The most common tattoo care myths that need to be debunked!
The most common tattoo care myths that need to be debunked!
A tattoo is art, but it’s also a responsibility – how it looks in a year, two, or ten depends on how you care for it.
On TikTok, forums, and across the internet, you’ll find hundreds of tips that often do more harm to your ink than good.
It’s time to clear things up – no fear tactics, just facts.
In this article, you will learn:
✅ Why Panthenol isn’t everything your tattoo needs.
✅ Whether tanning really “sets” your tattoo.
✅ If you can wash your tattoo with regular soap.
✅ Where these myths come from and what tattoo care practice actually says.
Myth 1: “Panthenol is better than tattoo cream”
This is a myth. After getting a fresh tattoo, Panthenol is not the best choice – proper cleansing and moisturising are.
At LOVEINK, we recommend this routine:
✅ Wash your tattoo with our Tattoo Soap (more on this below) to gently remove plasma and impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.
✅ Then apply Tattoo Cream Pina Colada, which soothes, speeds up regeneration, and creates a protective layer while allowing your skin to breathe.
✅ After a few days post-session, switch to Tattoo Butter, which deeply moisturises, nourishes, and protects your tattoo’s colours.
It’s this combination – Tattoo Soap + Pina Colada Cream + Tattoo Butter – that keeps your artwork under the skin vibrant and helps it heal in the best possible conditions.
Myth 2: “Tanning makes your tattoo look better”
This is not true – UV radiation is the biggest enemy of your tattoo’s colour. It accelerates skin aging, dries it out, and causes the ink to fade.
If you want your tattoo to look good for years:
✅ Protect it with a sunscreen SPF 50 with a high PPD, as PPD is responsible for real UVA protection.
✅ Many sunscreens don’t list PPD, so look for the UVA in a circle symbol on the packaging, which indicates compliance with European UVA protection standards.
✅ For reference: LOVEINK’s SPF 50 sunscreen has a PPD of 21.8, one of the highest values among tattoo care sunscreens.
✅ Cover your tattoo with clothing during peak sunlight hours.
Tanning “to enhance colour” may give a temporary illusion of a better look, but in reality, it damages your tattoo.
Myth 3: “You shouldn’t wash your tattoo with soap”
You should wash your tattoo – but with the right soap.
Regular store-bought soaps contain harsh detergents, SLS, and artificial fragrances that can irritate a fresh tattoo and dry out your skin.
Our LOVEINK Tattoo Soap is designed specifically for tattoo care:
🫧 100% vegan and natural formula without SLS, PEG, or artificial fragrances.
🫧 Contains gentle coconut-based cleansers that effectively clean without disrupting your skin’s microbiome.
🫧 Aloe vera extract and panthenol soothe irritation and support regeneration.
🫧 Added inulin acts as a prebiotic, supporting healthy skin flora.
🫧 A natural, mild scent that won’t irritate your skin or senses.
This allows you to keep your tattoo clean without the risk of drying it out or fading the colours, while supporting your skin’s natural healing process.
Where do these myths come from?
Some of these “tips” come from years ago, when there were no specialised tattoo care products available.
Today, you can use vegan, natural LOVEINK products that make tattoo care easier and protect your artwork under your skin far better than home remedies ever could.
Summary
A tattoo isn’t just decoration – it’s art under your skin, and you can protect it so it looks beautiful for years to come.
Don’t fall for internet myths – tattoo care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be intentional:
✅ Wash your tattoo with a gentle tattoo soap that cleans without drying your skin.
✅ Apply Tattoo Cream Pina Colada after your session to support healing and protect your skin.
✅ Moisturise with butter to keep colours vibrant and your skin supple.
✅ Protect your tattoo from the sun – use SPF 50 with a high PPD (or look for the UVA-in-a-circle symbol).
✅ Care for yourself from within – drink water, get sleep, and give your skin time to regenerate.
Your tattoo is part of you and your story. It deserves care that is simple, effective, and respectful of your skin.
With LOVEINK, you can take care of your ink the way it deserves – with love for your tattoos and without unnecessary complications.
FAQ – Most Common Questions About Tattoo Care Myths
Can I use Panthenol during the entire healing period?
You can, but it doesn’t provide the same level of hydration as tattoo butter. We recommend Panthenol for the first 3–5 days, then switching to tattoo butter.
Why does a tattoo fade in the sun?
UV radiation damages the pigment in your skin and accelerates ageing. SPF 50 is protection you need not just in summer, but every day.
Can regular soap harm a tattoo?
Yes, it can dry out and irritate the skin. Choose a natural soap specifically designed for tattoos.
Do I need to moisturise my tattoo even if it looks fine?
Yes! Moisturising keeps colours vibrant and your skin elastic, which helps protect your tattoo for years to come.
