Ink Oil Care for Your Tattoo

Ink oil contains oils and skin moisturizers that soothe the pain associated with getting a tattoo. Tattoos are essentially skin wounds and must be cared for as such: cleaning, bandaging and soothing are all part of the process. Ink oil can play a role in keeping your tattooed skin soft and supple as you go through the healing process.

Step 1

Wash your hands before caring for your newly acquired tattoo. The surrounding skin may be raw and more prone to infection during the healing period.

Step 2

Cleanse your tattoo with a mild soap. Use your fingers to gently distribute an unscented, alcohol-free soap or wash to the area to avoid irritation. Rinse with cool water and let the tattoo air-dry.

Step 3

Apply a thin layer of ink oil to your tattoo, rubbing the salve gently into the skin. Ink oil comes in a tin and can be spread easily with your fingers. Each person should have his own tin of ink oil to prevent the spread of infection. You can safely use ink oil several times a day to moisturize and soothe your painful skin until you begin to feel better.

Step 4

Wear loose clothing for approximately two weeks after getting a tattoo. The Mayo Clinic suggests natural fibers such as cotton so your skin can breathe.

Step 5

Protect your tattoo from the sun. Wear a bandage over your tattoo or apply sunscreen to shield yourself from harmful rays that could lead to skin cancer. Avoid swimming for at least two weeks after getting a tattoo, to give yourself plenty of time to heal.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild soap
  • Ink oil
  • Cotton clothing
  • Bandages
  • Sunscreen

References

Article reviewed by Dan Mausner Last updated on: Jul 20, 2010

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