Coconut oil is a safe, effective product for your tattoo aftercare. If you recently got a brand new tattoo, then coconut oil is the perfect way to keep it clean and moisturized to heal quickly. Plus, you can also use coconut oil on older tattoos to ensure that your skin stays hydrated, and your tattoo appears as vibrant as it was on the day you got inked.

Not only does coconut oil provide much needed moisture to your tattooed skin, but it can also offer some anti-bacterial properties. If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, then you know how much you need to care for it during its healing so that you don’t get an overlying infection. Coconut oil contains caprylic and lauric fatty acids that act as a natural disinfectant. While your tattoo is healing, the very last thing you want is an infection. Apply coconut oil daily to your freshly cleaned tattoo and you can help prevent bacteria from infiltrating your freshly tattooed skin.

Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to its ability to fight off infections. This luscious oil is chocked full of proteins that help your skin rejuvenate and heal quickly. The proteins found in coconut oil act as building blocks for your skin cells and allow them to rejuvenate quicker, which translates to faster healing time. Plus, coconut oil is full of antioxidants that can lead to decreased inflammation and also protect your brand new tattoo against infection. The antioxidants found in coconut oil can block free radical formation on your skin, which leads to decreased inflammation, decreased infection risk, and improved skin healing.

The best thing about coconut oil is that it is super easy to find. If your tattoo artist wants you to buy special aftercare cream that can only be bought in one store in your area, then maybe go to your local grocery store and buy coconut oil instead. Coconut oil can be found at virtually any grocery store, and it can be bought in a variety of sizes. It is far easier to find than particular tattoo aftercare products, and often is cheaper. Look for coconut oil at your local grocery store, or head to an online retailer to find the right size and right amount of oil for your tattooing needs.

Using Coconut Oil on New Tattoos & Older Tattoos

If you have sensitive skin and are worried that tattoo aftercare soaps and washes will make you break out, then coconut oil may be an excellent option for you. Coconut oil is entirely hypoallergenic and often works well for people with even the most sensitive skin. It is often used for patients with eczema and is a significant barrier cream and moisturizer. By applying a small amount of coconut oil per day, you shouldn’t see any adverse reactions or any skin irritation.

It is extremely rare for someone to be sensitive to coconut oil, but to be safe, you should perform a skin patch test before applying it to larger areas. Once you are sure your skin tolerates the oil, rub coconut oil into your new or existing tattoo regularly. Reapply at least four times per day. You can even apply it to your healing skin when going through a tattoo removal process.

Apply a small amount of the oil to your fingers, then massage into the affected skin, rubbing until the oil is fully absorbed. You should always apply this oil to clean skin. Applying it to wet skin, such as just after showering, helps it absorb more efficiently.

Tattooed skin needs lots of care and attention to heal properly and reveal the new beauty of your fresh ink. In addition to preventing infection, your skin needs to be moisturized. Even older tattoos look better when the skin surrounding it is well hydrated and moisturized. Coconut oil is a non-greasy moisturizer that absorbs easily into your skin, making it perfect for treating your tattoos and other parts of your skin, as well.

Other Coconut Oil Uses

In addition to using coconut oil to treat and heal your tattoo, you can also use it on chapped lips, bruises to tame frizzy hair, to add moisture to overly dry skin, dry nose to treat cracked feet, or to help with just about any problem related to dry skin, hair, or nails. Basically, if you have dryness, coconut oil can help.