Can you put vitamin e on a tattoo

Q: Can I use vitamin E cream on my tattoo?

Why cant I use vitamin E on my tattoos? Vitamin E is meant to remove impurities in the skin, to your body the ink is an impurity. The vitamin E can actually remove the ink from your skin causing spots and damage. Many added vitamins can do damage to your new tattoo, so be careful and listen to your artist.

If you've ever gotten a tattoo before, you know that the process extends far after your artist of choice has finished up his last bit of your new, gorgeous artwork. Next, comes the hard part: getting your tattoo to heal. These five natural treatments that heal tattoos will get you healthy, gorgeous ink that doesn't give away any of the color of quality of your fab new body art. From simple remedies to homemade recipes, there are natural ways to heal your tattoo that don't involved harsh chemicals or thick, heavily scented body butters.

Table of Contents Show

1. Vitamin E Oil
2. Tea Tree Oil
3. Make Your Own Ointment
4. Try A Natural Salve
5. Grapeseed Oil
Can I use vitamin E cream on my tattoo?
What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?
What ointment can I put on my tattoo?
What should you not put on a tattoo?

Speak to most tattoo artists and they'll emphasize the importance of aftercare when it comes to tattoos. From the ins and outs of how to properly clean your new ink to the products that artists recommend, there's quite a bit that goes into figuring out the best method of caring for your new body art. For those who are already on the natural train, sticking to it when caring for your ink may be your best bet.

While making sure you're not messing with the skin peeling around your tattoo, not submerging it in water, and letting it air out are all super important parts of healing your new ink, the products you place on the ink is equally as important. From simple singular ingredients to homemade remedies, these five natural treatments that heal tattoos are here for you.

1. Vitamin E Oil

Cococare 100% Vitamin E Oil, $8, Amazon

Vitamin E oil allows your skin to breathe despite its moisturizing components. This natural oil allows your tattoo to both heal and breathe.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Now Foods Tea Tree Oil, $11, Amazon

Like Vitamin E oil, Tea Tree oil helps moisturize and heal a tattoo without soaking it in moisture and letting it breath. With no color or preservatives, this remedy will heal your tattoo naturally.

3. Make Your Own Ointment

If you're wanting to go fully natural, you can always make your own ointment. A combination of beeswax, coconut oil, mango butter, and sesame oil should do the trick.

4. Try A Natural Salve

Badger Baby Balm Chamomile & Calendula, $8, Amazon

Calendula is a recommended healing agent for tattoos, and thanks to the increase in popularity of all-natural products, finding a totally natural salve on the market is totally possible.

5. Grapeseed Oil

Now Foods Grape Seed Oil, $8, Amazon

Plant based oils are where it's at when it comes to natural treatments for tattoos, and grapeseed oil is a great choice. Moisturizing, good for sensitive skin, and breathable, it's everything you need.

Images: Thais Ramos Varela/Stocksy, Vera Lair/Stocksy; Courtesy of brands (4)

After getting any tattoo, whether it is a small one or a larger design, proper tattoo aftercare can ensure that your tattoo remains bright and the tattoo area heals quickly. While a tattoo is a very minimally invasive procedure, your investment of time and money will be well rewarded by paying attention to the aftercare requirements of your new artwork. Everyone heals differently, but depending on the size of your tattoo you should expect anywhere from a few days to two or three weeks for total recovery.

First, take it easy for a day or two afterward. Let your body begin the healing process on its own. Keep the tattoo area clean and stay out of the sun. Avoid swimming, especially in chlorinated water. Keeping the tattoo dry and clean will help the colors ‘set’ and remain bright for years to come. If you have any discomfort during the first 24-48 hours, contact the tattoo shop and artist immediately! Remember to gently wash the area with an anti-bacterial soap and cleanse only with clear, cool water.

For the first day or two use a light oil to keep your skin hydrated. Aquaphor, Vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, hemp oil, or other light oils that are rich in fatty acids while allowing skin to breathe are best. Check the ingredient list to ensure that no colors, fragrances, or preservatives have been added as these will likely irritate your skin in the area of the tattoo. Take care to apply the oil very sparingly over the tattoo. If you can see a shiny area, you have applied too much oil. Dab the extra off with a soft towel or tissue. After the first few days start using a fragrance-free lotion for the remaining time to heal. After the tattoo area has healed, you can be more generous with the lotion and or oil.

Do not pick at your tattoo. If you have a tendency to do this, protect the artwork with an oversized gauze bandage that does not touch your skin. Tape the edges of the gauze pad well away from edges of the tattoo to allow air to reach the ink and speed healing. Within a few days, your artwork will be bright and beautiful.

Tattoo AfterCare: Treat Your Ink Right was last modified: December 1st, 2017 by Gregory Malnar

Can I use vitamin E cream on my tattoo?

Why can't I use vitamin E on my tattoos? Vitamin E is meant to remove impurities in the skin, to your body the ink is an impurity. The vitamin E can actually remove the ink from your skin causing spots and damage. Many added vitamins can do damage to your new tattoo, so be careful and listen to your artist.

What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?

Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.

What ointment can I put on my tattoo?

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.

What should you not put on a tattoo?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.