Can I Put Carmex on a New Tattoo? Or Is It Dangerous?

Well, let me guess, you just got inked. You got your first tattoo, and you are very excited about it. But you are also worried about whether you should put Carmex on your new tattoo to heal it.

To answer it briefly, you should not use Carmex on fresh wounds like tattoos. Rather, you should give the tattoo enough time to heal, and then it’s okay to use Carmex on it. Using Carmex on a fresh tattoo might make it less bright, and you should always stick with the recommendation of your tattoo artist.

Follow this article to learn how to use Carmex and take care of your new tattoo.

Can I Put Carmex on a New Tattoo?

When it’s about a fresh tattoo, you should not because the elements used in Carmex might be harmful to your tattoo and could lead to infections as well.

These elements include methanol and petroleum elements, which are not suitable for new tattoos. So, you must be very careful the first few days and only use antibacterial soap to clean the wound. But you can use Carmex on a tattoo after a few days.

How Does Carmex React As a Moisturizer For Tattoos?

Carmex keeps your tattoo hydrated and aids with healing; yes, it’s a fact. However, since it contains methanol and petroleum products, we wouldn’t advise using it on a new tattoo.

Other than that, Carmex can work like a boss when it’s a moisturizer for your tattoo.

Many people put Carmex on their skin even though it was designed for lips. Particularly in rough places like the knees, elbows, and even your feet, it restores dry skin.

Elements in Carmex That Are Beneficial to Healing

The following are some of the good components of Carmex and how they affect skin and tattoos:

Aloe

• Aloe does wonders for tattoos. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizes, in addition to treating both external and internal wounds.
• Numerous antioxidants included in aloe vera, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can help maintain the skin’s natural hydration and firmness.

Avocado

• Avocado oil promotes wound healing and acts as a natural sunscreen. It lessens inflammation as well.
• Avocados also include potassium, lecithin, and many other elements that can hydrate and nourish the skin, in addition to vitamin E.
• These nutrients, which also aid in forming new skin, are easily absorbed by the epidermis, the top layer of skin.

Beeswax

• Additionally, excellent for tattoos, beeswax also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Another excellent moisturizer and well-liked substitute for petroleum jelly is beeswax.
• On the skin, beeswax can form a layer of protection. Additionally, it attracts water since it is a moisturizer. These two attributes might aid in keeping the skin moisturized. Another natural exfoliant that works well for removing dead skin cells is beeswax.

Candelilla Wax

• Candelilla wax aids in wound healing and prevents ink fading.
• It is a fantastic moisturizer, which means it moisturizes dry skin beautifully and is wonderfully calming. It gives the skin a glossy appearance, making it a popular ingredient in body lotions, moisturizers, and other skincare products.

Cocoa Butter 

• Cocoa butter provides nutritious, therapeutic, and moisturizing qualities.
• Moisturizer characteristics describe cocoa butter. The fatty acid like oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids in it moisturizes your skin. Eventually, it protects your skin from drying out and peeling.

Vitamin E

Despite its hydrating properties, vitamin E oil helps your skin breathe. This organic oil enables your tattoo to breathe and heal.

Elements In Carmex That Are Not Good For Tattoos

Generally, Carmex contains a lot of petroleum elements, such as methanol, which fades the ink.

It is harmful to the healing of wounds because it creates a barrier between the inside and outside of the wound that prevents even water from getting inside. which is not expected.

Can You Put Chapstick on a Tattoo?

Well, that depends on what’s in the lip balm. The simplest approach to determining whether you should use a particular lip balm is to quickly look up its ingredients and see if they are bad for tattoos or wounds.

Generally, It is best to avoid utilizing something if it mostly contains chemicals. Petroleum jelly-based lip balms are likewise not good.

What Should You Avoid in the Process of Tattoo Aftercare?

You should avoid certain environments that could be harmful to your tattoos. To make healing easier, one should avoid the following things.

Direct Sunlight 

Typically, sunscreen and sunblock are not made to protect wounds like a new tattoo. If your fresh tattoo is exposed to sunlight, you will feel it burn. Still, if you must be outside in the sun, use an umbrella for protection.

Tight Fitting Clothes 

You risk delaying the healing process if you rub clothing and fabric against your fresh tattoo. When a new tattoo is healing, it is usually preferable to avoid any contact with clothing. Wear loose-fitting garments around the area for at least a week.

Sleeping on Your Tattoo

Excess plasma, fluid, and ink from your tattoo are typical throughout the healing phase and may adhere to bed linens, blankets, or clothing. It’s best to sleep with your tattoo on sight.

You can put a fresh, thin towel between you and the bedding for safety. If your tattoo is attached to a piece of clothing when you wake up, this is not causing concern. Avoid peeling it off! Instead, bring the cloth to the shower with you and rinse it with cool or lukewarm water.

Additional Tips to Care for Your Tattoos

Aftercare involves a lot of important factors that must be done to keep your tattoo shining for a very long time.

Cover it Up

• The tattoo should be covered with a small coating of antibiotic ointment by the artist, followed by a bandage or piece of plastic wrap. Protecting your skin prevents bacteria from entering. Additionally, it shields the tattoo from irritation caused by rubbing against your clothing.
• Keep the dressing on for however long your tattoo artist advises—this could only be a few hours. Any liquid or extra ink that escapes the tattoo will be more easily absorbed.

Gently Wash the Tattoo

• You can take off the covering after a few hours.
• Make sure you clean your hands with soap and water first. Then use warm water and fragrance-free soap to gently wash the tattoo. Lastly, pat the skin dry using a cloth.
• To the tattoo, apply a tiny amount of moisturizer free of alcohol and smell. At this time, you can keep the covering off and let your skin breathe.

Wait For It To Heal

• Be patient enough and wait for the healing. If you see any signs of an infection or other issues, contact your tattoo artist or a doctor.

Carmex Substitutes to Use on New Tattoos

To clean the tattooed area, use a gentle, fragrance-free soap or a tattoo cleanser that has been carefully developed. Your tattoo artist might suggest a cleanser made especially for tattoos.

• Use an ointment like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or consult your tattoo artist if he has something to suggest to you for the first day or two to aid in the tattoo’s healing.
• You can switch to a regular moisturizer after about two days.

Coconut Oil

• Samoans and other Polynesians have long used coconut oil for their tattoos. When the tattoo is finished or after it has healed, they apply it. One claimed advantage is that it enhances the design.
• Before applying coconut oil or any other unproven product to your tattoo, consult your doctor.

Dry Healing 

• In the dry healing technique, you won’t use any moisturizer to heal your tattoo. Rather, you just adhere to the other precautions, including staying out of the sun.
• Dry healing supporters assert that one advantage of staying away from moisturizers, which may contain artificial substances, is that it reduces the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reaction. The opposite claim is that the dryness makes you more prone to itching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Your skin should be treated with care and respect after getting a fresh tattoo. It may take several weeks for your tattoo to heal, so it’s important to be gentle with it. So, at this point, do you know the answer to your question about whether you should use Carmex on a new tattoo?

The answer is no at the beginning. Let it heal permanently, and also, don’t use any other strong chemical-filled moisturizer at this time.