Professionals clarify: what you can’t eat when you get a tattoo

What not to eat when getting a tattoo? This is a common question, especially encouraged by the idea that certain “padding” or “loaded” foods should not be ingested as they would worsen healing. However, emphasizes dermatologist Fabiana Seidl (CRM-RJ 5287852-9), this orientation is part of popular culture and has no scientific basis. Learn more and learn about really necessary care.

What can’t you eat when you get a tattoo?

Foods richer in fats, oils, sugars, salt are popularly called “rowings”. And the idea has long been widespread that such foods contribute to skin inflammation and, therefore, should not be consumed during a healing process (as is the case with tattooing).

In this context, many foods are seen as villains after a person gets a tattoo, such as: açaí, cheese, chocolate, pizza, chicken, sushi, pork, in addition to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Are these foods, in fact, banned in the post-tattoo period?

For tattoo artist Jessica Prado, all the foods mentioned can be consumed without exaggeration, as long as the person is used to them. “Because, if your body is not adapted to such food, it will require more energy to digest it, thus disrupting the natural process of tattoo healing”, she says.

“Not to mention that, if the food is too greasy, it can cause pimples on the skin and, as the tattooed area is fragile, a possible pimple in the region can negatively influence the final result”, explains the tattoo artist.

The dermatologist Fabiana adds that, if the person has a food allergy, this food should not be ingested, as it can cause itching, leading to the appearance of trauma to the skin by the nails and favoring the appearance of wounds and infection of the site.

As for the consumption of alcohol, this is not recommended, either before or after the procedure. “I don’t recommend it before because, when the person drinks, the blood thins and the person can bleed a lot during the procedure. After the tattoo, it is interesting to avoid consumption in the first week as the body will be recovering and needs all the energies to make it happen in the best possible way… explains tattoo artist Jessica.

“It is important to note that these guidelines are part of my work process, and that they are not a rule. Therefore, the ideal is always to follow the recommendations of the tattoo artist who performed the procedure”, points out Jessica.

What to eat when getting a tattoo?

The dermatologist Fabiana reinforces that, for any wound to heal properly, it is essential that there is no lack of vitamins and minerals and that the intake of water, proteins and carbohydrates is adequate. “And, if the person has any medical problems such as diabetes or hypertension, these must be controlled”, she highlights.

That is, if the person follows a balanced diet, there is no reason to worry about what to eat or not to eat when getting a tattoo.

However, for those who, in any case, want to bet on foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds – which may thus contribute to the healing of the skin -, these are good options:

• Red fruits;
• Tomato;
• Citrus fruits (orange, acerola);
• Garlic;
• Onion;
• Saffron;
• chestnuts;
• Avocado;
• Salmon, tuna;
• Olive oil;
• Peanut;
• Linseed;
• chia seeds, sesame;
• Anti-inflammatory teas (such as chamomile, rosemary, ginger).

It is worth noting that these foods are just suggestions and should be included in a balanced diet, consumption is not a “rule”.

Other tattoo care

According to Jessica, the main guidelines after getting a tattoo are:

• Drink plenty of water;
• Keep the tattoo always clean and hydrated;
• Use coconut oil to moisturize the area;
• Do not remove the husks or scratch;
• Make ice packs in cases of large tattoos;
• Do not go to the pool, beach, sauna, etc.;
• Use sunscreen only after a month and a half.

About local care, dermatologist Fabiana reinforces that it is important to properly sanitize the area and use creams based on panthenol, shea butter and vitamin B5 to keep the skin hydrated. “The crusts should not be torn off and, if there is any evidence of infection or allergic process, you should seek medical attention immediately”, she concludes.

And if you are thinking of getting a tattoo soon, also check out what care is taken before getting a tattoo.