When choosing tattoo balm, you should look for a product that can be used to prepare the skin prior to receiving a tattoo, help heal the skin after the tattoo, and that can also help revitalize and refresh old tattoos. The best tattoo balm should moisturize and protect the skin from water exposure, sun damage, and potential infection. Ingredients such as lavender, rose, and tea tree oil may help to relieve irritation, speed healing and prevent infection. Tattoo balm is also available as a serum that can be sprayed onto the skin.
If you use the tattoo balm to prepare your skin before getting a tattoo, you may find that the tattoo heals more easily and that you get a better end result. The best balm will also help the skin to heal after the tattoo and can also be used once healing is complete. These balms may also be used to brighten old tattoos, making them look newer by nourishing the skin and brightening the colors in the ink.
A good tattoo balm should provide intensive moisturization. Products that contain ingredients like mango seed butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil all moisturize and condition the skin to leave it feeling softer. Tattoo balm may also include moisturizing ingredients that encourage the production of collagen to leave the skin feeling firmer.
Water exposure should be avoided if you have recently had a tattoo, and some of the best tattoo balms may help keep water from getting onto the skin if you apply the balm before taking a bath or shower. Beeswax is used in a number of these balms, and may be a more natural and safer alternative than petroleum-based products.
Tattoo balm should include some form of sun protection. Look for a product that helps protect the skin from potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If the balm you choose does not contain a sunscreen, you should always apply one, in addition to the balm, before exposing the tattoo to the sun.
Infection can ruin a new tattoo, and this is why it's important to choose a tattoo balm that will help to prevent infection. Balms that contain essential oils such as tea tree and lavender may help to protect against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections while the skin heals. Rose oil is believed to be antibacterial and to have antiseptic qualities. These oils may also soothe skin and help to relieve discomfort while the skin is healing.
Balms also come in the form of oil-based serums. These are generally sold in spray bottles, which may be a more convenient application method on areas that are hard to reach, such as the back. A spray may also be easier to use on larger tattoos.