Yes. Cerave is a good tattoo aftercare brand because it contains gentle and effective formulas.
The brand counts on three essential ceramides that protect the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid that retain moisture are great for keeping your skin hydrated and protected from irritations.
In addition, their products are fragrance-free, which is well-indicated for those who suffer from sensibility and allergies.
Why Is Cerave Good For Tattoos?
The gentle products contain ingredients that help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving healing, preventing dryness or irritation, and reducing the risk of scabbing, peeling, or color fading.
More about Cerave
- U.S.-based skincare brand that contains gentle formulas
- Over 70 products, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
- Maintain your skin balanced and protected for 24 hours
CeraVe Products That Are Good for Tattoos
Even though the brand has not yet created products specifically designed for tattoos, you can use a range of products during your tattoo aftercare process.
Here’s what you can pick:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: As you need the tattooed area clean, you can use this gentle cleanser to avoid irritations and infections
- Moisturizing Cream: Is rich in ceramides, which will leave your skin hydrated, preventing dryness and flakiness;
- CeraVe Healing Ointment: contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid that create a protective barrier on your tattoo while locking moisture
- Sunscreen: UV ray protection is essential to protect your tattoo from fading.
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: This is suitable for those with tattoos on the face or other areas susceptible to acne.
CeraVe skincare routine for tattoo aftercare
Morning Routine
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Wash the area with the hands only to remove the excess ointment and prevent buildup, and pat dry with a soft cloth
- Moisturizing Cream: Apply a thin layer to keep the tattooed area hydrated the entire day
- Sun Protection: Give preference for SPF 30 or higher to prevent fading
Midday Routine:
- Moisturizing Cream: If the area is overly dry, apply a very thin product layer to keep it moist.
Note: In the first days, you may need to moist the area every 4-6 hours.
Evening Routine:
- Cleansing: Time to clean excess dirt, sweat, or pollutants accumulated during the day
- Moisturizing: To maintain hydration all night long
Tattoo Aftercare Tips
- Avoid scrubbing, scratching, and touching the area
- In the first two weeks, it is better to avoid swimming, hot baths, and showers
- Use loose clothes and avoid covering the area
- Never forget the sunscreen!
Cerave’s Alternatives For Tattoos
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: a brand that is known for high-quality hydrating products
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment: one of the most popular products that counts with great reviews online
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: Is very similar to Cerave, great for long-lasting hydration
- Bepanthen Ointment: Is very popular in Europe and South America for its hydrating formulas
- Hustle Butter Deluxe: This is a vegan alternative to ointments that contains natural ingredients to hydrate and heal the skin
- Cetaphil: Cerave’s direct competitor, which is dedicated to sensible skin.
CeraVe vs. Cetaphil For Tattoos
Cerave and Cetaphil are excellent for tattoos, but there are still some differences in texture and how they feel on the skin. Additionally, Cerave is specialized for dry skin, while cetaphil targets sensitiveness.
Cerave Pros
- It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid that will keep your skin hydrated.
- CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream and Healing Ointment offer deep hydration
Cerave Cons
- Some people find it heavy and may not like the smell of it
Cetaphil Pros
- Contain more simple, gentle formulas that are ideal for sensible skin
- Their Gentle Skin Cleanser is very popular among those using it during the tattoo healing stage.
Cetaphil Cons
- Hydration is less intense, which may be problematic for those with dehydrated skin.
CeraVe vs. Lubriderm, which one is best for tattoos?
Both Cerave and Lubriderm are trendy brands well used in post-tattoo treatments. As we have talked a lot about Cerve, let me talk now about Lubriderm.
Lubriderm is known for its gentle, lightweight formula that is easily absorbed by the skin. So, it is ideal if you prefer lighter formulas.
Choosing Soaps for Tattoo Aftercare
Take a look at this quick checklist to help you out while deciding which soap to use for your tattoo aftercare:
- Make sure the soap is Gentle and Fragrance-Free
- Look for non-abrasive soaps to avoid scabbing and fading
- It is a good idea to look for Antibacterial Soaps, as they can kill bacteria
- pH-balanced soaps will contribute to maintaining the natural skin acidity, leading to better recovery.
Choosing A Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
Firstly, avoid lotions that contain harsh chemicals and look instead for hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. They are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties.
Some fragrances can also irritate, so prefer fragrance-free products and always consider buying non-comedogenic ones.
Frequently asked questions
Will CeraVe Prevent Tattoo Scab Formation?
Some people may experience scabbing even when you hydrate the area, but by using Cerave’s products, you can minimize it, given its powerful hydrating formula. Once the skin is hydrated, it has less tendency to scab.
How Often Should I Use Cerave on My Tattoo?
It can depend on your skin condition. If your skin is too dry, applying it every 4 to 6 hours is possible. However, if you have normal skin, you can do it only three times a day. It is essential to talk to your tattoo artist for personalized advice.
How long should I continue using CeraVe on my tattoo?
It would be best to use it during your entire aftercare healing process, which may take approximately two to four weeks.
Can CeraVe help with tattoo color preservation?
Cerave products are not designed to preserve tattoo colors and pigmentations. However, well-hydrated skin offers an excellent condition for tattoo color preservation.