It’s hard to know what products can and can’t be applied to your tattoo, especially when it comes to products like aloe vera where it’s commonly used medicinally. Like with any product, it’s always good to do research before you apply it.
The internet might give you mixed answers, but we’re here to set the story straight. In this article, we’re going to take a brief look at what aloe vera is, whether you can use aloe on a tattoo, and what you should consider before using it.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is available in a lot of products, like gels, drinks, and sprays. The plant’s history can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for skin care and medicinal purposes. It’s actually a type of succulent plant species, characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves that contain a gel-like substance. The plant’s gel contains numerous beneficial properties, particularly anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to help with skin health, wound healing, and pain relief.
Can You Use Aloe Vera on a Healing Tattoo?
Yes, you can use aloe vera on a healing tattoo, but it’s not an effective aftercare solution for a fresh tattoo. Aloe vera is good for soothing your skin, which can help ease inflammation and reduce flaking later in the healing process. However, it doesn’t moisturize well, as mentioned by this user on Reddit who states that “it dries almost instantly.”
For a fresh tattoo, you should get an unscented lotion for your tattoo instead. The exact amount you need depends on your skin type and the size of your tattoo, but you want to apply a light layer across the entire tattoo area. After a few weeks, you can then apply aloe vera gel when necessary to help with flaking skin.
Considerations of Using Aloe Vera on a Tattoo
If you’re planning to use aloe vera as part of your tattoo aftercare process, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you apply it.
- Let your tattoo heal for a little while first – In the 48 to 72 hours after getting your new tattoo, it’s an exposed wound that’s vulnerable to infection. At this stage, you should only be applying some light unscented soap and maybe a small bit of lotion or moisturizer, depending on what your tattoo artist recommends. In general, we would recommend waiting at least a week before using aloe vera.
- Do a patch test – Apply a small amount of aloe vera to another part of your body first. This is useful for testing an allergic reaction, also known as allergic contact dermatitis.
- Avoid additives and fragrances – Additives and fragrances can contain harmful chemicals that will irritate your skin and affect healing. Look for pure aloe vera gel to reduce your chances of being exposed to unwanted substances.
When implemented correctly as part of your tattoo aftercare routine, aloe vera is safe for tattoos and can fight inflammation and flaky skin. As with any product, your experience might vary based on your skin type. If you have any questions, your first point of contact should be your tattoo artist.
Conclusion
Can you use aloe vera gel for tattoos? Yes, but not on a fresh tattoo. Instead, give your tattoo a week or two to heal first. Additionally, it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a lotion or moisturizer. Rather, it should be used in conjunction with it in the later stages of healing.
