Almost all of us know how advantageous oils can be for human skin. But is it possible to use olive oils on new tattoos? If so, can they be perceived as an effective alternative?
Yes, you may use olive oil on new tattoos. Extracted from olives and a Mediterranean diet, olive oils have been an integral part of history since time immemorial. They are used as a moisturiser and can alleviate the impact of wrinkles.
Which Olive Oil is Considered Best for Tattoo Aftercare?
The experts working for the best tattoo parlour in the Gold Coast said olive oil could be classified into five types:
- Extra virgin oil is perhaps the highest quality olive oil available. It is produced from olive without any chemicals, heat, or processing.
- Virgin olive oil is produced from olive, too, through physical or mechanical means.
- Refined olive oil is processed chemically. It is usually odourless, tasteless, and colourless.
- Pomace oil is the lowest quality of olive oil and is an outcome of refining pomace of olive through solvents.
Extra virgin olive oil is considered the best for usual skin care. However, pomace and refined oil are not suggested since they lack natural properties. When looking out for olive oil, please check how it is manufactured because the lower grades may not be suitable as they are not absorbed easily and can cause skin irritations.
- Not absorbed by the skin- Olive oil is generally processed with petroleum-based solvents. Because of the petroleum base, these oils are immensely thick to be absorbed by the skin. They may cause the tattoo to look withered as they are denied oxygen.
Also, your tattoo becomes sticky, forcing dirt and bacteria to thrive. Your tattoo does not heal and very often loses its colour.
- Causes skin irritations- Although not quite common, processed olive oils adversely impact the skin. These irritations range from allergies to dermatitis and eczema. For example, your skin may react to the oils and develop acne.
Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Tattoo Aftercare
- Heal Wounds – Olive oil is very effective in healing wounds and cuts on the skin. The oil is very light as well as antiseptic in nature. The use of olive oil helps in healing the deep wounds around the tattoo. The best thing is that there is no side effect; at the same time, it also helps fight against all types of irritations.
- Rich in Antioxidant Content – Olive oil is very effective in preventing oxidation of the skin cells, where in most cases, skin gets damaged because of the powerful UV rays of the sun. Olive oil works great in healing sunburns and rashes on the skin around the tattoos.
- Moisturises the Skin – Olive oil is also effective in moisturizing the skin and has got skin-healing properties. Applying the oil on the skin for aftercare services makes the skin glow and offers a soft texture.
Olive oil has many other benefits, but these are the most effective ones.
Other Options
The experts from reputed Gold Coast tattoo shops said that while extra virgin oil is fine for tattoos, you may also try a few other options.
Coconut oil acts as a natural disinfectant, wading off harmful germs. It triggers cells to wounds, including tattooing, thereby speeding the recovery process.
Lavender oil acts as a pain reliever and soothing agent. Tattooing usually comes with intense or mild pain, which is why lavender oil is a nice option. Lavender oil also protects tattoos from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Myrrh has multiple antiseptic properties. This ensures that your tattoo stays healthy, clean, and fresh for a long time.
Bottom Line
Caring for tattoos is essential. Extra virgin oil or pure virgin oil enables the tattoo to stay vibrant and fresh. But do invest in any of it only after talking to your artist. The oil comes with manifold benefits and is useful to combat infections.
The smooth texture of the skin is very important for aftercare. Make sure to have a word with the artists to ensure that usage remains safe. Also, share your thoughts and practices you followed to take the best care of your tattoo below in the comment section.