Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo and How to Fix It

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Product recommendations and how to moisturize properly

Written by Michelle Myles | Edited by Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: July 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Effects of Over-Moisturizing Your Tattoo
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• Signs of Over-Moisturizing
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• How to Fix It
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• How Often to Moisturize
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• Best Tattoo Moisturizers

|Show more |Show less

Moisturizing a new tattoo is an essential part of the healing process, but it is possible to over-moisturize. This can cause problems like delayed healing and increased chances of infection. We’ll take you through what happens when you over-moisturize a tattoo, signs of an over-moisturized tattoo, and how to fix it. Plus, we'll explain how to properly moisturize tattoos and what the best products are, so keep reading!

This article is based on an interview with our tattoo artist, Michelle Myles, co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

• Over-moisturizing your tattoo can delay healing, increase the chances of infection, and cause your tattoo to fade or blur.
• If you’ve over-moisturized your tattoo, remove the excess moisturizer. Gently pat the area with a clean towel, and then wait for the rest of the lotion to absorb naturally.
• Apply a very thin layer of moisturizer 2-3 times a day on a new tattoo. Use a water-based, unscented lotion like Lubriderm, and avoid thick, petroleum-based products like petroleum jelly.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

What happens if you over-moisturize your tattoo?

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   It can delay healing. Although it’s important to keep your new tattoo moisturized, tattoo artists recommend applying only a very thin layer of moisturizer. A tattoo is a healing wound, and it needs to breathe to heal properly. Heavy products or thick layers create a barrier that keeps oxygen from reaching your new tattoo, which can delay healing.
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   It can increase the chances of infection. A thick layer of moisturizer creates a barrier that can trap dirt and bacteria underneath it. When there are germs around your healing tattoo, your chances of infection increase. Using too much oil-based moisturizer can also cause clogged pores, which also increases the risk of infection.

   • To prevent this, use an unscented, water-based moisturizer like Lubriderm Daily Moisture or Cerave Moisturizing Cream.
   • Avoid petroleum based products with thick consistencies, like petroleum jelly.
   • Use only a very thin layer of lotion to allow your tattoo to breathe.
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   It can affect the appearance of your tattoo. Over-moisturizing your tattoo can cause the ink color to fade. It can also cause the ink to spread, making the tattoo appear more blurred. These changes can make your tattoo look less vibrant and more sloppy.

   • After you get a tattoo, your tattoo artist will likely provide you with clear aftercare instructions. Be sure to follow them carefully to prevent infection and keep your tattoo looking its best!
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Section 2 of 5:

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo

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   The moisturizer you’ve applied isn’t absorbed in the skin. If you’ve applied a layer of lotion that’s too thick (or if you’ve applied a moisturizer with a consistency that’s too thick), it won’t completely absorb. If you notice that your skin feels greasy to the touch after several hours, there’s a chance you’ve applied too much lotion, or that you've applied one that's too thick.
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   Your skin looks or feels irritated. Over-moisturizing with oil-based lotions can lead to clogged pores. If you notice clogged pores around your tattoo, there’s a chance you’ve applied too much lotion. Cutting back on moisturizer might fix this issue, but it’s also important to make sure you aren’t developing an infection.

   • Keep an eye out for redness, soreness, swelling, pain, chills, sweats, or a fever.
   • It’s normal to experience some of these symptoms during the first 2-3 days after getting a tattoo. If they worsen, however, it could be a sign of infection.
   • If you think you have an infection, contact a doctor to get treatment as soon as possible.
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   The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off. Over-moisturizing your tattoo prevents oxygen from reaching it, which can delay the healing process. During normal healing, your tattoo will start to form scabs that flake off over the next few weeks. If you notice that your tattoo isn’t healing (scabs aren’t forming, or the scabs aren’t flaking off even after several weeks), it could be a sign you’re over-moisturizing.

   • If scabs are forming, don't be alarmed! This is a completely normal part of healing. Don’t scratch, pick, or peel the scabs—let them flake off naturally.
   • If you aren’t sure if your tattoo is healing normally, reach out to your tattoo artist. They can let you know if things are looking okay!
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Fix an Over-Moisturized Tattoo

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   Carefully remove excess moisturizer. If you’ve applied too much lotion (or one that’s too thick), start by carefully removing the excess moisturizer from the area. Take a clean, dry towel or paper towel, and gently pat the area. Don’t rub or scrape with your towel, and be careful not to dislodge any of the scabs.
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   Allow the rest of the moisturizer to absorb naturally. Because you’ll need to pat the area instead of rubbing it, you probably won’t be able to get all of the lotion off. That’s okay—let whatever is left absorb into your skin naturally. This could take a few hours, so be patient!

   • Make sure the excess moisturizer is entirely absorbed and your skin is dry to the touch before reapplying.
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   Continue with your normal tattoo care routine. Wash your tattoo gently with mild, plain soap 2-3 times per day. Pat (don’t rub) it dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Make sure the water has completely dried off, and then apply an unscented, water-based lotion, like Lubriderm or Cerave.

   • Remember, less is more! Apply a very thin layer of lotion to the area so that your tattoo can breathe.
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Section 4 of 5:

How often should you moisturize a tattoo?

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   Moisturize a new tattoo 2-3 times a day. You’ll want to wash your tattoo a few times a day for the first few days. After each wash, apply a thin layer of your water-based, unscented moisturizer. A good schedule to follow is washing and moisturizing your tattoo once in the morning when you wake up, once around midday or lunchtime, and once before bed.
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   Once your tattoo is healed, continue moisturizing it. Even once all the scabs have fallen off and your tattoo is fully healed, it's beneficial to apply lotion. Your tattoo will look its best when your skin is healthy, and healthy skin needs moisture. Apply a light moisturizer on a daily basis to avoid fading or aging.

   • It’s also important to protect your tattoo from the sun. This prevents the ink from fading and helps maintain the appearance of your tattoo.
   • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more whenever your tattoo will be exposed to the sun, and stay away from tanning beds!
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Section 5 of 5:

What moisturizer should you use on your tattoo?

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1. 
   Use unscented, water-based moisturizer on your tattoo. Lubriderm Daily Moisture and Cerave Moisturizing Cream are great options. There are also lotions that are specifically formulated for new tattoos, such as After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer. Avoid thick, petroleum-based products like petroleum jelly.

   • Continue to avoid petroleum-based products even after your tattoo has healed. They can cause the ink to fade.
   • Talk to your tattoo artist if you aren’t sure about which products to use on your new tattoo. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!

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