Commonly used in makeup, creams, and lotions, shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care. Similar to aloe vera, shea butter has healing and moisturizing properties, which make it incredibly popular to use in skin care products and routines.
Of course, because of its healing properties, some people may want to use a shea butter-based lotion or cream as a part of their tattoo aftercare process.
However, since your skin and tattoo are so delicate at the beginning, it’s important to know all about a product before you use it in your aftercare.
Benefits of Shea Butter on Skin in General
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Shea butter is thought to have many anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that it can be used to help manage certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. It can also be used to help minor skin irritation.
- Sun protection
Though it is not strong enough to be used as sunscreen by itself, shea butter is thought to provide some mild natural UV protection. It can also be used to soothe sunburns in the aftermath and help rejuvenate the skin.
- Moisturizing properties
Shea butter is known to both hydrate and soften skin. As an emollient, it contains many different types of fatty acids that help the skin’s natural protection barrier, which can help protect the skin from external contaminants.
- Heals scars
Because of the high levels of fatty acids in shea butter, using it can help soften scar tissue. It can also be used to help speed up the scar healing process and can help make scars fade.
Read also: Can You Tattoo Over Stretch Marks?
- Anti-aging properties
Because it contains many antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, shea butter can help prevent the formation of free radicals, which cause cell damage and aging. Preventing this cell damage is a great way to keep your skin looking fresh and young.
- Acne management
Dry skin tends to produce a lot of sebum - a substance that can clog pores. Because of its moisturizing properties, shea butter can help fight the overproduction of sebum and clogged pores.
Keeping your skin fresh and moisturized can help with acne and improve your overall appearance.
Can You Use Shea Butter on Tattoos?
Yes, you can use shea butter on your tattoo. While it is not recommended to use plain shea butter on your tattoo, using specialized products like our Tattoo Process Butter can be extremely beneficial for your skin and tattoo.
When you use a shea butter-based product on your tattoo, don’t forget to wash your hands and tattoo thoroughly. Make sure you use clean utensils, and apply the product in the same direction as your hair - not against it.
Shea butter absorbs very quickly, so make sure not to over-apply.
Read also: How Much Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo?
While shea butter-based products are good for your skin and tattoo, it’s always a good idea to consult your tattoo artist about their recommendations for aftercare, especially since they have the experience and can give good advice on the best products to use.
6 Benefits of Using Shea Butter Ingredients for Tattoo Care
#1 Moisturizes the skin
One of the most important parts of the tattoo aftercare process is ensuring that the tattoo and the skin remain moisturized. Shea butter products are perfect for this because they heal dry, flaking skin while also locking in moisture. If you have naturally dry skin, tattoo butter would be a great addition to your tattoo aftercare.
#2 Prevents itchy skin
New tattoos can cause the skin to be incredibly itchy, red, and unpleasant. The vitamin E combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter can help prevent the dryness and itching while simultaneously helping the skin retain moisture.
#3 Prevents cell damage
The antioxidants found in shea butter help to prevent the formation of free radicals, which cause cell damage and cell aging. Using shea butter products on your tattoo can help that skin look young, clean, and clear, making your tattoo stand out more.
#4 UV protection
Since traditional sunscreen can irritate the skin surrounding your new tattoo, shea butter products may be a good alternative for you. While the best way to protect your new tattoo from UV rays is to cover it with cloth, shea butter can help add an extra layer of protection from the sun.
#5 Helps to heal the skin
One of the best things that shea butter products can do for your skin is improve the skin’s natural barrier. Because it’s high in vitamin A, shea butter can help the skin stay healthy and help it heal smoothly and more quickly than it would otherwise.
#6 Great for sensitive skin
If you’re someone who has a hard time finding lotions and creams that don’t irritate your skin, consider turning towards a shea butter-based product. Easy on skin and calming to irritants, shea butter is perfect for those with more sensitive skin.
Does Shea Butter Fade Tattoos?
No, shea butter products do not fade tattoos. In fact, shea butter can actually help your tattoo retain its look for longer. Because of the vitamins found in shea butter, it is effective at making the skin look smooth and young, which will actually help your tattoo look great for longer.
If you want to protect your skin and tattoo while helping your skin heal and regenerate, a shea butter-based tattoo cream could be a great option for you.
Bottom Line
Overall, shea butter-based creams and lotions are great to use on your new tattoo. While we cannot recommend using plain shea butter on your tattoo, most lotions and creams that have shea butter as a main ingredient have numerous benefits for your skin and tattoo.
Shea butter is proven to help keep the skin moisturized, prevent cell damage, aid in the healing process, and prevent itching. It is especially great for those who have naturally dry skin, so that they can keep their skin moisturized.
If you are planning on getting a tattoo, consider using a shea butter-based tattoo cream to help throughout your tattoo aftercare process.