Whether you’re a vegan or want a cruelty-free tattoo, there are plenty of benefits to choosing vegan ink. The ink is made from pigments and carriers that act as solvents and aid applications. Previously, these ingredients were made with animal by-products such as glycerine (derived from animal fat) or gelatine from cow hooves.
No Animal By-Products
If you’re planning on going vegan, getting a tattoo can be a great way to express your values and commitment. However, you should be aware that the entire process involves animal products at numerous points, including inks, equipment, and cleaning products. Luckily, plenty of tattoo studios ensure that everything from the inks to the hand sanitizers is vegan and cruelty-free. This helps alleviate the stress of going through the process and ensures that your new vegan tattoo is safe. Fortunately, the tattoo industry is changing rapidly. In recent years, tattoo inks have become more and more plant-based. This is thanks to advances in science and technology. Tattoos aren’t always painless, but there is a lot you can do to alleviate the discomfort. Protein, in particular, is an essential ingredient for pain relief. If you’re vegan, ask your tattoo artist about their aftercare and any ingredients that conflict with being vegetarian.
Less Inflammation
Vegan tattoos are a great alternative to traditional tattoos. In addition to being cruelty-free, vegan tattoos are much less inflammatory than traditional ones. Typically, the skin cells that absorb inks (called macrophages) become inflamed when they try to remove it. This inflammatory reaction can occur immediately or years later, leading to allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and even MRI complications. Inflammation can also cause skin ulceration, which is dangerous. This is why choosing a tattoo artist who uses high-quality vegan ink is essential. It’s also vital to use vegan-friendly tattoo aftercare products because these can help decrease inflammation and speed up healing times. The best tattoo aftercare lotions are made with all-natural ingredients that won’t irritate the skin, so you can rest assured your new tattoo will be safe and healthy.
Better Skin
Vegan tattoos are not only cruelty-free but also healthier for your skin. However, other factors, such as your overall diet, also go into this. A healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep, and a nutritious diet will help your skin look and feel its best. In addition, a good moisturizer will do wonders for your skin. But other aspects of the tattoo process may contain animal products, including stencil paper. This is often made with lanolin, which is a fatty substance that comes from sheep’s wool. Many tattoo studios will happily swap the lanolin out for a vegan alternative. Some even offer a guarantee that all their products are vegan.
Less Environmental Impact
While tattoo artists may only be able to avoid using animal by-products during production, they can ensure that their work is as environmentally friendly as possible. For example, stencil paper is often made from lanolin from sheep’s wool, and disposable razors often contain glycerine. Fortunately, there are alternatives to these products that vegans can choose to use. In addition to selecting non-animal-derived inks, many artists use alternative tools and materials for their tattoos. These can include non-toxic ink bottles, gloves, and biodegradable equipment barriers.
