich formula.
These ceramides were formulated using MultiVescular Emulsion Technology (MVE), a breakthrough that enabled CeraVe to stand out from the rest of the skincare brands on the market.
Think of MVE as similar to time-release technology. Upon initial application, your skin is enveloped in a ceramide-rich formula.
As time goes by, these layers of ceramides slowly dissolve and enrich your skin just as well as it did upon your first time putting it on your skin.
The time-release formula, paired with incredibly healing ingredients, will keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, replenishing any lost ceramides, preventing moisture loss to keep your skin bouncy and flake-free, and restoring your skin’s overall barrier.
Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally found in the skin, and can be thought of as the lipids (or fatty acids) that make up 50% of your skin to begin with.
There are nine different ceramides that your skin makes, all of them vital to the overall well-being of your epidermis.
Ceramides keep your skin cells tight and bound together (making them stronger against environmental aggressors or bacteria looking to seep through).
Strengthen your individual cells and soften the skin.
Regardless of whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, you can find relief and healing of issues (minor or significant) through the healthy addition of ceramides in your skincare routine.
CeraVe And Tattoos
As previously mentioned, healing tattoos are more susceptible to infection and tend to have trouble holding their shape.
Similarly, using CeraVe on your face can help prevent moisture loss and bacterial penetration, while also shielding your tattoo from harm.
It’s amongst some of the more deeply hydrating brands you can choose from when it comes to your skin, making it an ideal fighter against flakiness and itching.
It’s so good, in fact, that you can use CeraVe products throughout your entire healing process to speed up the journey tenfold.
Washing Your Tattoo With CeraVe
The consensus is that within the first 24 hours of receiving your tattoo, it should be washed with a gentle soap to remove any germs.
There’s a lot of controversy surrounding how soon the first wash should be, so make sure to communicate your concerns with your tattoo artist for the best advice.
Depending on the general location of your tattoo, your art may be more likely to come in contact with contaminants than other areas of your skin.
You may find yourself needing to wash the tattoo on your underarms more frequently than one on your thigh.
Hydrating formulas are best for fresh ink, as they’ll keep the skin supple and free from the initial moisture loss that occurs after tattooing.
Gentle formulas are best, but avoid anything too sudsy, as these formulations can actually strip the skin of even more moisture.
Our Recommendation: CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
Why?: It’s paraben, sulfate, soap, and fragrance-free.
Dermatologists have also tested it to ensure it is safe for individuals with allergies and sensitive skin.
There are three essential ceramides found in the formula that help rebuild your skin, and it’s also rich in Hyaluronic Acid.
This helps your skin retain all the moisture it needs to restore any damage done by the tattoo needle.
How? The first wash is the most crucial step in the healing process, so it’s essential to do it right!
The first thing that you need to do is ensure that your hands are squeaky clean.
That means taking a full minute to soap up with hot water (the type of soap you’re using on your tattoo isn’t as important as the soap you’re using on your tattoo; make sure it’s antibacterial).
Focus on areas that are likely to harbor the most bacteria, such as the fingers and under the nails, which will come into contact with your tattoo.
Carefully peel off any coverings your tattoo artist may have applied to your ink, and gently moisten the area with a clean, damp washcloth.
Avoid exposing your tattoo directly underneath the showerhead or tap, and refrain from rubbing the washcloth on your skin. We want to get your tattoo done.
Gently rub the CeraVe cleanser onto your tattoo, being thorough but gentle.
The goal isn’t to get rid of all the dried ink, blood, and plasma, but to clean the skin as thoroughly as you can.
If there are areas you can’t get clean by being gentle, leave them be. Don’t use pressure; massage the soap into your art with small, gentle circles.
Rinse with a washcloth or cupped water. Do not rub the washcloth onto your skin.
You can let the area air dry, which is recommended, or pat it dry with a clean cotton tee or paper towel.
Using A CeraVe Salve On Your Tattoo
Over the next 3-4 days of having your tattoo, you’re going to want to wash your body art 2-3 times per day using the same routine.
Diligence is key, so ensure you dedicate ample time throughout your day to keep your tattoo clean.
During the first couple of days of washing, your tattoo will need something a little thicker to shield the skin and keep it protected from contaminants.
Something lightweight isn’t going to cut it, so that you can keep your lotions on the back burner for the time being.
Our Recommendation: CeraVe Healing Ointment
Why? This ointment is one of the thicker formulations that CeraVe offers, still restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier while protecting it from damage and providing ceramides to accelerate the healing process.
It helps retain hydration, keeps flakes and chapped skin at bay, and is approved by the National Eczema Association as being suitable for sensitive skin.
How? Once your tattoo is dry, primarily from cleansing, apply the smallest amount of ointment possible to cover the surface area of your body art.
Rub the ointment in gently so that your tattoo doesn’t appear greasy or wet, and it penetrates deeply into the skin to retain as much hydration as possible.
Use the least amount of ointment possible.
Clogging the pores or applying too heavily can damage your tattoo and slow the healing process.
Using A CeraVe Lotion On Your Tattoo
You’re not going to use ointment throughout the duration of your healing routine.
The switch to something a little more lightweight will typically occur around a week to two weeks after, when the itchiness and flakiness have subsided somewhat.
If you’re not sure of when to make the switch, you can always call your tattoo artist and heed their advice.
Larger tattoos may require a bit longer with an ointment before switching to lotion, while smaller tattoos may be ready for lotion in just a couple of days.
Our Recommendation: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion For Dry Skin
Why: Though super lightweight, this lotion doesn’t fall short of hydration!
Thanks to the time-release technology, you can apply this lotion once to your tattoo and keep it hydrated throughout the day without needing to use excessive product.
It’s super long-lasting, nourishing, and is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t sit heavy on the skin!
How? CeraVe lotions are known to keep your skin hydrated for up to 24 hours after initial application.
Your tattooed skin may indeed absorb the product faster than your uncompromised skin.
Due to that, you may need to reapply your lotion 3–6 times a day to keep your skin hydrated.
You do not, however, need to wash your tattoo in between every single wash.
You do need to wash your hands, though, as you don’t want to trap bacteria directly on top of your tattoo site.
Apply the lotion to your hands and gently massage it into your skin.
You don’t need to worry about it being fully absorbed, because at this point, your skin is already starting to gain back its natural resilience.
Just ensure that the entire surface area of your tattoo feels soft.
The process of applying lotion to your body art isn’t an option for the first 3 or 4 weeks of the healing journey.
However, once your tattoo has healed, you won’t need to continue with daily application (though most people with tattoos do).
Moisturizing your tattoo helps maintain its vibrancy and keeps it looking bright.
Once the first month has passed, you can switch to fragranced lotions and creams without issue (and don’t forget to apply SPF).
Final Thoughts
Numerous skincare brands are trusted for their incredible benefits for the face and body, but when it comes to freshly tattooed skin, it’s okay to be a little more discerning.
CeraVe products are fantastic at hydrating the skin, keeping flaking and itching at bay.
Regular, mindful use of their products throughout the healing process will keep your tattoo healing well and without issue.
The main products you can benefit from introducing to your routine are their cleanser, ointment, and lotion.
For the first month, wash your tattoo daily, use ointment for the first week or so, and then switch to CeraVe lotion as your tattoo finishes healing.
Moisturizing is key to a healthy tattoo, and CeraVe ensures hydration, among other benefits, making it a top pick and a safe choice for you.
Whether you have a tiny tattoo or a full-blown sleeve.
