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.
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.
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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