( I wrote this for the Modified Beauties Blog a while ago, and am sharing it here)
Many Tattoo shops recommend using normal / conventional over the counter items such as petroleum jelly, or lotions to care for a new tattoo. One is normally not really given options or information for a more chemical free, natural tattoo aftercare.
As more and more information comes out about the danger of many of the chemicals and ingredients in conventional lotions, creams and salves, (not to mention soaps, body washes and shampoos) it is even more important to care for our skin, and our ink in a gentler, natural way.
So,after many tattoos,and trying many different products and regimens to care for them with my ( very)sensitive skin.Here is what I have figured out. ( I have also researched)
A tattoo is essentially an abrasion... a scrape on the skin. The key is to keep the skin not only happy, but be careful that the ink stays where we want it.
1. For the first few days cleanse gently with a chemical free soap or cleanser. The often recommended DIAL has a huge amount of chemicals in it including Triclosan which not only is harmful to the environment and helps produce “super bacteria” has also been linked to higher rates of allergies in children.
Instead use something like Castille Soap, which comes in both bar and liquid forms. I personally like the Dr. Bronners all in one brand. You can get it plain, or with Lavender or tea tree oil added. I use the tea tree version, the lavender would be quite soothing as well. (Tea Tree oil is a natural antibiotic and anti fungal.)
2. Keep it moisturized, lightly. Don’t use thick ointments that are petroleum based or occlude ( clog) the pores. Old fashioned tattoo remedies are thick and do occlude the pores, in effect suffocating the wound while it’s healing. For immediate tattoo aftercare, look for a light, oil-based product that allows the skin to “breathe.” Hemp oil, olive oil, coconut oil, as well as almond oil are all good base oils for this. The addition of such botanicals as Tea Tree oil, Lavender, or Honey, only help add to the effectiveness of the moisturizer and the healing properties. ( You could indeed put pure honey on it, as it has wonderful healing properties...but that is a VERY messy proposition)
3. Avoid the "crusties." For the first day, your tattoo will seep a clear liquid . Try not to let this crust on your skin, but if it does, gently wash it off with warm water. ( Don't PICK)
4. After the tattoo is scabbed, THEN you begin moisturizing with a good unscented, dye-free lotion. Keeping the skin hydrated during the peeling process and long after will help with itchiness, flakiness, and preserving the richness of your tattoo color. Try to stay away from lotions that contain petroleum. Instead use a lotion that is rich in fatty acids for free- radical protection and non-greasy hydration. Lotions containing Shea butter, hemp oil, coconut Oil, Almond or walnut oil as well as olive oil will work well to keep your skin moisturized and help healing. I ADORE and totally recommend Warrior Bear Rub by Native Touch. Pure and natural Shea Butter with added essential oils and herbs. It has been,hands down, the best tattoo aftercare I have ever used.
5. Watch the ingredients. Lanolin, for example, which comes from sheep's wool, causes allergic reactions in a lot of people. Some tattoo aftercare products also contain beeswax or petrolatum, and mineral oils which can clog pores, or may contain contaminants. These ingredients are widely popular in over-the-counter creams and lotions because they are cheap and easy to manufacture. The lanolin ( if allergic/ sensitive) and mineral oil found in these lotions can cause excessive seeping, clogging, scabbing, scarring and color loss. Stay away from products that contain mineral oil, propylene glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates or parabens. It is also best to use lotion that is free of dyes and fragrance to keep any potential skin irritants to a minimum. Obviously if you have a known allergy to something like Lanolin, Shea butter, or vitamin E, it is best to avoid putting it anywhere on your skin.
6. Remember to always protect your tattoos from the sun ( the rest of your body also ,but especially your tattoos) sun can cause color fade as well as discoloration. No need to spend extra on "tattoo" sunscreen, as it identical to regular sunscreen.Just find your self a natural,gentle sunscreen that you like and slather it regularly.
You have made the investment in money, time, planning, pain and perhaps a little blood for a tattoo that speaks to you and who you are, don’t you think that the aftercare, deserves just as much care and attention?
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