As someone who recently got their first tattoo, I wanted to make sure I was using the right products during the aftercare process. I had heard great things about CeraVe skincare products and wondered if they would be a good option for taking care of my new ink. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned after researching whether CeraVe is recommended for caring for tattoos.
Introduction to CeraVe Skincare
CeraVe has become one of the most well-known skincare brands on the market. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe aims to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier using ceramides. Ceramides are lipids that help the skin retain moisture and protect against irritants.
When getting a new tattoo, it’s crucial to use products that will properly clean and moisturize the skin without causing the ink to fade or peel. Harsh soaps or lotions can be too abrasive for fresh tattoos. I wanted to find out if CeraVe would be gentle enough for tattoo aftercare.
Benefits of Using CeraVe for Tattoo Healing
There are several key reasons why CeraVe is an excellent option for caring for new ink:
Dermatologist-Recommended Brand
As a brand developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is designed based on scientific research and testing. Dermatologists often recommend CeraVe to patients with various skin conditions. This gave me confidence in choosing it for my new body art.
Effective for Treating Skin Issues
In addition to being recommended by doctors, CeraVe has been clinically shown to be effective for eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and more. If it can treat these skin conditions, it should be safe and nourishing for fresh tattoos.
Increases Moisture Retention
Key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid help the skin retain more moisture and stay hydrated. Keeping a tattoo hydrated is vital for the healing process so the skin doesn’t become dry and crack.
Boosts Collagen Production
By supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, CeraVe also helps stimulate collagen production. Collagen helps promote youthful, healthy-looking skin. More collagen can lead to better tattoo aging.
Soothing for Irritated Skin
Some CeraVe products contain calming ingredients like chamomile. This helps soothe irritated skin, which is common after getting a new tattoo.
How to Care for Your New Tattoo
To help my tattoo heal properly, I followed these crucial aftercare steps while using CeraVe:
Keep the Tattoo Clean
Gently clean the tattoo 2-3 times per day using a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid soaking the tattoo or using harsh scrubbing.
Apply a Thin Layer of Moisturizer
After washing, pat dry, allow to air dry, and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment like CeraVe. Don’t over-apply lotion as it can clog pores.
Avoid Sun and Water Exposure
Keep the new tattoo covered and avoid direct sun exposure or long periods submerged in water.
Resist Touching or Scratching
It’s normal for tattoos to feel itchy during healing. Avoid picking or scratching, which can remove ink. You can use a cold compress or hydrocortisone cream for very itchy spots.
Be Patient
It takes tattoos several weeks to fully heal. Follow aftercare instructions closely for best results. Don’t expect perfection immediately.
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash for Tattoo Aftercare
One CeraVe product I found suitable for tattoo aftercare is the Hydrating Body Wash. Here’s why it works well:
- Gentle, non-irritating, fragrance-free formula won’t disturb healing skin
- Contains skin-hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Helps soothe and calm irritated skin after a tattoo session
- Won’t strip moisture like harsh soaps or body washes
This hydrating cleanser gently removes dirt and bacteria without excessive drying or irritation.
CeraVe Healing Ointment for Dry, Cracked Skin
For severely dry, cracked skin, CeraVe Healing Ointment provides intense moisture. It contains:
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish skin
- Creates a protective barrier ideal for healing tattoos
- Extra thick formula for the driest skin
- Helps skin retain moisture and prevents cracking
I applied this ointment sparingly on any flaky or cracked areas on my new tattoo. It provided major relief.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as Aftercare and Everyday Use
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is one of their most popular moisturizers. It’s an excellent option for:
- Tattoo aftercare to hydrate and protect new tattoos
- Everyday use, even on sensitive skin prone to irritation
- Restoring the skin’s natural barrier with essential ceramides
- Providing long-lasting hydration to keep skin smooth
I found this cream helped replenish moisture and kept my tattoo looking vibrant. It absorbed well without feeling greasy.
CeraVe vs. Cetaphil: Which is Better for Tattoo Healing?
When researching tattoo aftercare products, I came across Cetaphil as another highly-rated brand. So which is better – CeraVe or Cetaphil?
Overall, both can work well for healing tattoos. However, CeraVe tends to have a thicker, more emollient texture thanks to ingredients like ceramides. This helps it adhere to and sink into the skin.
An advantage of CeraVe is that it contains niacinamide, which helps build collagen. I decided CeraVe was the right choice for my new ink. However, Cetaphil may be good for lightly moisturizing at the start of the healing process when heavy creams may be too much.
CeraVe vs. Aquaphor: Which is Best for Tattoo Aftercare?
Another top contender I compared to CeraVe was Aquaphor Healing Ointment. So what are the main differences?
CeraVe products tend to focus more on repairing and protecting the skin’s moisture barrier using ceramides and hyaluronic acid. In contrast, Aquaphor forms more of an invisible shield on the surface while allowing for deeper penetration of tattoo ink into the skin.
Overall, Aquaphor may be preferred for lightly coating a fresh tattoo, while CeraVe offers more advanced skincare benefits. For my new body art, I opted to use a little bit of both during the healing process.
Can You Use CeraVe Sunscreen on a Fresh Tattoo?
I know sun protection is crucial for keeping tattoo ink looking vibrant over time. However, most experts advise against using sunscreen directly on a new tattoo. The chemicals can be irritating and potentially fade the ink.
It’s best to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before applying any CeraVe sunscreen products. I would wait at least 2 weeks after getting new ink before using sun protection. Look for a product designed specifically for tattoos and sensitive areas. Overall, CeraVe’s mineral sunscreens are a good choice once healed.
The Best CeraVe Products for Caring for New Tattoos
Based on my research, these are my top recommendations for using CeraVe skincare on new tattoos:
CeraVe Healing Ointment
- Provides intense moisture for dryness and cracking
- Ceramides and lipids restore protective barrier
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula won’t clog pores
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid hydrate and nourish skin
- Helps restore skin’s natural protective barrier
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Deep hydration from ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and more
- Thicker formula penetrates deeper to replenish skin
- Strengthens and restores protective barrier
Conclusion: CeraVe is Great for Tattoo Aftercare
Based on my research and personal experience, I can confidently say that CeraVe is an excellent skincare brand to use for caring for new tattoos. The products are gentle, hydrating, and repair the skin’s moisture barrier as the tattoo heals. I was really pleased with how my ink turned out after using CeraVe to cleanse and moisturize the area.
With its science-backed formulas and affordable pricing, CeraVe is accessible for all budgets. You can easily find it online and in most drugstores or beauty retailers. I plan to keep using CeraVe daily even after my tattoo has fully healed. It keeps my skin looking and feeling healthy. I would certainly recommend CeraVe products for properly caring for new tattoos.
