Tattoos are more than just ink on the skin; they’re statements, symbols of passion, and works of art etched into your very being. But how do you ensure your tattoo heals flawlessly and retains its brilliance over time?
Here comes vitamin E – while some say it benefits tattoo healing and moisturizing, others consider it does more harm than good. But what’s the truth? Is vitamin E good for tattoo? If not, why is vitamin E bad for tattoo?
Buckle up as we unlock Vitamin E’s mystery and its role in tattoo care.
Why Is Vitamin E Bad For Tattoos?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is widely used in skincare products due to its moisturizing, protective, and reparative benefits for the skin.
However, it may not suit everyone, especially those with sensitive skin or tattoos. Here are 4 reasons why vitamin E is bad for tattoos.
Allergic Reactions
Vitamin E can cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis on tattooed skin.
Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation caused by contact with a substance that triggers an immune response. When applied to a tattoo, vitamin E can cause two skin reactions.
Applying vitamin E to a new or fresh tattoo with an open wound can lead to irritant contact dermatitis and slow healing.
Applying vitamin E to an old or healed tattoo with a sensitized immune system can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in inflammation and itching.
Some rare but possible symptoms of allergic reaction to vitamin E may include-
- Itching
- Redness or irritation
- Rash or bumps
- Skin flaking
- Swelling or fluid buildup around tattoo ink
- Scaly skin around the tattoo
- Skin tags or nodules
- Hard, bumpy tissue
- Pus or drainage oozing from the tattoo.
So, many experts recommend avoiding vitamin E on tattoos and using safe and effective products for tattoo care.
Hunderance In The Healing Process
Vitamin E may impact wound healing by impeding the production of collagen and fibroblast proliferation. Fibroblasts are specialized cells that produce extracellular matrix components, including collagen.
Vitamin E can hinder the enzymes responsible for collagen production and cross-linking, such as prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase. It can also reduce the expression of growth factors like transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) that encourage fibroblast proliferation.
However, other studies have shown that vitamin E can help reduce inflammation.
The available evidence regarding the effects of vitamin E on wound healing is inconclusive. Further research is necessary to determine both its potential benefits and risks.
Color And Quality Degradation
When ink pigment comes in contact with Vitamin E, it can cause undesirable effects, such as discoloration, fading, or oxidation. Oxidation is a process characterized by the loss of electrons from the pigment. This reaction can alter the color and structure of the ink pigment, causing it to lose its vibrancy and appear dull.
Using vitamin E oil frequently on a tattoo might speed up fading. Vitamin E generates new skin and may peel away the inked skin.
However, research on the effect of vitamin E oil on tattoo ink color is inconclusive and requires further study.
Is It OK to Put Vitamin E Oil On A New Tattoo?
No, using vitamin E on a new tattoo may not be a good idea. Vitamin E oil may hinder the healing process and increase scar formation. Besides, vitamin E oil may also cause allergic reactions and irritation on tattooed skin, leading to serious complications and damage.
So, avoid using vitamin E oil on new tattoos and use products recommended for tattoo care, such as mild soap, fragrance-free lotion, or petroleum jelly.
Can You Put Vitamin E Oil On Healed Tattoo?
You may put vitamin E oil on your healed tattoo; however, you may need to be cautious while putting it. Vitamin E oil may cause irritation or allergy and clog pores, causing acne. So, consulting a dermatologist or tattoo artist is crucial before using vitamin E.
However, other studies suggest that Vitamin E oil can help moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It may also bring out the color of tattoos.
But nothing is conclusive. So, make your tattoo care routine cautiously.
Does Vitamin E Oil Fade Tattoos?
No conclusive evidence supports the idea that vitamin E oil can fade tattoos. Some claim that continuous use of vitamin E oil may cause the tattoo to fade faster as new cells form and peel away the inked skin. However, using vitamin E oil may help maintain color consistency and promote skin health, which may indirectly help preserve the ink color in tattoos.
The evidence regarding vitamin E oil’s effects on tattoo ink color is mixed, and further research is required to establish its effects.
Which Oil Is Best For Tattoo?
Finding the best oil for tattoos can be a bit tricky as different oils can have varying effects and benefits on different skin types and tattoos. However, some of the most popular and recommended oils for tattoos include-
- Tea tree oil
- Jojoba oil
- Almond oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Olive oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Lavender essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Coconut oil.
What Should You Never Put On A Tattoo?
Here are some of the things you should never put on a tattoo-
- Petroleum-based products such as A+D Ointment, Bepanthen, Aquaphor, Vaseline, Bacitracin, and Neosporin
- Scented soap
- Medicated ointments
- Abrasive items such as loofahs, sponges, and washcloths
- Sunscream
Tattoo Aftercare Instruction: Tips And Tricks
Tattoo aftercare ensures proper healing and maintains the tattoo’s quality. Here are some general instructions for tattoo aftercare.
- Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours to 24 hours after getting the tattoo.
- After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid abrasive items such as loofahs, sponges, and washcloths, as they may remove any scabs that may have formed.
- Apply a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment recommended by your tattoo artist.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can rub against the tattoo and cause irritation.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading and damage to the tattoo.
- Avoid touching, picking, scratching, and rubbing the tattoo, which can slow healing and cause scarring or discoloration.
- Avoid shaving the tattooed area, which can cause irritation and damage to the tattoo.
- Avoid over-moisturizing the tattoo, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts on the skin.
- Avoid excess drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, which can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
FAQ
Is aloe and vitamin E good for tattoos?
Aloe and vitamin E have benefits for tattoos, but using them on fresh tattoos is not recommended as they can interfere with the healing process, cause allergic reactions, and affect the ink pigment.
Why Is Vitamin E Bad For Tattoos Aftercare?
Vitamin E is not recommended for tattoo aftercare as it may interfere with the healing process and alter the appearance of the tattoo. Vitamin E can inhibit collagen synthesis, impair wound healing, increase scar formation, cause allergic reactions, and even affect the ink pigment.
Conclusion
If you want a tattoo, it’s wise to know why is vitamin E bad for tattoo. Vitamin E oil can impede healing, increase scarring, and cause allergic reactions on tattooed skin.
So, always consult a dermatologist or tattoo artist for tattoo aftercare.
For more on vitamins, visit our blogs.
I am a health and wellness enthusiast working in a Pittsburgh-based wellness clinic. My primary role as a consultant is to tailor a balanced lifestyle for my patients, where positive steps and potent supplements play a synergistic role.
