Why Skin Health is Important
Skin is an organ just like your liver and heart.
In fact, skin is the body’s largest organ. You
probably know that drinking too much alcohol
is bad for your liver, and eating too much fast
food is bad for your heart, but what do you
know about skin health? Your skin is your
body’s first line of defense against germs and
infections, and can be a beautiful canvas for
your tattoo as long as it’s well taken care of!
The purpose of this brochure is to provide the
newly tattooed client with information
regarding nutrition as it relates to skin and
healing. On the back of this guide, you will
also learn about how the art of massage is
related to healing after getting a tattoo.
*Disclaimer: This brochure is not
intended to treat skin conditions. It is
intended for those in good health and
provides general nutrition information
on foods, vitamins, and minerals. Do not
begin taking a nutrition supplement
without first consulting a Physician or
Registered Dietitian.
Treat Yourself to a Massage
There is a strong correlation between massage and healing after a
tattoo. Massage is the systematic, scientific manipulation of body
tissues by way of hands or devices. The positive effects that
massage have on the body range from physical to mental, and are
beneficial both before being tattooed and in maintaining a healthy
tattoo. Physically, massage can relieve pain by releasing
endorphins that attach to opiate receptor neurons. These
endorphins will enhance the immune system, reduce stress, and
slow the aging process. Other physical effects of massage are
improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and improvement
of the lymphatic system to aid in healing. When circulation is
improved, nutrient rich blood travels through the body more
freely and removes waste more efficiently. As a result, skin is
healthier, clearer, and softer, and injured areas have better blood
flow and can heal quickly. Improvement in the lymphatic system
results in a heightened immune system, which is more effective
in quick healing. Massage also has mental benefits. The hormone
cortisol is released during a massage, putting the body in a
relaxed state which can lower anxiety. A body that is relaxed is
more aware of areas that need healing and can heal more quickly.
Being relaxed also helps one to develop healthy sleep habits.
Having a good night’s sleep will lessen the level of anxiety felt as
a result of being overtired. Finally, receiving a massage after a
tattoo reduces scar tissue that the tattoo may leave behind.
Through myofascial release, massage is able to realign tissue
fibers in the same direction. As a result, raised tissue returns to a
more normal state.
Eating Right for
Healthy Skin
Protecting Your Skin
and Nourishing Your
Body Before, During,
and After Your Tattoo
BROCHURE CREATED FOR
TATTOO AFTERLIFE
BY:
JENNIFER BARNES,
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
&
LICENSED DIETITIAN/
NUTRITIONIST
MASSAGE INFORMATION PROVIDED
BY: JEREMY DIAMOND,
MASSAGE THERAPIST
UPDATED: AUGUST
2014
TATTOO AFTERLIFE
NORTHAMPTON, MA
Caring for Your Skin:
Before Your Tattoo
Bell peppers are a great
source of Vitamin C, an
important antioxidant.
Taking proper care of
your skin is one of the
most important things
you can do for your
tattoo. Healthy skincare
will help your tattoo
live up to its full
potential to be as
vibrant and eye catching
as it can be.
Eat a balanced diet: Adopt a wellbalanced diet that does not exclude any food
groups. Include grains, protein, fruits,
vegetables, and low fat dairy to be sure you
are getting as many vitamins and minerals as
you can. Limit added sugars to keep your
skin clean and break-out free.
Antioxidants: You may have heard that
antioxidants are cancer-fighting agents. What
you heard is true, and they do this by
stabilizing “free radicals,” or unstable cells
that can damage organs. This means they also
help to keep your skin healthy (remember
your skin is an organ, too!). Vitamins A, C,
E, and selenium (a mineral) function as
antioxidants.
Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes,
cantaloupe, butternut squash, dark leafy
green vegetables, fortified milk
Vitamin C: For food sources see “After
Your Tattoo” in this brochure
Vitamin E: Eggs, vegetable oil, nuts, seeds
Selenium: Nuts, fish, seafood, whole
grains, onions, garlic
Take Care During Your
Tattoo: Eating Right
Caring for Your Skin:
After Your Tattoo
On the day of your tattoo, you may be
sitting for hours on end. To keep your
blood sugar stable for all that time, it’s
important to be prepared with snacks so
that you don’t experience low blood
sugars. This results in feeling wea k,
tired, and shaky.
It’s important to remember that a tattoo is
done by puncturing the skin over and over
again with a tiny needle. While it may be
beautiful, it needs to heal just like any other
wound and requires a little tender loving
care. Important nutrients that aid in wound
healing are Vitamin C, Zinc, & Iron.
E a t b e fo r e yo u a r ri v e: Don’t show
up hungry for your appointment. Have a
meal consisting of protein, whole
grains, and a fruit or vegetable no more
than an hour before your session. A
turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread
with some berries on the side is a great
pre-tattoo meal.
S n a ck on w ho le f oods : Leave the
processed junk food and sugary drinks at
home. To keep your blood sugar stable
and avoid “crashing,” choose foods with
fiber and protein to keep you satisfied
longer. Fresh or dried fr uits (like apple
slices, raisins) and veggies paired with
nuts, peanut butter, or yogurt provide
essential carbohydrates for energy as
well as protein and fiber to satisfy your
hunger and keep your blood sugar
stable.
D o n’t f o rg et y ou r w at e r bo t t l e :
Even if you’re only sitting for a couple
of hours, it’s easy to get dehydrated,
which isn’t good for mental clarity or
for your skin! Staying hydrated will
keep you more alert during your tattoo.
Water is the best choice for hydration.
Sugary beverages like soda, sports
drinks, and juice are unnecessary as long
as you remember your wholesome
snacks!
Vitamin C: Helps in the production of
collagen, a protein needed to rebuild and
repair skin. Good sources of Vitamin C
include citrus fruits, strawberries,
broccoli, bell peppers, & potatoes.
Zinc: Plays a role in the structural
component of proteins in the body,
including the skin. Good sources of zinc
include meat, poultry, eggs, seafood,
milk, wheat germ, nuts, & legumes.
Iron: Needed for the production of red
blood cells, this nutrient is key to ensure
good blood flow to the injured area. Food
sources of iron include meat, fish,
poultry, dried fruits, and fortified
orange juice and cereals. Pair an ironrich food with a food high in Vitamin C to
enhance absorption.
Protect Your Skin in the Sun:
Like we’ve been hearing for years, wear
sunscreen, especially over your tattoos!
Protecting your tattoos from sun damage
will make the color last longer and stay
vibrant.