Most tattoo artists recommend using A&D ointment for only 2 to 3 days after getting your tattoo, though some aftercare guidelines extend that window to 5 days. After that, you should switch to a fragrance-free, dye-free lotion for the remainder of the healing process. Using A&D longer than necessary can actually work against you, trapping moisture under a heavy layer of petroleum and slowing your skin’s ability to heal.
The 2 to 5 Day Window
There’s no single universal timeline because aftercare advice varies between tattoo artists, but the general range falls between 2 and 5 days. Some artists suggest using A&D for just the first day or two, then switching to a lighter healing ointment like Aquaphor before eventually moving to lotion. Others recommend A&D for the full first 3 to 5 days, then going straight to lotion. Your artist’s specific instructions should be your primary guide, since they know the size, location, and depth of your tattoo.
During those first few days, apply A&D ointment 2 to 3 times daily. Use a small amount, rub it in thoroughly, and wipe away any excess. The layer should be thin enough that your skin doesn’t look glossy or greasy. Think “barely there” rather than slathered on.
What A&D Actually Does for Your Tattoo
A&D ointment is mostly petrolatum (about 53%) and lanolin (about 15%), both classified as skin protectants. The vitamins A and D come from cod liver oil listed as an inactive ingredient, so they’re present in small amounts. The real work comes from the petrolatum and lanolin, which form a barrier on the surface of your skin. In those first couple of days, when your tattoo is essentially an open wound, that barrier helps keep bacteria out and prevents the area from drying out completely.
One common worry is that petroleum-based products will pull ink out of the skin or cause fading. That’s not physically possible. Tattoo ink sits deep in the dermis, the lower layer of your skin, where it becomes trapped in cells. Petrolatum sits on the very top surface, the epidermis, and doesn’t get absorbed deep enough to reach the ink.
Why You Shouldn’t Use It Too Long
The same barrier that protects a fresh tattoo becomes a problem if you keep applying it past those first few days. Petroleum sits on top of the skin and traps sweat, bacteria, and other fluids underneath it. Your tattoo needs airflow to heal properly, and a thick, ongoing layer of ointment prevents that. Keeping the area sealed too long can create a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of infection.
Many people also develop rashes from prolonged use. This can happen because the skin is simply irritated from being smothered, or it can be an allergic reaction to lanolin, one of A&D’s active ingredients. Signs of a lanolin reaction include redness, itching, swelling, or blistering around the tattoo, typically appearing hours to days after application. Skin that’s already damaged (which a fresh tattoo is) reacts more easily to lanolin than healthy skin does. If you notice these symptoms, stop using A&D immediately and switch to a lanolin-free alternative.
When and How to Switch to Lotion
After your 2 to 5 days of ointment, transition to a gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free body lotion. You’ll likely notice that by day 3 or 4, your tattoo has started to feel less raw and may begin peeling or flaking. That’s a good signal that your skin no longer needs the heavy protective barrier of an ointment and is ready for lighter moisture.
Continue using unscented lotion for the next several weeks as your tattoo finishes healing. The full healing process for the outer layers of skin takes about 2 to 3 weeks, though deeper layers continue to repair for several months. During this time, keep the lotion applications regular (2 to 3 times a day or whenever the skin feels tight and dry) but don’t overdo it. The same “thin layer” principle applies.
Quick Reference for Application
- Days 1 through 3 (up to 5): Wash gently with mild soap, pat dry, apply a thin layer of A&D ointment 2 to 3 times per day. Wipe off any excess.
- Days 3 to 5 onward: Switch to a fragrance-free, dye-free lotion. Continue 2 to 3 times daily.
- Throughout healing: Never pick at peeling skin, avoid submerging the tattoo in water, and keep it out of direct sunlight.
If your artist gave you a specific aftercare sheet, follow that over any general advice. They chose their recommendations based on their technique and the specifics of your tattoo, and that personalized guidance is more reliable than a one-size-fits-all timeline.