What to Eat and Drink When Getting a Tattoo

Are you thinking of getting a tattoo? Whether it be a huge tattoo sleeve or minimalist design, tattoos are lifelong commitments. Many people spend a lot of time thinking of ink colors and designs, but what's not thought about enough is what to eat and drink when getting a tattoo! When going for a tattoo session, do not forget to eat healthy the day prior. Skipping a meal before getting a new tattoo is not a great idea. You want your skin to be hydrated and your body to have healthy nutrients before seeing your tattoo artist!

Here is a quick guide on preparing your skin – in terms of food and activities.

What Should You Eat and Drink Before a Tattoo Session

Remember that the tattoo session will cause minor damage to your skin. As a result, it is highly recommended to arrive prepared and avoid an empty stomach. Here are some essential food, vitamins, and minerals that you could consume more before getting a tattoo:

• Vitamin C

The primary role of Vitamin C on our skin is to promote and enhance its brightness and radiance. That is why most skincare products contain such vitamins. Vitamin C is also dermatologically proven to aid in wound healing, which will benefit your tattoo and the skin itself in the long term. Vitamin C has exceptional antioxidant qualities, and it can also help in enhancing skin firmness. Before getting your tattoo, it is an excellent idea to consume Vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, or you may opt to take vitamin C pills.

• Protein

Proteins are a type of body-building nutrients that helps your body develop and repair muscle and skin tissues. They are necessary for the formation and repair of all body parts, including the skin. Protein also helps raise the energy levels, making it a bit more beneficial for the trauma that your body system shall be going through. It will also assist your skin in recovering quickly from the stress caused by the tattoo needle; thus, it is highly recommended to eat protein-rich foods, such as beef, chicken, and seafood, before and after getting a tattoo.

• Zinc

Zinc also aids in skin swelling and inflammation. It's a plus before and after a tattoo session if you take Zinc supplements or eat beans, nuts, and whole-grain breakfast.

• Water

If you are booking a tattoo session, water is your best friend. Keep your body's fluid levels high to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will your skin benefit from drinking lots of fluids, but your tattoo artist too. It will be easier for the needle since your skin will be a lot firmer. You're bound to have some blood during a tattoo session, but being well-hydrated can cause your skin to bleed less, making the overall process less stressful. Make sure to drink lots before, during, and after the tattoo session. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water, natural fruit juice, lemonade, or lime water.

Food and Activities You Should Avoid Before Getting a Tattoo

Unhealthy meals, such as those with a high fat and sugar content, should be avoided before, during, and after getting a tattoo since they can cause skin irritation, bleeding, and lots of scarring. Also, there are lots of activities that may also slow down the healing process. To avoid the hassle, refer to this list of food and activities you should avoid when getting a tattoo.

• Caffeine, Energy Drinks, and Alcohol

Alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks can thin your blood. We recommend you skip the morning coffee or energy drinks on the day of your tattoo session or avoid drinking alcohol the night before your appointment. These drinks act as a stimulant that can make you nervous and uncomfortable. They can also raise your heart rate, increasing your blood flow and making the bleeding worse. They might leave you feeling agitated and shaky because of the rapid surges and crashes of adrenaline. Also, coming to your appointment under the influence of alcohol is unethical, and you should avoid drinking any alcoholic drinks at least a day or two before the tattoo session.

• Ready-To-Drink Juices, Soda, and Processed Foods

Ready-made fruit juices and soda have extremely high sugar content. Processed foods, such as canned goods, instant noodles, smoked sausage, and fried meat, have lots of fats and salt content. Sugar, salt, and oil are proven to cause skin inflammations, prolonging the skin's healing process.

• Dairy Foods

Dairy products are proven to cause bloating, and they can make the appearance of your skin plumper. However, if the bloating has gone away, the outcome of your tattoo may be distorted and may not look the same way as it did while the skin was still plump.

• Partying The Day Before The Appointment

We all know that most parties happen late at night and involve lots of alcoholic drinks – which are both big thumbs down when getting a tattoo. Instead, get a lot of quality sleep and drink lots of water before getting inked.

• Getting Too Much Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can damage the skin, and high ultraviolet rays can cause extreme sensitivity and inflammation on the skin. If these occur, it may be difficult for the tattoo artist to pierce the needle on your skin. Also, your skin is no longer in its best condition to get inked. To avoid extreme damage from sun exposure, wear sunscreen and look for shade when staying outdoors for too long.

• Wearing Tight Clothing

This isn't food-related - but the client's skin-tight clothes are the tattoo artists' number one enemy. Not only does it cause hassle to remove the clothes, but the friction can also damage the outcome of the ink. You should wear loose clothes on the day of your appointment until the day that your tattoo finally heals.

If you follow these tips before, during, and after getting a tattoo, your tattoo has the best chance of recovering faster! Also, we suggest getting your tattoo aftercare products right away to help you with your tattoo journey – from getting inked until the day that your skin finally recovers.