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When it comes to tattoo care, particularly for a new tattoo, it’s crucial to understand that your inked skin is essentially an open wound.
It needs to be washed and cared for properly to ensure it heals without complications. This is where antibacterial soaps come into play, and one name that often surfaces in these discussions is Dial Gold.
Is Dial Gold good for tattoos? Dial Gold is a trusted brand and a staple in many households. However, when it comes to newly-inked skin, the situation demands a bit more scrutiny.
Many tattoo artists recommend using mild, fragrance-free soaps to prevent irritation and accelerate healing.
The primary concern with Dial Gold, or any antibacterial soap, is the ingredients. Some of these might be too harsh and could potentially be harmful to sensitive, tattooed skin.
From personal experience and a bit of expertise in the field, I’ve noticed that while Dial Gold is great for everyday use, it may not always be the best choice for a new tattoo.
The strong antibacterial properties, while effective for killing germs, can also strip away natural oils and cause dryness.
This can be counterproductive for a healing tattoo. Instead, gentler options, recommended by tattoo artists, might be more suitable for maintaining the vibrancy of the ink and the health of the skin.
Also Read: Is Dove Soap Good For Tattoos
What Is Dial Soap?
Dial is an iconic American brand known primarily for its antibacterial soap and body wash. Established and first marketed in 1948 by Henkel North America, Dial gained popularity in the North America region for its promise of ’round-the-clock’ protection against odor and perspiration.
Originally, Dial was a deodorant soap, incorporating hexachlorophene, a compound developed by a chemist at Armour and Company, a meat-packing firm. Initially, the soap used tallow, essentially beef fat, but concerns raised by the FDA about hexachlorophene being harmful to infants led to a change in formula.
The company, then known as Armour-Dial, replaced hexachlorophene with triclocarban, a synthetic compound.
Over time, as regulations and consumer preferences evolved, Dial has also marketed and sold products containing benzalkonium chloride in bar soaps and benzethonium chloride in liquid hand soap.
These organic ammonium salts are known for being odorless with strong antiseptic and anti-infective properties. Moving into the realm of tattoo care, understanding the composition and properties of Dial soap becomes crucial.
As a brand deeply rooted in providing antibacterial solutions, Dial’s products are designed for robust, everyday use. However, when it comes to freshly tattooed skin, the requirements are quite specific.
The importance of gentle care for a new tattoo cannot be overstated. While Dial’s strong antibacterial properties are excellent for general hygiene, they might be overly harsh for the delicate process of tattoo healing.
The ingredients, while effective against bacteria, can also strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture, potentially leading to dryness and irritation.
This can hinder the healing process of a tattoo, affecting both the skin’s health and the tattoo’s appearance.
As someone with personal experience in tattoo aftercare, I’ve learned that while Dial is a reliable brand for everyday cleanliness, it may not be the ideal choice for new tattoos.
Tattoo artists often recommend milder, fragrance-free soaps to maintain the integrity of the ink and the health of the skin.
Also Read: What Happens If You Use Scented Soap On A Tattoo
Can You Use Dial Soap On A Tattoo?
Getting a tattoo is not just about adding art to your body; it’s an investment of both time and money. These labor of love creations, especially large pieces, can cost thousands of dollars. Thus, ensuring they are cared for properly as they heal is paramount.
A big part of this care is choosing the right soap for cleaning a new tattoo. As someone with five tattoos, I’ve learned the importance of these details firsthand.
The question of using Dial soap for tattoo aftercare is a common one. Dial soap, while a golden standard for everyday cleanliness, may not always align with the recommended aftercare soaps by many tattoo artists.
These professionals often advocate for more mild solutions like green soap. The reason is simple: a new tattoo is a delicate entity, and while Dial soap’s antibacterial properties are beneficial, they can be too harsh for a healing tattoo.
It’s vital to double-check—perhaps even online—for a comprehensive guide on aftercare. This will ensure that your big investment in body art doesn’t fade or become infected in the critical weeks following its creation.
Also Read: Nighttime Tattoo Care: Can You Sleep On A New Tattoo With Saniderm
Why Is Dial Gold Recommended?
Dial Gold is often recommended for its strong antibacterial properties, which play a crucial role when it comes to caring for skin that’s been recently pierced or tattooed. In the healing phase, the area needs to be regularly washed and cleaned to remove any excess tattoo ink that leaks out.
Using Dial Gold to keep the area clean significantly reduces the risk of infection as it effectively kills 99.9% of germs. This attribute is why many tattoo artists suggest it, especially in the initial days post-tattooing.
However, there’s more to tattoo care than just preventing infection. A newly tattooed skin area can often become dry, leading to scabbing, peeling, and an uncomfortable prickling sensation that can be quite annoying.
While Dial Gold’s ability to stop bacterial growth is like finding glitter in gold, its lack of a significant moisturizing property might not help much with flaking or reduce irritation. So, it’s essential to balance its use with a good moisturizer to ensure comprehensive care of your new tattoo.
Also Read: Unveiling The Truth: Can Tegaderm Ruin A Tattoo?
Problems With Dial Gold
When considering aftercare for a new tattoo, it’s essential to be aware of problems and potential dangers associated with certain products.
Skin sensitivity varies greatly from person to person, making the choice of right products for tattoo aftercare a critical decision.
Dial Gold, while popular for its antibacterial properties, can sometimes pose issues, primarily due to its ingredients.
The particular ingredients in Dial Gold that make it less than ideal for a new tattoo include certain chemicals and fragrances that might be too harsh for freshly tattooed skin.
These components can exacerbate skin sensitivity, leading to unwanted irritation or allergic reactions.
The healing skin of a new tattoo is delicate and requires gentle care, something that strong antibacterial soaps like Dial Gold might not always provide.
Therefore, while Dial Gold is an excellent product for everyday use, its suitability for tattoo aftercare can be a bit of a problem for those with sensitive skin or specific ingredient sensitivities.
Also Read: Accidentally Ripped Off Tattoo Scab?
Benzalkonium Chloride
The active ingredient in many antibacterial soaps on the market, including Dial Gold, is Benzalkonium chloride. Renowned for its antibacterial properties, this chemical is effective in helping to kill germs and prevent infection on various skin types.
When it mixes with water, it creates a washable surface that can effectively cleanse the skin. In the context of tattoo aftercare, however, the potency of Benzalkonium chloride becomes a subject of debate.
While Benzalkonium chloride’s germ-killing prowess is undisputed, its potential to be too harsh on sensitive skin areas, particularly on a new tattoo, raises concerns. It can lead to irritation, redness, and drying out of the tattooed area.
This is especially problematic because a new tattoo needs a balance of cleanliness and moisture to heal correctly. Unfortunately, Dial Gold, which contains this ingredient, lacks a significant moisturizing component that could counteract these negative effects.
Therefore, the repeated use of such a potent antibacterial soap on a new tattoo might hurt more than help in the healing process.
Parfum or Fragrance
Parfum or fragrance in soaps can often be problematic, especially in the context of tattoo aftercare. These fragrances are typically a mix of various chemicals, including ketones and alcohol, which are the main components responsible for the smell.
When mixed with other blends in a soap, they evaporate and help to carry the scent. However, for a new tattoo, which is essentially an open wound, the presence of fragrance can lead to irritation or even increase the risk of infections.
This concern is echoed by many tattoo artists, who advise keeping the tattooed area clear of any potentially irritating substances. In Dial Gold, the inclusion of fragrance has been cited as a major problem for those with fresh tattoos.
The repeated use of a soap that contains fragrances can cause more harm than good to the healing skin. While the ingredient list of Dial Gold boasts of its efficacy in cleanliness, the added fragrances can negate these benefits by exacerbating skin sensitivity and complicating the healing process.
Studies have shown that fragranced products can even lead to a tattoo becoming infected, which is why careful consideration of the ingredients in aftercare products is crucial.
Also Read: Tattoo Scab Fell Off Raw Skin Underneath Revealed!
My Personal Experience With Dial Gold
My personal experience with Dial Gold for cleaning tattoos has been a journey of understanding and adaptation. Initially, I used it to wash even my tough skin, and it seemed fine for smaller tattoos.
However, when I got a large tattoo, the area became visibly redder post-wash. Delving into the ingredients, I realized that parfum in Dial Gold might have caused the irritated skin, particularly evident in my more detailed and heavy tattoos.
This was a significant revelation for someone like me with sensitive skin, where even the slightest harsh effect could potentially ruin a tattoo. In my quest for better aftercare, I switched to unscented products.
One such alternative was Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Fragrance Free Liquid, which, although containing benzalkonium chloride as an active ingredient, was fragrance-free and seemed safe for use on my tattoos.
This switch marked a significant improvement in my healing process, with less irritation and better preservation of the tattoo’s details.
Through my experience, I learned the importance of carefully selecting aftercare products, particularly for those with sensitive skin or larger, more intricate tattoos.
Also Read: How To Remove Tattoo Stencil At Home Like A Pro!
3 Best Dial Soap For Tattoos
Our top recommendations for Dial soaps to keep your tattoo clean and nice are here.
1. Dial Liquid Hand Soap
While some tattoo artists may recommend Dial soap for aftercare, it’s important to note that not all Dial products are created equal for this purpose.
Dial, a staple in the American household for cleaning, offers an inexpensive way to clean tattoos gently without causing irritation, inflammation, or infection.
However, care must be taken not to dry out the tattooed skin. For those with sensitive skin or experiencing slight irritation, a fragrance-free Dial product might be a better choice.
My personal experience and unscented product recommendation is to always opt for a gentler variant when dealing with fresh ink.
2. Dial Complete Clean Foaming Hand Wash
For those with sensitive skin, the Dial Complete Clean Foaming Hand Wash might be a better alternative than the regular Dial Liquid Soap, which is not good due to its fragrances.
This unscented hand wash is designed to clean tattoos in a gentle manner, being free from fragrance, parabens, silicones, dyes, and phthalates—ingredients known to cause irritation.
It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, with naturally-derived ingredients and adheres to the global ISO standard, guaranteed to kill 99.99% of bacteria.
For those who’ve just washed their new ink, this product is a safe bet. If you have sensitive skin, definitely check out this variant for your tattoo care.
3. Dial White Antibacterial Soap
The Dial White Antibacterial bar soap is a classic and excellent, inexpensive choice for tattoo aftercare. Many recommend it for its creamy, thick, and smooth lather that cleans without drying out the skin or causing irritation.
However, for those requiring additional moisturizing, pairing it with a lotion or ointment is advisable for extra hydration. While not fragrance-free, it’s less intense than other varieties, making it a suitable choice for those with highly sensitive skin.
For a completely fragrance-free option, consider Dial Complete hand wash, which offers a more gentle cleanse with a pleasant smell, ensuring both clean and comforting aftercare for your tattoo.
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What Happens If You Use A Scented Soap On A Tattoo?
Using scented soaps on tattoos, especially during the healing phase, can significantly impact the complexity, design, placement, and density of the ink over time.
It’s generally advised to avoid such products as the chemicals and fragrance in scented soaps can irritate the skin, potentially ruining the appearance of a new tattoo.
These elements may lead to color fade, compromise the design’s integrity, and cause discomfort to sensitive skin, like redness or itching.
Instead, opting for unscented or mild soaps ensures that the tattoo heals properly without any adverse effects on the tattoo’s quality or your skin’s health.
Is Gold Dial Soap Good For Tattoos?
Gold Dial soap has been an all-rounder in the soap industry, but when it comes to tattoos, its versatility is a topic of debate.
While some artists do recommend it for tattoo aftercare due to its antibacterial properties, which might help the tattoo heal faster, it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone.
Those with sensitive skin might find this scented product a cause for irritation and worry, as the fragrance and excessively harmful chemicals can adversely affect the ink and the skin’s health.
In such cases, opting for a gentler, fragrance-free alternative can provide more confidence in the healing process.
Also Read: Do Blue Ink Tattoos Hold Up Well Over Time
Should You Wash Your Tattoo Every Day?
When it comes to caring for a new tattoo, how often you wash it is crucial. Ideally, washing the tattoo once or twice a day is sufficient to prevent it from drying out or irritating the skin.
Experts typically recommend a gentle cleaning both in the morning and at night for the first four weeks.
However, if you’re someone who hits the gym or engages in heavy exercise leading to profusely sweating, additional washing may be necessary to minimize the risk of infection.
Once the tattoo has healed, it can be included in your regular hygiene routine, but choosing the right soap remains key to maintaining the vibrancy and health of your tattoo.
Also Read: How Long After A Tattoo Can I Have Surgery?
FAQs About Is Dial Gold Good For Tattoos Aftercare
1. How Long After A Tattoo Can You Wash It With Soap?
Your tattoo artist will often cover your new ink with plastic wrap to protect it, and while you might be eager to show off your tattoo, it’s crucial to wait for the designated time advised by your tattoo artist before washing it with soap.
Depending on the size and style of the tattoo, this could range from a few hours to a full day. When it’s time to remove the wrap, a mild, unscented soap is recommended for the first wash to avoid irritation.
2. Does Dial Gold Soap Have Alcohol In Them?
Dial Gold soap does contain alcohol as part of its ingredients, alongside parfum and fragrance.
3. Can Extended Use Of Antibacterial Soap Be Harmful To Tattoos?
Extended use of antibacterial soap can be harmful to tattoos, especially after the first few weeks; it can make the skin dry and affect older tattoos that need to be kept moisturized.
4. Is Dial Gold The Best Soap For Tattoos?
Dial Gold is not necessarily the best soap for tattoos; there are alternatives that are milder on the skin.
5. What Is The Difference Between Dial Gold And Regular?
The difference between Dial Gold and regular Dial Antibacterial Bar Soap (White) lies in the fragrance; Gold has its distinct scent while White offers classic scents, often coming down to personal preference.
Also Read: Demystifying Little Bumps On Tattoo After Healed
Conclusion
When considering “is Dial Gold good for tattoos,” it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using this product. Dial Gold, with its antibacterial properties and status as a popular antibacterial soap, can be beneficial for new tattoos in the short term.
However, it’s advisable to avoid products with alcohol or strong fragrance—common in many antibacterial products—especially during the first month after getting a tattoo.
The active ingredient in Dial Gold might expedite healing initially, but extended use can potentially ruin the tattoo by causing dryness or irritation. Therefore, while Dial Gold can be a part of the early aftercare process, it’s crucial to switch to milder soaps as the tattoo heals.
Ultimately, the best approach is a balanced one, using products that clean without a harsh scrubbing effect to maintain the integrity and vibrancy of your tattoo.