Food for Tattoos

Food for Skin

As the skin is the largest organ of your body, it requires many nutrients in order to look its very best. As with tattoos, for them to look their very best, it needs skin in optimal condition. At Speakeasy, I am (unwillingly)known as the Water Police. However, the title rings true, because you should be drinking lots of water for better skin, damnit!

There have always been a very noticeable difference in the healing process, clarity and vibrancy in the final outcome of tattoos depending on the client’s regular intake of H2O. Well-hydrated, healthy skin is able to take in ink more easily, along with lines being crisper and colors more vibrant. However, if you are the type of person that just doesn’t drink a lot of water or can’t be bothered to, here are a few foods that are helpful before, during, and after your tattoo process. These different foods are food for your skin, packed with vitamins essential for a healthy canvas.

Food for Before

Selenium- A mineral, selenium is an anti-inflammatory agent, and also keeps the skin clear of acne. It also increases the strength of your immune system, boosting the efficiency of white blood cells, keeping infections at bay. Selenium can be found in nuts, seafood, whole grains, onions, and garlic. Brazil nuts are especially high in selenium, where only two nuts contain enough selenium for the day. However, too much of the mineral is toxic, so watch your intake.

Vitamin A– Aids in skin cell turnover and healing of wounds. Vitamin A is also needed to produce collagen and retinol, which keep your skin plump and wrinkle-free. It also provides immune support and eye health, so why not? Vitamin A can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and yellow or orange vegetables such as butternut squash.

Vitamin C- Helping production of collagen, a protein needed to rebuild and repair skin, it also helps your skin retain moisture and has an important role in helping to prevent scar tissue from forming. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, guava, strawberries, and citrus fruits. They are also found in dark leafy greens, broccoli, and cilantro.

Food for During

You may be sitting for hours during your tattoo. As your body will be under lots of stress with limited movement, it’s better to keep your blood sugar stable so you don’t get nauseous, shaky, and weak. Eat food good for prepping your skin before your appointment, and also bring healthy snacks that will regulate your blood sugar, such as nuts and fruit, celery with peanut butter, yogurt, or energy bars.

Also, don’t forget your water bottle! Well hydrated skin takes in ink much more easily, which also make it easy for both you and your artist.

Food for After

Just like any other wound, tattoos need TLC. Nutrients that aid in healing are Vitamin C, Zinc, and Iron.

Vitamin C, as we already discussed, is important to all aspects of your skin.

Zinc- Zinc aids in wound-healing and also plays a major role in immune function, protein synthesis, and cell division. In skin, zinc helps to keep the swelling down, along with protecting you from infections and aiding in faster healing. Zinc can be found in meat, poultry, eggs, beans, seafood and milk.

Iron- Needed for the production of red blood cells, iron plays a very important role in maintaining good blood flow to the injured area, aiding in faster healing. Iron can be found in meat, poultry, eggs, dried fruits, orange juice and cereals.

Eating healthy only has positive effects on your body, and if you love getting tattoos, you probably want them to last as long as you do. So why not create as optimal a canvas possible? Thanks for reading!

-Jane