Aftercare & Anti-Inflammatory Tips

“Anti-inflammatory” lifestyle and diet is a buzzy topic right now, but it matters more than you might think in terms of your healing process with cosmetic tattooing. Aftercare tips for permanent makeup will tell you the steps for properly supporting the area itself, but your entire body also benefits from a few key things.

Aftercare tips for your services at your Milwaukee Beauty Studio can be found here on our site, and also through reaching out to our team of PMU artists, but there’s a bit more we’d love to suggest. 

We are not medical professionals, so always check with your doctor before implementing any changes. 

*Prior to any cosmetic tattoo service, it’s advised to discontinue certain types of medications and supplements (so you’re already taking a pause from aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, fish oil, CoQ10, vitamin E, retinol, and more listed at those links) for 2-3 days beforehand. Please allow 

INCREASE INTAKE OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

This is for the months leading up to the procedure, but please do not focus on these items (and reference the supplements list above) to avoid these items in the week before the service. 

From the smarties at health.harvard.edu,

• Tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Nuts like almonds and walnuts
• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
• Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges

Herbs & other consumable items such as:

• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Alkaline water or carefully filtered water
• CBD
• Bone broth
• More here.

REDUCE INTAKE OF INFLAMMATORY FOODS

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy
• Sugar 
• Gluten

Per health.harvard.edu this list includes,

• refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
• French fries and other fried foods
• soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
• red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
• margarine, shortening, and lard

REDUCE STRESS

Stress is one of the biggest causes of inflammation, so in whatever ways you can, focus on eliminating or reducing it before/during/after your procedures. We obviously want this for you all the time, and we understand that life happens, but being intentional with how you are managing your stress can make a huge difference. If your body is in stress mode (fight or flight), it is not in healing mode. The body may perceive the procedure alone as a stressor, so doing your best to bring those levels down in other areas of life may help your body feel safe and capable of healing. 

• Be around positive energy, or create it, to the best of your ability
• Upbeat, soothing music
• Whatever type of “going inward” brings you peace: meditation, yoga, breathwork, journaling, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TIPS

Sleep! Focus on carving out space for the amount your body needs. If you know you feel best with 8-9 hours, what do you need to do in order to ensure that happens for you? Do it! Sleep is a major part of the healing process. 

Use positive affirmations about your body’s healing:

• I am grateful for my body’s ability to heal
• My body is healing quickly and easily
• All is well and everything is working out for my highest good.
• I love and support my body’s natural processes
• I am healthy and radiant