Amazing Benefits of Lavender Oil for Tattoo Aftercare and Healing
Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks its best. One natural remedy that offers several benefits of lavender oil for tattoo healing is lavender essential oil.
This versatile oil has been used for centuries for its soothing, calming, and healing properties.
In this article, we’ll explore how lavender oil can help with tattoo aftercare and healing, as well as how to use it safely and effectively. Whether you’re a tattoo artist looking to provide the best care for your clients or someone with a new tattoo wanting to optimize the healing process, read on to discover the amazing benefits of lavender oil.
What is Lavender Essential Oil?
Lavender essential oil is derived from the flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) through a process of steam distillation. The resulting oil is highly concentrated and contains the plant’s therapeutic properties in a potent form.
Lavender oil has a sweet, floral aroma that is soothing and calming to the senses.
It is pale yellow in color and has a thin consistency. Lavender is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy and natural skincare.
Chemical Composition of Lavender Oil
The main active compounds in lavender essential oil include:
- Linalool (25-50%)
- Linalyl acetate (25-46%)
- Cineole (1,8 cineole)
- Camphor
- Limonene
- Terpinen-4-ol
These compounds work synergistically to provide lavender oil’s therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation, promoting relaxation, and supporting skin healing.
Lavender Oil vs Other Varieties
There are several species of lavender, each with its own unique chemical composition and aroma profile. The two most common types used for essential oil production are:
- True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Considered the best for therapeutic use, with a sweet floral scent. This is the type typically used in skincare.
- Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Has a more camphoraceous aroma and higher cineole content. It is often used in massage oils for muscular aches and pains.
When purchasing lavender oil, look for products that specify Lavandula angustifolia as the botanical name to ensure you are getting a high-quality, true lavender oil suitable for skin application.
Benefits of Lavender Oil for Tattoos
Promotes Healing and Prevents Infection
One of the top benefits of using lavender oil for tattoos is its ability to promote healing and prevent infection. The oil has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help keep the tattooed area clean and free from harmful microbes that could cause infection.
A 2016 study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender oil has potent wound-healing activity. The researchers applied lavender oil to skin wounds in rats and found it significantly accelerated healing compared to control groups.
Lavender oil may help speed up tattoo healing by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating collagen production
- Promoting tissue regeneration
- Fighting bacterial infection
How to Use for Healing
To use lavender oil for tattoo healing, mix 1-2 drops of the pure essential oil with a teaspoon of a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Gently apply a thin layer of the diluted oil to the clean, dry tattooed skin 1-2 times per day.
Be sure to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions and don’t apply oil until the initial healing period is complete (usually 3-5 days).
Soothes Redness and Inflammation
Getting a tattoo triggers an inflammatory response in the skin as the body works to heal the “wound” created by the tattoo needles. This can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort in the first few days after getting inked.
Lavender oil has potent anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties that can help calm irritation and reduce redness. The oil contains linalool, a compound that has been shown to reduce skin inflammation by affecting cytokine production and decreasing oxidative stress.
A 2015 study found that applying lavender oil significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of skin edema (swelling). The researchers concluded that lavender has excellent anti-inflammatory activities when applied topically.
How to Use for Inflammation
To use lavender oil to soothe inflamed, red skin after a tattoo, mix 1-2 drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply a thin layer to affected skin as needed to calm irritation. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to a cool compress and apply to skin for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling.
Relieves Itching and Flaking
As tattoos heal, they often go through a period of itching and flaking as the top layer of skin sloughs off. This can be incredibly uncomfortable, and scratching can increase irritation and potentially damage the tattoo.
Lavender oil can help relieve itching and flaking by:
- Moisturizing and nourishing dry skin
- Reducing inflammation that contributes to itchiness
- Mildly numbing the skin to decrease itch perception
A 2012 study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines found that lavender oil significantly decreased itching and flaking in people with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition.
While eczema and tattoos are different, the oil’s skin-soothing and anti-itch effects may translate to tattoo healing as well.
How to Use for Itching
To relieve tattoo itching with lavender oil, mix 1-2 drops with a teaspoon of a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer like shea butter. Apply a thin layer to itchy, flaking skin as needed.
The lavender will help soothe irritation while the moisturizer hydrates dry skin and relieves itching.
Reduces Anxiety and Promotes Relaxation
Getting a tattoo can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for first-timers. The anticipation of pain, the sound of the tattoo machine, and sitting still for an extended period can all contribute to anxiety and restlessness.
Lavender oil is well-known for its calming and relaxing effects on the mind and body. Inhaling the aroma of lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace and well-being.
A 2019 review published in Phytomedicine analyzed 90 studies on the anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects of lavender essential oil. The researchers concluded that lavender has significant beneficial effects on anxiety and related conditions, without causing sedation.
How to Use for Relaxation
To use lavender oil for relaxation during the tattoo process, add 1-2 drops to a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale deeply as needed. You can also apply a drop to your wrists or temples for an immediate calming effect.
Some tattoo artists may also use a diffuser to disperse lavender oil in the air during the session. The scent can help create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere that puts clients at ease.
How to Use Lavender Oil Safely
While lavender oil is generally safe for most people, it’s important to use it properly to avoid potential side effects. Here are some tips for using lavender oil safely on tattoos:
- Always dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Using undiluted essential oils can cause irritation.
- Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using lavender oil more broadly to check for allergic reactions.
- Don’t apply lavender oil to broken skin, open wounds, or fresh tattoos. Wait until the tattoo has started healing before using oil.
- Discontinue use if you experience any redness, itching, or irritation after applying lavender oil.
- Don’t ingest lavender essential oil, as it can be toxic. Only use it topically or for inhalation.
By following these precautions, you can safely reap the many benefits of lavender oil for tattoo healing and overall skin health.
Other Uses for Lavender Oil
In addition to tattoo aftercare, lavender oil has a wide range of other uses for the skin, mind, and body. Some other ways to incorporate this versatile oil into your life include:
- Adding a few drops to bathwater for a relaxing, stress-relieving soak
- Mixing with a carrier oil for a calming, sleep-promoting massage
- Diffusing in an essential oil diffuser to create a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere at home
- Applying diluted oil to the temples and back of neck to ease headaches and tension
- Using as a natural perfume or adding to homemade skincare products for a lovely scent
With its many beneficial properties and pleasant aroma, lavender oil deserves a place in every natural health and beauty routine.
Conclusion
Lavender oil is a powerful natural remedy that offers significant benefits for tattoo aftercare and healing. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties can help speed healing, prevent infection, reduce redness and itching, and promote overall skin health.
As a tattoo artist or someone with a new tattoo, consider incorporating lavender oil into your aftercare routine for optimal results. Be sure to use the oil safely and dilute it properly to avoid irritation.
In addition to tattoos, lavender oil can be used in many other ways to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and support skin health. Try diffusing it at home, adding it to baths or massages, or using it in homemade skincare products.
With the right care and natural remedies like lavender oil, you can keep your tattoo looking vibrant and healthy for years to come.