7 Benefits Of Aloe On Tattoos (And Potential Side Effects)

Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in skin care products because of its natural moisturizing and soothing properties. People have been using aloe vera for centuries to help with skin conditions and alleviate acne. It’s also a common ingredient in sunburn lotions because it can reduce pain and inflammation.

If you have any piece of art on your skin, you might be wondering if it’s safe to use aloe on tattoos. Will it affect the way it looks? Is it a good idea to use aloe vera lotion on your tattoo?

In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can use aloe on tattoos, including for aftercare and maintaining your tattoo’s quality over time.

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7 Reasons Why Aloe Vera is a Must-Have for Your Skincare Routine

Many of us are aware of the wide range of benefits that aloe vera can bring to our skin, including tattoos. Here are just a few of the general benefits of using aloe on tattoos:

#1 Moisturizing the skin

Aloe vera is known for its humectant properties which help to pull moisture from the air or deeper layers of skin. It also has compounds that help lock in that moisture, which can be especially helpful for keeping tattoos hydrated and looking fresh.

#2 Reducing signs of aging

Aloe vera contains vitamins C and E, which can help fight free radicals that can damage skin cells. This can help to reduce signs of aging that often occur from skin damage.

Using a vitamin-rich aloe vera lotion on your tattoo can slow down signs of aging and help your tattoo maintain its quality.

Read our article on aged tattoos for more details about this hot topic.

#3 Speeding up the healing process

Research shows that aloe vera can speed up wound healing by stimulating skin cell regeneration, according to studies like “Topical Application of Aloe Vera Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in Balb/c Mice” by Dalimi et al. in the International Journal of Medical Sciences.

This makes aloe vera a great choice for tattoo aftercare as it can help tattoos to heal quickly and efficiently.

#4 Soothing skin conditions, including tattoos

Aloe vera is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can make it an effective treatment for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and even tattoos. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that can help soothe and reduce the effects of various skin conditions.

#5 Helping with sunburn on tattoos

The Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research published a review article titled “Aloe Vera for Sunburn and Other Skin Conditions,” which highlights the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of aloe vera.

These benefits make aloe vera an effective treatment for relieving pain and discomfort associated with sunburn, as well as promoting collagen synthesis in the skin, which can be helpful in healing tattoos affected by sunburn.

#6 Reducing stretch marks and dark spots, even on tattoos

Aloe vera contains two compounds, aloesin and aloin, which have been shown to effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks and dark spots on the skin. Aloesin, in particular, is known for its ability to treat hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays and acne, which can be especially helpful for tattoos.

#7 Managing and preventing acne on tattoos

According to a systematic review of clinical studies, aloe vera contains compounds like phenols, urea nitrogen, and salicylic acid that can help prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin.

This can help reduce the formation of acne on tattoos by keeping the skin clean and clear. The review also found evidence supporting the effectiveness of aloe vera for treating various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

So, Can You Put Aloe On a New Tattoo?

If you’re wondering whether using aloe on tattoos is a good idea, the answer is yes – but you need to be careful. While lotions and creams containing aloe vera can be beneficial during the tattoo aftercare process, applying pure aloe vera directly on the tattoo is not recommended.

When caring for a new tattoo, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between keeping the area neither too dry nor too moist.

Although keeping the tattoo dry is not recommended, over-moisturizing can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. Once your tattoo has fully healed and your skin has adjusted, it’s safe to use aloe vera lotions and creams on the tattooed area as well as the rest of your skin, reaping the benefits of aloe on tattoos.

For a research-based aftercare routine, see our tattoo aftercare instructions guide.

Aloe On Tattoos: Potential Side Effects

Aloe vera is often used for skincare as it is considered to be a safe and beneficial ingredient. However, some people may experience side effects or allergic reactions when using it.

Here are a few possible side effects of using aloe vera for skincare:

Skin irritation: Aloe vera can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, which may cause symptoms like redness, itching, burning, or stinging.
Photosensitivity: The compounds in aloe vera can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Using aloe vera on the skin and then exposing it to the sun can increase the risk of sunburn or other skin damage.
Interference with medications: Some of the compounds in aloe vera can interact with certain medications, including those for diabetes, blood thinners, and diuretics. Therefore, it’s important to speak with your doctor before using aloe vera on your skin if you are taking any medications.
Contamination: If aloe vera products are not properly processed or stored, they may become contaminated with harmful bacteria or other microorganisms.

As with any skincare product, it’s important to test a small area of skin before using aloe vera to check for any adverse reactions.

If you experience any discomfort or irritation, stop using it immediately and speak with your healthcare provider.

Summary

Aloe vera is a safe and beneficial ingredient for the skin, but it’s important to note that there may be side effects for some people. With that said, aloe vera-based lotions and creams are great for the skin and offer numerous benefits, including preventing free radical formation, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth, reducing signs of aging, and moisturizing the skin.

If you have a new tattoo, using an aloe vera-based ointment can help soothe irritation, prevent infection, and speed up healing. However, it’s crucial to avoid using pure aloe vera directly on the new tattoo. Instead, opt for lotions or creams specifically designed for tattoo aftercare.

If you’re unsure which product to use, consult with your tattoo artist for professional advice. They can recommend the best aftercare products for your specific tattoo and skin type.

FAQ

Can I put aloe after sun lotion on my tattoo?

If your tattoo has fully healed, you can use aloe vera after sun lotion to soothe and moisturize your skin. However, make sure to test a small area first to avoid any potential skin irritation or allergic reactions. For a new tattoo, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist or dermatologist. They may recommend using a specialized tattoo aftercare product for a certain period of time to help the skin heal properly.

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