The fruit is greenish yellow in color; it is cut into small pieces and blended in a mixer to produce a smooth juice. What makes this juice amazing? For one, it contains some of the very powerful antioxidants which are beneficial to the overall health of an individual. The most notable thing about Amla is its Vitamin C content. Aside from Vitamin C, it is also loaded with other nutrients such as polyphenols, protein, iron, calcium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, carotene and phosphorous. Fortunately, there are no reported Amla juice side effects yet.

Since the juice is very sour, diluting it with water or another liquid is recommended so that the taste will become more tolerable. If you can’t stand the taste or if you don’t have time to prepare it every morning, don’t worry because you can still enjoy its benefits by taking Amla juice powder in capsules. Make sure you purchase a brand with no fillers or binders and it should say 100% Natural Amla Extract.

Amla Juice Health Benefits:

-Great Source of Vitamin C

As I have mentioned earlier, Amla juice is a rich source of Vitamin C. This comes in handy when you’ve got a cold. It acts as a natural immune system booster. No matter what it is, taking the juice orally can help you fight infection-causing bacteria. And because its Vitamin C content is so powerful, it can help get rid of free radicals and toxic materials in the body therefore preventing premature aging and cancer. Did you know that Amla juice has 10 to 20 times more Vitamin C than oranges? For every 100g of the juice you get about 900mg of Vitamin C.

-Fiber

If you want to get the full benefits of Amla juice, make sure you don’t do anything with the pulp. Leave the pulp alone! The pulp is full of fiber and you know that we need fiber in our daily diet. Since our bodies do not digest or absorb fiber, it moves through the entire digestive system and this is often referred to as the “cleaning effect”. Fiber acts as a stool softener while adding bulk to it, allowing it to pass more easily.

-Diabetes

Amla juice for diabetes is usually taken with turmeric powder to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Mix two teaspoons of the juice with half teaspoon of turmeric powder and take it before meals. Do this twice a day and monitor your blood sugar. Experts believe that Amla contains agents that can stimulate the pancreas to stimulate insulin to reduce blood sugar. Before starting the treatment, make sure you consult your healthcare provider for possible interactions with your diabetes medication.

-Hair Care

Amla juice for hair is mainly used to promote healthy hair growth. Those who have been using it have noticed thicker and bouncier hair. It is also known to improve the color and vibrancy of hair. Some say that their hair color has become darker and richer. By taking the juice, you are nourishing your hair from within. If you want to make the treatment more effective, use Amla oil on your hair regularly.

Amla Juice in Pregnancy

Is it safe to take Amla juice while pregnant? Yes, you can have Amla juice and you can include it in your daily meals. Experts suggest eating the fresh fruit and raw. If you can’t find it in your local food store or grocery store, you can always look for packaged or preserved Amla.

Aloe has been known for its amazing benefits on the skin because of its ability to treat dry skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis. When taken internally, it can help boost the immune system, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and treat constipation and other digested-related problems so it really doesn’t come as a surprise if it can help treat Ulcerative Colitis.

A lot of published studies have proven the miracle herb’s anti-inflammatory effect. Its soothing properties can help relieve the symptoms associated with Ulcerative Colitis. Drinking the juice will also help support the immune system and accelerate cell division therefore speeding up the healing process. Aloe works on the intestine to help heal the damage, closing up ulcers in the stomach. It has been used as a detoxifier to help the body get rid of toxic materials in the digestive track.

A study involving 44 people was recently published, the participants were randomly asked to take Aloe Vera or placebo for 4 weeks. They started with 1 to 2 ounces twice a day and it was increased over a 3-day period to a maximum of 3.5 ounces twice a day. 47% of the Aloe group reportedly showed improvement in symptoms while only 14% of those participants who took placebo noticed symptom reduction. Obviously, the results of the study favor the use of Aloe Vera on Ulcerative Colitis.

If you are planning to take Aloe Vera gel or juice to treat your condition, it’s very important that you follow a specific regimen. I would suggest keeping a food diary so you’ll know what triggers your symptoms. Here is a list of UC food triggers:

-Alcohol
-Carbonated Beverages
-Caffeine
-Spicy Foods
-Dairy Products (only if you are lactose intolerant)
-Foods with sulfur or sulfate
-Mint
-Hot Sauce, Pepper
-Dried Fruits, Berries, Dried Peas, Beans and Legumes-Whole-grain products and other foods rich in fiber
-Meats
-Popcorn, Nuts, Crunchy Nut Butters
-Sugar-free gums and candies or anything with Sorbitol
-Raw Veggies
-Refined Sugar
-Seeds
-Greasy/Fried Foods

*You can try taking a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin every morning and see if your symptoms lessen. Pumpkin has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects on the intestine for both humans and animals.

Aloe Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Considerations

The recommended dosage of Aloe Vera gel (orally) is 2 tablespoons or 30 ml three times a day. When taken in excessive amounts, Aloe can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. If you are planning to take Aloe supplements whether in gel, juice or capsule form, seek the advice of your attending physician and ask if it will interfere with your ongoing medications. According to Drugs.com, taking Aloe internally for an extended period of time may produce side effects such as muscle weakness, weight loss, bloody stools, bloody urine and heart problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, click HERE to find out if Aloe is safe for you.

Aloe Vera contains enzymes that can prevent further hair loss by restoring the pH balance in your scalp allowing for stronger hair follicles to grow. The gel contains various minerals and Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E which can possibly stimulate hair growth. Thinning hair has a lot of causes and one of which is excessive sebum production. When there’s too much oil on the scalp, it mixes with dirt and it forms a crust that suffocates the hair follicles thus slowing down hair growth. Aloe contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can remove excess oil. It makes a great detoxifier to get rid of free radicals so that normal hair growth can be restores. Using Aloe Vera hair products will make your scalp a lot healthier. Healthy scalp means healthy hair.

How to Use Aloe Vera for Thinning Hair:

1.) Break off the leaf of an Aloe plant and scoop out the clear gel. Try to be careful, you don’t want the yellow part.

2.) Apply the gel on your scalp and massage it for a few minutes. Massaging the scalp will help stimulate blood flow thus promoting hair growth. Leave the gel on your scalp for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse it off using Aloe Vera Shampoo.

3.) Make sure you finish off with Aloe based conditioner.

4.) Be mindful of your diet, eat lots of proteins such as lean meat, egg whites, beans and nuts. You can also take iron and zinc supplements to make hair growth faster. Vitamin C and B Vitamins can also help.

People with dry and rough hair will also benefit from using Aloe gel regularly. Dry hair is mostly caused by exposure to pollutants and foreign particles. We can also get dry and rough hair by incessantly using products that can cause damage (hair dye, flat iron, curling iron, blow dryer, etc,). To solve this problem, make sure you give your hair a break from time to time and use Aloe Vera shampoo and conditioner for healthier and shinier locks. Aloe contains essential nutrients that can make the hair bouncy, soft and full of life.

Aloe gel can also be used to combat and prevent dandruff. Its soothing and cooling properties are especially helpful for relieving itchy scalp. The antibacterial and antifungal agents of Aloe Vera will inhibit dandruff. It cleanses the scalp really well while locking in moisture.

Aloe Vera will make your hair stronger and healthier!

Mix the juice of 1 lemon with ½ cup of Aloe Vera gel and few drops of essential oil (tea tree or peppermint work great) and apply the mixture on your scalp 30 minutes before taking a shower. To make your own anti-dandruff shampoo at home, you can mix a small amount of wheat germ oil, 1 cup of Aloe gel and few tablespoons of coconut milk.

People (including me) who have been using Aloe Vera gel for hair have noticed a significant difference. If you want a healthier-looking, shinier and bouncier hair, you definitely have to try Aloe. You won’t regret it!

Aloe water or more commonly known as Aloe Vera juice, is made from fresh Aloe plant. If you want to make your own juice at home, you can do so by:

1.) Trim the thorny edges of the leaf using a pairing knife. Rinse it in cold water.

2.) Split the leaf into two and scoop out the translucent gel. Be very careful, you don’t want the yellow part!

3.) Put the gel into a blender and add your favorite juice. I find that pomegranate and cranberry juice tastes the best! Blend until the mixture is smooth or free of lumps.

4.) Put the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate (can last for up to two days).

If you do not want to go through all that trouble or if you can’t cultivate your own plant, you can always purchase commercially-prepared Aloe Vera juice. Side effects are uncommon but it’s still recommended that you know about them.

-Laxative Effects and Dependency

This is probably the most common side effect of Aloe Vera juice especially when taken excessively. The recommended dosage is 4 oz. everyday. If you take excessive amounts, you may experience painful stomach cramping, loose stools and diarrhea. When diarrhea occurs, you may develop electrolyte imbalance, low potassium levels and dehydration. This is prevalent among people with diabetes.

Those who are suffering from constipation drink the juice to regulate their bowel movements. Aloe is considered to be a natural stimulant that contains laxative effects and it works fast enough in softening stools. In a week’s time, your body will be able to return to its regular bowel functions. The only downside to drinking the juice regularly is you may develop dependency and if this happens, constipation will become worse once you stop the treatment. If you really want to treat constipation, eat foods that are rich in fiber and make sure you drink at least 6 glasses of water a day. Yes, it entails a lifestyle change and you really can’t expect to see results overnight.

-Hypoglycemic Risks

The juice has the potential to lower blood sugar to dangerous levels which is why it is advisable to talk to your health care provider if you plan on incorporating Aloe Vera juice in your diet. According to the NIH, there are various scientific studies that show the hypoglycemic properties of the juice. This can result to a drop on your blood glucose levels. This is especially harmful for people who are battling diabetes. Aloe Vera may also have the tendency to interact with your medications.

-Allergic Reactions

Allergic reaction to Aloe Vera does not only imply topical application. People who are sensitive to the ingredients of Aloe experience facial swelling, tightening of the chest, difficulty in breathing, etc. If you ever experience any of the symptoms, contact a health care practitioner at the soonest time possible.

***Most experts believe that Aloin is the main culprit for these known Aloe Water side effects which is why it is advisable to purchase Aloin-free juice. Most brands sold in theUnited Statesare already refined to purge Aloin.

So, what makes this miracle plant so great? The plant contains the basic building blocks of life- essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, amino acids, enzymes, fibroblast cells and proteins. The leaf of Aloe Vera is filled with clear gel, which is approximately 99% water. What about the remaining 1%? It has at least 75 known nutrients (20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 active plan compounds and enzymes). Pretty amazing, right?

Here are some of the most common health benefits and uses of Aloe Vera Extract:

-Weight Loss

I am not claiming that relying solely on Aloe Vera is your key to shedding off excess pounds. A healthy diet paired with regular exercise is the only way you can lose that extra weight (in a healthy way). If you want to boost your weight loss and you are thinking about taking diet pills, please have a second thought and go as natural as possible. Some studies suggest that drinking Aloe Vera juice everyday aids in weight loss. How? The extracts of the juice speeds up the metabolic rate which in turn makes you burn more energy. It effectively helps the body in getting rid of toxic materials plus it removes excess fats and carbohydrates that accumulate in the body.

-For Improved Energy and Well-being

Aloe Vera is loaded with ingredients that can eliminate accumulated toxins in the body. It can also help stimulate healthy cell production and increase energy levels. People who have been drinking Aloe juice regularly have more energy and they claim that they hardly get sick. The Carrisyn found in the gel increases the body’s ability to generate infection-fighting blood cells. Aloe contains antibacterial and antifungal agents which aid us in fighting and preventing several diseases.

People who have been drinking Aloe juice regularly have more energy and they claim that they hardly get sick.

If you are uncertain whether you are allergic to Aloe or not, start with a small dose of the juice and see if you experience any stomach cramping or diarrhea. Although, not so many people are sensitive to Aloe, it’s always best to start with a small dosage and then gradually increase your intake. Do not drink more than the recommended dosage because Aloe has laxative effects.

-For Sunburned Skin

For sunburn I can’t think of a better treatment than Aloe Vera gel. Compared to synthetic creams or gels, it has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. The gel contains antibacterial properties that can speed up the healing process. Its soothing properties will give you relief almost immediately. The gel is actually used by many hospitals on their burn victims. Once you apply the gel on the affected area, you will instantly feel its cooling effect. The best part in using all-natural Aloe Vera gel is that you can apply it as many times as you want without worrying about harmful side effects. After the treatment, you will notice that your skin is suppler and smoother. This is because of the gel’s ability to repair skin tissues from within enabling your body to generate healthier skin cells.

Wearing sunscreen is a must!

We can never underestimate Aloe extract benefits and uses. The plant is more than we can ever hope for. It never failed to amaze me up to this day.

-Wrinkle Treatment

Let’s face it; having wrinkles is a part of getting older. It is simply inevitable. While it is true that we certainly cannot turn back time and get rid of all the lines, we can do some things to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and prevent them from worsening. Our skin gradually loses its youthful glow and elasticity as we age, add to that the years of sun exposure and unhealthy lifestyle. Lucky for us because we don’t have to be reminded of the damage we’ve done to our skin. It’s never too late to give your skin the nourishment it deserves.

Aloe Vera has been used to treat and prevent wrinkles and I can’t tell you enough good things about it. The skin produces its own collagen through the fibroblast cells and as we get older, our skin produces less of these cells. This is what causes wrinkles and saggy skin. By applying Aloe on your skin, you are basically helping it produce more fibroblast cells. More fibroblast cells mean more collagen. With continued use, your skin will be softer, suppler and more youthful-looking. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles will be minimized.

-Daily Moisturizer

Aloe is your skin’s best friend! It is packed with more than 200 active ingredients and nutrients that can help protect, nourish and improve the skin. The nutrients in Aloe Vera can be found in a lot of high end creams in the market today. What makes this miracle herb as a great moisturizer is that it has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin which means your skin is nourished from within. Did you know that it can go as deep as 7 layers? I bet your expensive cream can’t do that! Aloe helps keep your skin hydrated as it locks in moisture.

I personally recommend California Baby Aloe Vera Cream. Don’t let the word “baby” have second thoughts about this product. It’s not just for babies; you can use the cream as a daily moisturizer and for treating sunburn, scars and stretch marks. You can also use it to moisturize your skin after shaving or waxing.

-Thinning Hair/Hair Fall Treatment

Have you ever wondered why there are tons of hair products that list Aloe Vera as the main ingredient? The enzymes found in Aloe helps promote hair growth. No, it cannot reverse baldness but it will prevent further hair loss. Each hair strand will be masked with Aloe’s nutrients and that means healthier and fuller hair growth.

If you want to reap the full benefits of the plant, you have to use unprocessed or pure Aloe gel. Massage the gel on your scalp and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse off with your favorite shampoo. Massaging the scalp will help stimulate hair growth. Do this everyday to make the treatment more effective. You can make your own Aloe shampoo but if you don’t want to go through all that trouble, you can always purchase bottled shampoo. I personally use Nature’s Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate just in case you are wondering. Both work well and they smell great too!

-Dandruff Control

Dandruff is an embarrassing hair problem but don’t despair because Aloe can definitely help you! I don’t have anything against dandruff shampoos but I’m sure a lot of people out there want a natural remedy that actually works. It’s a lot cheaper plus you are not worried about harsh chemicals that can do further damage. The plant’s antibacterial and antifungal properties will help treat and prevent dandruff. It can also soothe and heal your scalp from the irritation and itch caused by dandruff. All you have to do is apply 100% pure Aloe gel on your scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. You can also add two drops of tea tree oil to the gel to make the treatment more potent.

To read about other Aloe uses, Click HERE.

We already know the moisturizing effects of Aloe on the skin but not a lot of us are aware of its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains B-sitosterol that has the ability to treat various skin conditions. So the news that Rosacea is one of the many conditions that Aloe can treat is not surprising at all. It has vitamins and minerals that can help the skin generate new healthy cells at a faster rate. The enzymes found in Aloe can help soothe and calm the skin. Its detoxifying properties aid in removing free radical.

Aloe Vera is one of nature’s finest moisturizers. It keeps the skin hydrated and nourished. Aloe can penetrate deeply into the skin, up to seven layers deep, and this is much better compared to its synthetic counterparts. It contains healing agents that can help with redness, inflammation and irritation.

Experts strongly suggest the use of pure Aloe Vera gel on Rosacea so you can reap its full benefits. The problem with commercially-prepared gels is that they contain other chemicals that can cause irritation or Rosacea flare ups. If you can’t cultivate your own plant at home, find a brand that says 100% pure Aloe gel on the label. Long-term users of this miracle herb have noticed significant changes on their symptoms.

Obviously, using Aloe won’t be enough to completely control Rosacea. You have to know the trigger factors by heart so you can avoid them. Understanding your skin condition will help you prevent frequent episodes of flare ups.

Here is a list of Rosacea Triggers (every item on the list may not be true for every Rosacea sufferer):

-Hot baths or saunas
-Vigorous exercise or “Lift and Load” jobs
-Spicy Foods
-Hot Drinks
-Alcohol
-Hot Food (in temperature)
-Liver
-Cheese (except Cottage Cheese)
-Yogurt
-Chocolate
-Soy Sauce
-Vanilla
-Spinach
-Avocados
-Hot Weather
-Cold Weather
-Sunlight
-Wind
-Humidity
-Stress
-Abrupt Change in Emotion
-Caffeine Withdrawal Syndrome
-Menopause
-Cosmetic Products
-Hair Sprays
-Certain Medications (blood pressure drugs, topical steroids, opiate painkillers)

How to Treat Rosacea Naturally

Like I’ve mentioned earlier, Rosacea has no cure yet but with proper treatment, you’d be able to control the symptoms successfully. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills or creams and you will see results in a month or two. If you do not welcome the idea of using antibiotics, you can always turn to natural remedies.

Apply Aloe Vera gel (pure/100%) on your face or the affected area twice a day. Use all-natural products if possible. There are tons of mild cleansers that you can find in grocery stores or health stores. To make the Aloe Rosacea Treatment more effective, you can apply a mask once or twice every week. Mix 1 tbsp. of Licorice Powder with 1 tsp. of Honey, add 1 tsp. of Aloe gel and mix everything together. Apply it on your face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.

As we all know, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries now to maintain healthy skin. Even Cleopatra was such a huge believer. This miracle plant is packed with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients that have been proven to improve the skin’s elasticity. These nutrients are easily absorbed deeply into the skin. You may not believe this but it can penetrate as deep as seven layers! This is quite amazing compared to the synthetic creams or lotions we have around. The extracted gel from the plant contains 18 amino acids that help heal dry, skin. It effectively fights free radicals that cause wrinkles under the eyes.

The antioxidants found in Aloe can help prevent skin aging while Vitamins B1, B3, B6, C, niacinamide and choline have the ability to moisturize, tone and brighten the skin. Prolonged use of Aloe Vera will result to firmer and younger-looking skin. Another wonderful thing that you should know about this miraculous plant is that it is packed with Vitamins A and E. These are both proven to have numerous benefits to the skin. Aloe increases collagen production which is essential for the skin’s firmness and strength. As we age, collagen degradation takes place and Aloe Vera’s ability to help the body produce more collagen always comes in handy. Applying the gel will facilitate cell rejuvenation.

How to Reduce Wrinkles and Dark Circles Using Aloe Vera Gel

1.) If you are wearing eye makeup (liner, mascara, eyeshadow), make sure you use a gentle eye makeup remover. Remove your makeup gently without pulling on your lids. I personally love Clean & Clear Soothing Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover and Jason Natural Products Quick Clean Makeup Remover.

Heavy Eye Makeup requires an Effective yet Gentle Makeup Remover.

2.) Now do your Aloe under eyes treatment by dabbing the gel to your under eye. Use your ring finger as this applies the least amount of pressure. Do not rub the gel because the skin under the eye is very thin and delicate. Rubbing, pulling and tugging can cause wrinkles.

3.) You can use your favorite eye cream or wrinkle corrector on top of the Aloe Vera gel if you wish. Make sure the gel dries first before applying the eye cream.

Aloe Vera has long been used to treat many skin problems and yes, acne is definitely on the list. Acne is deemed to be an insignificant problem when compared to other disease but in reality acne patients experience social, psychological and emotional upshots at the same level of those with chronic health problems. Using the gel on your face can help you prevent future breakouts because of its antibacterial properties.

The enzymes found in Aloe soothe the skin and help bring down swelling and inflammation. You can also use the gel as a spot treatment. The sap within the plant has healing qualities. Aloe Vera is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that aid in the generation of new healthy skin cells. The gel can penetrate deep into the skin which means skin repair occurs from within. The vital nutrient Anthraquinone facilitates the rejuvenation of naturally-occurring nutrients in the skin. The result? Healthy-looking and glowing skin! Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides that can kill the bacteria responsible for pimples. It also has a mild antibiotic called Mannans that can kill germs. It regulates the pH balance of the skin and it helps eliminate free radicals.

Some people find that using the herb can significantly reduce episodes of breakouts but then again what works for some may not work for you. You may find that supplementing your current acne skincare routine with Aloe Vera will work better.

 How to Use Aloe Vera on Pimples:

1.) Customize your skincare routine in the morning and at night by using products with Aloe Vera. If you want it to be all-natural and you are growing your own plants at home, go ahead and make your own Aloe gel, toner, etc.

2.) Wash your face once in the morning and once before going to bed using Aloe Vera soap. Real Aloe Inc. Real Aloe Vera Soap Bar and Clearly Natural Glycerine Bar Soap with Aloe Vera both work pretty well in getting rid of dirt without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. You can also try the Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash.

Be consistent with your routine to achieve the best results.

3.) After gently patting your skin dry, apply Aloe Vera moisturizer (gel or cream). Aside from fighting and preventing pimples, it can also keep excess oil at bay.

4.) Dab Aloe Vera gel on old acne scars and new pimples. Your scars will be less obvious with continued use. In a few days, your pimples will shrink. Do this every night before going to bed.

5.) Use an Aloe Vera facial mask twice every week to make the treatment more effective. For Aloe Mask recipes, click HERE. Apply the mask on your face and then wait 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. A splash of cold water can help close the pores.

Aloe Vera Mask will keep your skin healthy.

The effectiveness of Aloe on pimples will depend on the severity of your skin condition. Also, you have to know the root cause of the problem so you can address it properly. Acne has several causes and it’s really hard to pinpoint what’s causing you to breakout. Environmental pollutants, hormonal imbalance and allergic reaction to cosmetic products are just some of the reasons why we have acne. Try the Aloe Vera remedy and see how it works out for you. Best of luck!

Tattoo aftercare is not difficult at all. You just have to listen to your tattoo artist.

Aloe Vera has been used as a main ingredient in so many skin care products and it is not really surprising when it comes to mind when it comes to caring for your tattoo properly. It is considered to be one of the most effective moisturizers we have around and it has enzymes that can fight infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help relieve swelling and pain. It contains healing and soothing properties so logically it will be good for your tattoo, right? Well… some tattoo artists would disagree! Yup, a lot of them list down Aloe as one of the things you need to definitely stay away from while caring for a new tattoo.

The main reason why some say it’s a big no-no to put Aloe gel, cream or lotion on your new tats is because it can make your skin heal too quickly and dry out fast. Some people say that Aloe can prevent fading while others say that it is a “must-have” to prevent fading. Ironically, some products (Tattoo Magic Lotion, H2Ocean Foam Soap) in the market which are specifically made as tattoo aftercare contain Aloe.

Technically, a tattoo can be classified as a wound and we all know that Aloe is used to repair damaged skin tissues. It is popularly used as a burn treatment. It helps promote healing and recovery after surgery as well. So if Aloe Vera works on wounds, why would some experts blacklist it? Well, I guess it has something to do with how tattoos are different from other wounds.

When your tattoo is new, the ink is concentrated on the upper layer of the skin and whatever superficial damage that is inflicted on it will definitely have a long-term effect, appearance wise that is. There are some things that you cannot avoid though such as the way that the body gets rid of foreign matter and that includes ink. This will make your tattoo fade a little bit. This is normal of course.

As time goes by, ink bleeds into the deeper layers of the skin thus becoming more resilient and less affected with minor damages at the uppermost surface of the skin.

How to Care for a New Tattoo

It’s very important to follow a skincare routine to make sure that your tattoo heals properly. Your skin can be very sensitive to the touch for a couple of days but there are some ways on how you can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with getting a new tattoo.

1.) Leave the bandage for as long as your tattoo artist told you so (2 hours to 24 hours). The bandage is there for a reason and that is to keep bacteria from invading your wound. I know you can’t wait to show off your new tattoo but don’t worry because you’ve got the rest of your life to do that! Open flesh is a breeding ground for infection so leaving the bandage on is a must.

2.) Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo initially with lukewarm water and liquid antibacterial soap. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Antibacterial Aftercare Soap works pretty good. It removes all the leftover ink and leaves the skin clean without stripping it dry.

*Note: Use antibacterial soap only for initial washing.

3.) Pat the area dry using paper towel. Do it gently please!

4.) Apply ointment such as Tattoo Goo Aftercare Salve. Switch to lotion once your tattoo artist tells you to. I highly recommend Magic Tattoo Aftercare Lotion and Ink Fixx All Natural Tattoo Lotion.

*Note: Do not use petroleum-based products and Aloe on tattoos.

5.) Continue washing and applying ointment or lotion until your tattoo completely heals. Full healing can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.