Can I Use Olive Oil On My New Tattoo?
Can you use olive oil on a new tattoo? Well, you should probably know a little more about olive oil before you go to slathering it over a newly tattooed area. Here’s what to know about olive oil and using it on a new tattoo.
About Olive Oil
Olive oil is an essential organic product extricated and pressed from olives. It’s an oil that’s been around for centuries. Olive oil has productive results in Mediterranean and other diets. You can also find it in different moisturizers for anti-aging purposes.
Olive oil comes in different forms that include:
- Extra virgin olive oil – the best and highest grade of olive oil that comes from the olive fruit and goes through natural processes minus heat, chemicals and any other processing.
- Virgin olive oil – You can consider this form a regular virgin olive oil that comes from the olive fruit. Manufacturers make it mechanically and in any other physical way.
- Refined olive oil – The manufacturing and processing of refined olive oil goes through a chemical process that leaves the oil basically colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
- Olive pomace oil – This olive oil happens to be the lowest grade of any olive oil and comes from refining high heat technique the pomace(olive pulp)of the olive fruit with the use of solvents.
With olive oil being a food product, there is always a chance that it can be a source of bacteria, which is chancy when using it on a new tattoo. Regulations over olive oil’s production over the years has been limited and using it directly on a tattoo could be questionable.
The manufacturing process makes the purity of olive oil less than perfect. Using water, solvents and other additives mixed in with inexpensive olive oil along with flavors and fragrance enhancement enables bacteria to grow in olive oil. Any processed olive oil could present susceptibility to bacteria and the risk of infection. With that in mind, think about speaking with experts at Philadelphia tattoo shops and ask them what they use to treat new tattoos.
Can You Put Olive Oil On A Tattoo?
Olive oil appears to be a good thing to put on a tattoo, but that’s only if the tattoo is older and the area is clear of any brokenness. Since you consider olive oil a lipid (organic compounds that
include fats and oils), it’s good for use on unbroken skin and olive oil falls in that category. You don’t want to use olive oil on skin that is broken, meaning an area where a new tattoo is.
What To Know About Olive Oil On Tattoos
Using a lipid on skin that isn’t broken sets up the area for protecting the skin and keeps it free of dirt and impurities. It also helps the skin retain moisture and promote scar and wound healing. Maybe this appears to be a good thing to use on a new tattoo, but you want the area of the tattoo to close and the layers of the skin to heal themselves. A lipid, or olive oil, may help in closing the wound, but it will draw the ink out of the tattoo at the same time.
Just remember that olive oil is not easily absorbed by the skin and it can cause reactions, particularly with lower grade brands of olive oil. If you decide to use it on a tattoo area, only use it towards the end of the healing process, not in the beginning.
Many times olive oil that goes through a manufacturing process contains solvents that have a petroleum base. This petroleum base produces oils that are too thick for the skin to absorb, which results in a new tattoo being deprived of oxygen. Also, when you do use it, choose extra-virgin olive oil or virgin olive oil. Both can be costly but that because they are of higher grade and offer skin benefits. Before you buy it, check its manufacturing process.
A new tattoo also becomes sticky where both bacteria and dirt flourish. The end result is a tattoo that won’t heal well and loses its color too soon.
Again, If I’m looking for local tattoo shops near me, I definitely want to know what professional tattoo artists there recommend to use on a new tattoo to protect the area, preserve the ink and provide comfort.
What Are Other Options Instead Of Olive Oil?
You’ll want to consider other options during the healing process. This includes coconut oil, lavender oil and myrrh oil.
Coconut oil has both skin safeguards and wound-healing features that protect a tattoo from infection. The oil contains capric and lauric acids that act as a disinfectant that protect against harmful bacteria. Coconut oil is also collagen rich, which helps during the healing and recovery process. The oil rejuvenates the skin and restores glow to the area.
Lavender is a soothing oil that helps to relieve pain. Many times a new tattoo can cause mild to more extreme pain and lavender oil can help to relieve it. Lavender oil also is good at increasing the healing of a new tattoo. It also has sun protective factors that help protect a new tattoo from the sun, sunburn and fading.
Myrrh Oil is an antiseptic essential oil that ensures that your tattoo area stays not only healthy but clean and fresh. It also reduces inflammation and frees the area from infection.
Other essential oils that protect and soothe a new tattoo include helichrysum, grape seed, lemon, and frankincense.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tattoo establishment that will provide you with the right aftercare, either with a new tattoo or want a refresh on an old tattoo, consider Oracle Tattoo Gallery in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. We’ve been in the area since 2020 and have highly trained and experienced tattoo artists who offer a variety of tattoo looks and styles. Call us at 215-638-1601. We’ll be glad to be of service to you and help you find the right tattoo that meets your needs.
