Tattoos with armor?

[DD977GM2]

The paper towels are very abrasive and cause irritation. The A&D is ok, however a good hand lotion like curel works. The A&D i might suggest using during resting / sleep time, I went through numerous tubs of A&D back in the 70's & 80's on my artwork. A very LIGHT FILM will last you while you sleep.
ALWAYS wash your hands prior to applying any lotion to the artwork, hands are one of the biggest carriers of bacteria. Rinse the design with some cool water and mild soap, let air dry then apply lotion. Everyone perspires, some more than others, the light washing removes any sweat so you do not imbed the design with it.
IF you absolutely must put something over your ink during work hours try a gauze pad. they allow your skin to breath and will wick away perspiration from the skin.
I can get almost any black and gray piece healed within 3-5 days tops, color work 5-7 days.

I retired from dermagraphic illustrating after 15 years in the business, was in on the ground floor with the APT (Alliance of Professional Tattoo artist) who were responsible for getting a uniform standard for tattoo artist to work from ,when dealing with municipalities while getting a tattoo studio opened.

Tinelement pm me for some artist references

Jim, I was meaning the towels on during his work day, but I like the guaze method better. I for some reason never thoguht of the guaze in my younger years.

[Great-Kazoo]

Jim, I was meaning the towels on during his work day, but I like the guaze method better. I for some reason never thoguht of the guaze in my younger years.

Likewise, in the 70's we just let them scab over, washing with listerene. The early ones i had done in an old sponge & bucket shop where the needles & tubes were siting in lysol, body part shaved with a straight razor (used on everyone!). It was the original stereotype joint complete with a notorious (at the time) motorcycle gang's club house out back.

[DANGERTASTIC!]

OP...do NOT under any circumstances use A&D or any other petroleum based ANYTHING.

Is there a reason why you cant wait until you are back?

DO NOT USE A&D or VASELINE!

I would highly recommend you wait. You can risk damage to your tattoo and have to wait twice as long to have it finished.

I know I would be PISSED if one of my clients KNOWINGLY did something like that.

If you have any questions just ask. I recommend you take my advice

[Geardo]

Alright so I think Ill hold off on that one maybe just get something done on my arm instead for now. Thanks alot for the input

[DANGERTASTIC!]

Thats a very wise decision.

Please dont use petroleum on your tattoo.

[mcantar18c]

So what do you recommend Danger?
I've always used Curel lotion, applying every few hours for the first 48hrs and then after showers and before bed until its healed. Never covered anything with gauze or anything else or used any other ointment on em.

[GunsRBadMMMMKay]

Bacitracin works way better then A&D or lotions IMO. The clear kind, not the white zinc ointment though.....

[Great-Kazoo]

Bacitracin works way better then A&D or lotions IMO. The clear kind, not the white zinc ointment though.....

you are healing a tattoo, not applying to an infected area. i have seen more negative reactions from folks using an antibiotic ointment than not. When applied some folks have a reaction to the anti biotic, So they use more thinking the tattoo is infected, when in fact they are having an allergic reaction to the ointment, not the design itself
Regarding petroleum products, vaseline is bad as it will smother the tattoo, causing issues. A&D has been used for decades, when applied very conservatively, not slathering it on. Newer / younger artist within the last decade have gone over to suggesting a mild hand lotion like curel etc for better results. I feel (IMHO) most issues with tattoo healing is from the client not following healing instructions. EVERY Artist has seen what works best for them and i suggest they follow that guideline.

[grrr]

I've gotten good results using a very light layer of Aquaphor. I have a 3/4 sleeve on my right arm & a 1/4 sleeve on my left with no color loss.