Marine Collagen and Tattoos: Skincare for Fresh Ink

A bulletproof skincare routine for fresh tattoos

It's tragic to think of your newly tattooed skin scabbing over, losing its vibrancy, and even causing a skin infection, but it's reality. Tattooing is no walk in the park! Finding the best tattoo aftercare routine can be tricky. Your tattoo artist is likely to give you their top tips for protecting and healing your fresh ink. A dermatologist might tell you otherwise. So who should you trust? You may be surprised to know that it actually depends where you live! For our stateside readers, different states have different tattoo aftercare regulations. Thirty states require written or verbal instructions on aftercare - the others do not. No matter which state you live in, your tattoo care instructions are likely to follow these guidelines:

• Keep the tattooed area covered with vaseline/petroleum jelly and plastic wrap for 24 hours. This helps to hydrate soothe the freshly pierced skin and keep irritants and bacteria out.
• Gently wash the area with soap and water after 24 hours. You don't need to get in there and scrub, but be sure to wash the old petroleum jelly and allow warm water to clean the area. Wash the area and apply a thin layer of vaseline twice a day for the first week to speed up tattoo healing.
• Do not pick at scabs! Just like with any other wound, scabbing is normal and a natural part of the healing process.
• Avoid tight clothing. This will rub and irritate sensitive skin and can even cause sores in extreme cases. Enjoy having an excuse to stay in your sweats all day as you wait for your new tattoo to heal!

• Moisturizing is crucial, even after you think you're in the "clear". Even if your tattoo doesn't scab over, don't disregard the rules above. Rather than vaseline, try applying a paraben and fragrance-free moisturizer or body lotion to the affected area. Natural nourishing ingredients that are typically safe on sensitive skin include jojoba oil, glycerin, vitamin E, coconut oil, and shea butter. If you have a favorite skin cleanser or moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, you can also apply that to your tattoo to boost skin hydration.
•  Stay out of the sun! Sunscreen can protect your new ink from UVA and UVB rays which are a killer even on untattooed skin. Try looking for a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to prevent painful skin reactions and your tattoo ink from fading.

Should I take collagen to protect my tattoo?

In addition to the six skincare tips above, one way to heal your skin from the inside out is by restoring its natural collagen levels. Collagen is an extremely popular ingredient in skincare products and used as a protein source for pre and post workout nutrition. Its popularity in the skincare industry has everything to do with its prominence in the human body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its job is to keep all the connective tissue in the body healthy, flexible, and sturdy and that includes the skin. Our natural collagen levels decline with age which can cause wrinkled, dry skin. Not only does this collagen get "spent", but it can also be damaged by free radicals and tattoos themselves.

Tattoos are literally just injuries to the skin. Studies have found that tattoos, both from the initial penetration and the tattoo ink, can damage fibroblasts in the skin thus decreasing our body's ability to produce collagen. This makes tattoos inherently difficult to heal! One way to overcome this (and your fomo of showing off your tattoo) is with collagen supplements. Supplementation of highly bioavailable collagen powder has been shown to improve the skin's appearance and overall health. It's beneficial for all skin types and also has benefits, not just for your skin's health, but for your entire body from your gut, to your hair, and lean muscle. Marine collagen specifically contains both types I and III collagen which are found in high concentrations in the skin, hair, and nails. Not only that, but marine collagen has been hydrolyzed down to a smaller molecular weight to make it easier for your body to absorb and deploy throughout the body. AKA - more bang for your buck!

Moreover, using collagen powder is easy peasy. Choose an unflavored variety so you can add it to all your favorite drinks and recipes. Try a scoop in your morning coffee, tea, or even add it to yogurt or scrambled eggs. It is soluble in hot and cold liquids and contains zero carbs.

Whether you're still daydreaming of getting your next piece done or are looking for ways to boost the longevity and health of your tattoos don't stop with your typical aftercare products - try a collagen supplement to start healing on a cellular level.

Article References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/taking-care-of-your-tattoo#1
2. https://tattoogoo.com/7-rules-to-follow-after-getting-a-tattoo/
3. https://www.amandean.com/blogs/news/collagen-tattoo-skincare-why-you-need-to-take-collagen-after-you-get-inked
4. https://www.reviewthis.com/tattoo-care-skincare-routine/