Dry healing vs moist healing tattoo

Getting a new tattoo requires a lot of responsibility and discipline. After the tattoo session is over, you must go through the weeks of healing so that the art comes out in vivid colors. Usually, you will be advised by the artist to moisturize and clean it regularly to avoid any form of infection. You will also be instructed to observe it from time to time, just in case something unusual comes up. These are the usual care and healing tips for your tattoo to fully recover. However, did you know that there is an alternative way to take care of it?

Dry healing is the method of tending to your art without the need for moisturizing it. If the usual process calls for lotions and ointments, this one entirely ignores those items. There is an argument to be made for this method, especially as a new tattoo can be considered a fresh wound, one that you must care for with utmost attention unless you want to infect it.

For this reason, we’ve listed out the pros and cons of dry healing a tattoo to help you make better-informed decisions:

The Pros of Dry Healing a Tattoo

There are a couple of advantages to consider when it comes to dry healing. For the most part, it will all come down to whether or not you can consistently keep your fresh tattoo clean. Once it is clear from any form of dirt or germs, you can be sure that your skin will do its own thing in rejuvenating itself, all the way to its recovery.

  • The most practical advantage of dry healing is you will no longer need to invest in various skin solutions. People who have cuts or wounds on their skin would most likely resort to bandaging it rather than putting a swab of lotion on it. The same principle is applied to tattoo wounds in this situation.
  • It prevents any sort of allergic reaction brought about by lotions and ointments. It is understandable for some people to have sensitive skin; thus, they avoid all skin products that may trigger a reaction while still healing their tattoo.
  • They can save money, as they will no longer need to buy various skin products like moisturizers to tend to their tattoo.

The Cons of Dry Healing a Tattoo

If there are advantages, then there are also known disadvantages when it comes to dry healing. While not all of these may apply to everyone who just got their tats, it will indeed affect your fresh tattoo in one way or another. Take note of them and decide if dry healing still works for you.

  • They cannot relieve the natural itchiness brought about by the healing skin’s healing process. Due to the lack of moisture, the fresh tattoo may itch over time, making the process more uncomfortable for you.
  • Scratching the itch may damage your skin and tattoo. It may even add more wounds, especially if you’re not careful.
  • It might cause deeper scabbing. This may not seem disadvantageous at first, as all scabs usually peel off over time. However, it may affect the overall color of your tattoo, adding a bit of discoloration and ruining the overall look of your art.

Conclusion

Dry healing is a polarizing topic for many tattoo artists and enthusiasts. On the one hand, it seems normal and harmless, especially for those who aren’t accustomed to using skin creams and ointments. On the other hand, it may also cause discomfort and discolorations, messing up the tattoo in general.

If it’s just your first time, feel free to ask around and gauge which method will work best for you. Remember, getting a tattoo is a wonderful experience, but it will all amount to nothing if you’ll be putting your skin at risk of infection, not to mention consistent discomfort. If you’re looking for a place that will safely and efficiently bring your skin art to life, then we at Lucky DeVille Tattoo Co. are the right people for the job! We have some of the best tattoo artists in Buffalo, and we ensure only the highest quality of ink and ingenuity when it comes to our tattoo services. Walk-ins are welcome—visit us today.

In the last hundred years healing a tattoo has changed significantly. In fact, even in the last ten years. For example, what you’re supposed to put on your tattoo (or not put on) has changed over and over. As technology and products are improved there’s always something new to try. Wet tattoo healing, while not new, is still much less common. I know, you’re thinking about how your tattoo artist told you not to get the tattoo wet or let it get too moist. Seems like an oxymoron?

What is Wet Tattoo Healing?

Wet healing is when the skin is not allowed to dry out. It is riskier than dry healing because it creates the perfect environment for bacteria. Closed off, moist areas of damaged skin are perfect scenarios for tattoo infections.

I would say I woke up like this, but that’s stupid. It’s true though. #wettattoo #sloughingflesh #wethealing

A post shared by Loran Iris (@freakingeatit) on Jul 25, 2015 at 6:59am PDT

When Should I Wet Heal a Tattoo?

The reason some artists use wet healing is that many problem areas, such as joints, are constantly in motion. This means that every time your skin tries to heal itself your movements cause micro tears in the healing skin. This can prolong healing or cause scabbing that damages the tattoo. Dry healing in these areas is often much more painful and uncomfortable because of this.

How to Wet Heal a Tattoo?

When a tattoo is wet healed the area is cleaned and then covered with an ointment, like Aquaphor or A&D. This is then wrapped in plastic wrap and secured down. Twice a day the wrap is removed and the process Is repeated (with clean wrap). This allows the person to heal the tattoo without the skin drying out enough to form a hard scab and therefore stops the micro tears from happening. It also works well for those who have especially dirty jobs and may be at a higher risk for infection. This should be done for 3-4 days or until the tattoo begins to flake and peel, at which point the wrap is left off and the tattoo heals as normal using the same method as dry healing.

What if I Don’t Want to Risk Wet Tattoo Healing, But Have Dry Skin?

The biggest question most face with dry healing is lotion or ointment. The difference between the two is just how much moisture the skin can absorb. A lotion is not as moisturizing because it is absorbed and then moisture can evaporate from the skin while the petroleum nature of an ointment creates an oil barrier that keeps the moisture in the skin. If you’re especially dry skinned or you’re allergic to lotion the ointment is probably better, while others may find they get breakouts from the excess oil.

#saniderm . We have had some great healing results with the product . Seals -n- heals . Stays on for a few days and keeps the tattoo safe / clean . #westcharlotte #nctattooers #cltnc #704ink #healthylifestyle #tattoohealing

A post shared by 704-747-2233 ⚡️JAY (@cridertattoos) on May 24, 2017 at 7:32am PDT

Neither wet healing nor dry healing is the “correct” kind of aftercare. Both have their own uses and it’s often up to your tattoo artist which they prefer. You should always follow their directions and advice before making a decision of which to use on your tattoo.

Do tattoos heal better dry or moist?

Dry healing vs. Dry healing and wrap healing are similar in that neither method relies on any moisturizer to keep the skin moist. But dry healing doesn't use lymphatic fluid, either. Neither method is really better than the other. It's up to you and what your tattoo artist recommends.

Does dry healing a tattoo heal faster?

While proponents of dry healing profess that it speeds up the healing process, it could also tighten the skin, which makes it more likely that scabs will break. This, of course, will extend the amount of time it takes for your tattoo to heal, and could cause minor blemishes.

Should you keep tattoo scabs dry or moist?

Dry it immediately after washing. Keep the scab moist by applying a warm, wet compress one to two times a day. This will help promote healing by allowing the skin beneath the scab to regenerate. Apply lotion to the scab to keep it healthier and less likely to fall off or become cracked.

Are you supposed to let your tattoo dry out?

By not using a moisturizing lotion on your tattoo and letting it dry out, you could cause your skin to dehydrate, causing it to crack, bleed and potentially become infected.