Coconut oil may be new to this mainstream skincare market, especially when it comes to tattoo care but it has been mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic medicine in India. Coconut oil treats wounds and skin burns and works as a moisturizer. The application of coconut oil on tattoos has huge benefits.
Whether the tattoo is new or old, aftercare is vital to keep the skin healthy and aesthetically pleasing. Coconut oil helps moisturize and protect the skin after either procedure. It contains many inherent healing and antimicrobial properties.
11 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Nourished Tattoos
High levels of Lauric acid (1) is found in coconut oil, making it an effective protector against bacterial growth and ensuring that new tattoos are not affected. It also helps to reduce inflammation. Additionally, coconut oil is rich in collagen, an essential ingredient for healing and rejuvenating skin.
Coconut oil is not just a well-known cooking ingredient often used in preparing meals, smoothies, and fat bombs but is also used in skin and hair-care products. Coconut oil is also good for the following:
- Good (HDL) cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar control
- Stress reduction
- Shiny, silky hair
- And, of course, healthy skin
Wondering whether or not coconut oil is good for new tattoos. Here are the reasons why coconut oil makes the perfect tattoo aftercare product.
1. Highly moisturizing to the skin
Fatty acids found in coconut oil help retain the skin’s natural moisture, meaning the new tattoos won’t dry out. Studies have shown that applying coconut oil as a moisturizer to dry skin is highly effective and safe. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and assists new tattoos to heal correctly.
2. Protect against infection
It is imperative to protect the new tattoo from infection. Coconut oil has capric, caprylic, and lauric fatty acids, which work like natural disinfectants and protect tattoos from microbial and fungal infections. They help fight off lipid-coated viruses.
3. Fight with radicals
Skin cells and bodies need oxygen to survive, but oxygen also oxidizes the skin, creating free radicals (2). Free radicals mainly speed up the aging process and harm the production of healthy cells, which is necessary during the tattoo healing process.
Coconut oil has ultra-hydrating vitamin E, which makes skin healthy and smooth, preventing dryness and cracking. It is a protective barrier and helps block free radicals from forming on the skin while providing a beautiful appearance.
4. Anti-Inflammatory
Proteins help the skin to heal after tattooing. Proteins repair damaged cells at an average, healthy rate throughout healing. Coconut oil also contains highly potent anti-inflammatory properties, which increase the antioxidants in the skin and reduce oxidative stress (3) from the skin.
5. Wound Healing Properties
Coconut oil is rich in collagen (4), a superb choice for healing wounds. Collagen works by assisting helpful cells to the site of the wound, which boosts tissue growth and helps the skin to heal faster. It can be an excellent component to reduce swelling and pain for aftercare of tattoos.
6. Hypoallergenic
Some tattoo aftercare products might be wrong if you have specific allergies or are sensitive to particular ingredients. Coconut oil is a natural alternative for sensitive skin and allergies, as it will not cause irritation or adverse reactions.
7. Easy to Find
Traveling to a tattoo shop or waiting to order a product online to replenish tattoo aftercare products is too tiring. Coconut oil is readily available in most supermarkets and health food stores, making it a convenient alternative to other topical ointments and creams.
8. Gives Best Color Results
Tattoo artists use machine methods, such as a gun or electric needle, and the correct type of machine they use is essential to preserve the clarity of the colors of tattoos for as long as possible. Some machines can heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), which is too hot for keeping a color bright as it fades with time. It’s best to use coconut oil for this type of tattoo.
9. Ensures Aftercare of Sensitive Skin
Tattooing needles can sometimes break or scratch the skin, especially if the epidermal tissue layers are thin. Although this isn’t a common occurrence, it does happen from time to time. Exposure to natural sunlight (like working outdoors) will often damage tattoos. Some people are more susceptible to sunburns than others due to the melanin in their skin. In such cases application of coconut oil can help tremendously.
10. Provides Protection Against Sunlight
Because bodies trap inactive cells, the waste products and toxins are stored in so-called “storage compartments” (lymph glands), which react differently to ultraviolet light depending on which cells are most active at any given time. Some people with darker skin have this problem more often than others, but everyone can benefit from using coconut oil for tattoos because it protects against sunlight.
11. Cost-saving
Unlike expensive designer moisturizers, coconut oil is relatively affordable for most people and can be bought from anywhere. For people with numerous tattoos who need regular care, a bottle of coconut oil can last for months and be way more budget-friendly.
How To Use Coconut Oil On Tattoo
Coconut oil is generally safe but can be allergic to some people, so sensitivity is possible. Before applying on a widespread area such as your tattoo, do a patch test first. This can help ensure the skin doesn’t react to the oil before using it on an inked part.
To Conduct A Patch Test
- Apply a little coconut oil to the inside of the back of the ear.
- Cover this area with a bandage and check after a few minutes.
- If inflammation or irritation doesn’t occur, apply coconut oil to the tattoo.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is an affordable skincare product. Tattoos are permanent, and the care you give them should also be permanent. Since coconut oil is cost-effective and easy to find, it can be used often. Moreover, coconut oil is generally safe, but a skin patch test is the only way to know. Irrespective of its effectiveness and safety, consultation with a tattoo artist or dermatologist before use is recommended.
References
- Coconut oil and palm oil’s role in nutrition, health and national development: A review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5044790/
- Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2577631/
- Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/
- Anti-Aging Effects of a Serum Based on Coconut Oil Combined with Deer Antler Stem Cell Extract on a Mouse Model of Skin Aging – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8870445/
