Tattoos have different meanings across different cultures, and it's a practice that has been around since ancient times—the oldest skin markings have been found on a Peruvian mummy dating back to 6000 BCE.
There are many ways to address tattoo pain these days, from taking oral painkillers before the appointment to numbing cream, but a highly popular compound for tattoo nerves and aftercare is CBD oil.
CBD comes from the hemp plant, and it's a compound that's gaining a lot of attention in the health and wellness space for its gentle effects towards supporting inflammation, calming nerves, and easing minor discomfort.
CBD for Tattoos: How does it Work?
CBD may help with tattoos by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which consists of receptors that regulate inflammation and pain, potentially reducing discomfort and promoting faster healing.
Although CBD doesn't directly bind to these receptors, it influences the endocannabinoid system in a way that can help balance the body's inflammatory response.
Before getting a tattoo, using CBD might help prepare the skin by potentially reducing sensitivity and inflammation. After the tattoo, CBD can continue to support the healing process by helping to manage pain and inflammation through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
This could lead to a more comfortable healing experience and help maintain the vibrancy and clarity of the tattoo as the skin recovers.
How Can CBD Help During Your Tattoo?
Many people swear by using CBD oil or gummies to ease their pre-tattoo jitters before their tattoo session. To help make the tattoo experience go a lot smoother, you must choose a tattoo artist that you're comfortable with, and while many people can jump into their session without a second thought, that feeling of unease and nervousness before your tattoo session is completely normal.
One of the ways CBD products may help with the feelings of anxiety before getting a tattoo has to do with its actions in the central nervous system. CBD has become extremely popular for its relaxation effects.
Research suggests that CBD increases GABA activity in the brain to help combat feelings of nervousness and stress [1].
GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a brake pedal to the effects of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which can help you relax tense muscles and give you a more uplifted and calm mood.
Some tattoo artists even recommend using CBD oil internally before your appointment for gentle pain relief. In pre-clinal studies, CBD has been found to inhibit vanilloid receptor activation in the peripheral nervous system [2]. The vanilloid receptors relay information about pain to the brain, which may help make the tattoo process much more comfortable for you.
Using CBD for Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo artist may cover your tattoo with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage and instruct you to keep it on for 24 hours before you clean it with gentle antimicrobial soap and pat it dry. You can apply a layer of anti-bacterial ointment or CBD-infused tattoo creams to protect it from infection and support healing.
After your tattoo session, you must take careful precautions with your tattoo healing, as you now have an open wound on your skin that's prone to infection.
CBD Has Anti-Bacterial Properties
One of the biggest concerns after getting a tattoo is the increased risk of infection. You should regularly clean your tattoo and keep it dry to avoid bacterial infection.
Researchers believe that cannabis plants produce cannabinoids to defend against bacteria and pests, making it a natural anti-bacterial compound [3]. Applying a strong CBD cream or ointment can help keep your wound clean and help with the tattoo healing process.
Topical CBD May Support Healthy Inflammatory Response
Tattooing essentially involves wounding the skin to deliver pigment. The inflammatory response kicks in to heal the damage, but it can leave you feeling sore and inflamed. CBD's potential anti-inflammatory benefits may help to calm down some of the swelling and irritation.
The skin is our largest organ, containing endocannabinoid receptors to relay messages for our immune system and pain perception. CBD interacts with these endocannabinoid receptors to help fight off inflammation for a much more comfortable healing process post-tattoo.
Topical CBD May Support Discomfort
Tattoo pain will leave you feeling sensitive, tender, and itchy for the next several days, which can become distracting when you have your life to get back to.
Many people use topical CBD for mild pain relief for muscles and joint pain and skin irritation, and it may be effective because CBD has been shown in preclinical trials to inhibit the pain signals to the brain [2].
How Much CBD to Take Before Getting A Tattoo?
When it comes to easing minor discomfort, most tattoo artists online have said that 15-25mg of CBD an hour before your tattoo session may be helpful. believe that higher doses of 50MG+ can help.
Make sure you also drink plenty of water and feel comfortable before you go to your appointment.
The best benefits from using CBD come with consistent use—which is why it's best to take CBD daily at the same time each day to support your endocannabinoid system.
The Takeaway: CBD And Tattoos
A high potency, quality CBD oil may help limit tattoo pain and nervousness by supporting the endocannabinoid system's ability to regulate inflammation and mitigate pain signals, but it's not a pain killer.
Topical CBD products designed for tattoo aftercare can also help make the recovery process more comfortable as CBD can interact with endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to provide localized comfort and fight off infection-causing bacteria.
FAQ's
How Can CBD Oil Help You Before Getting A Tattoo?
Many individuals swear by CBD oil or gummies to help them relax before their tattoo appointment. One method CBD products may aid with anxiety before getting a tattoo is through its activities in the central nervous system. CBD has grown in popularity due to its sedative properties. Some tattoo artists even advocate ingesting CBD oil before your visit to provide modest pain relief. i
How Much CBD Should I Take Before Getting a Tattoo?
Some experts believe that higher doses of 50MG+ can alleviate mild discomfort. If you're new to CBD oil, start with lower doses. Several tattoo artists online have suggested taking 15-25MG of CBD an hour before your tattoo appointment. A high-quality CBD oil may help reduce tattoo discomfort and anxiety by boosting the endocannabinoid system's ability to regulate inflammation and mitigate pain signals, but it is not a pain reliever.
Is Hemp Lotion Good For Tattoos?
Hemp lotion can be beneficial for tattoos due to its moisturizing properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects. The natural ingredients in hemp lotion, such as essential fatty acids and antioxidants, may help promote skin health and support the healing process of tattoos.
What Is A CBD Tattoo Cream?
CBD tattoo cream is a topical product infused with cannabidiol (CBD) extract. It is designed to be applied on freshly inked tattoos to help soothe and moisturize the skin while potentially reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process.
Can You Smoke Weed After Getting A Tattoo?
It is not recommended to smoke weed after getting a tattoo. Marijuana smoke can contain irritants and toxins that may impede the healing process, potentially leading to complications like infection or delayed healing.
Does CBD Help With Tattoo Pain?
CBD, or cannabidiol, may provide some relief for tattoo pain due to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. When applied topically, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation around the tattooed area.
Resources:
- Bakas, T., Van Nieuwenhuijzen, P. S., Devenish, S. O., McGregor, I. S., Arnold, J. C., & Chebib, M. (2017). The direct actions of cannabidiol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol at GABAA receptors. Pharmacological research, 119, 358-370.
- Costa, B., Giagnoni, G., Franke, C., Trovato, A. E., & Colleoni, M. (2004). Vanilloid TRPV1 receptor mediates the antihyperalgesic effect of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, in a rat model of acute inflammation. British journal of pharmacology, 143(2), 247-250.
- Karas, J. A., Wong, L. J., Paulin, O. K., Mazeh, A. C., Hussein, M. H., Li, J., & Velkov, T. (2020). The antimicrobial activity of cannabinoids. Antibiotics, 9(7), 406.
