Can I have coffee after getting a tattoo?

In this text we will discuss whether coffee consumption is allowed right after getting a tattoo. In addition, we will give you some tips on which foods to avoid, which to consume and what care you should take with a newly made tattoo.

Can I have coffee after getting a tattoo?

The ideal is not to consume coffee after getting a tattoo. Although coffee has evidence of having antioxidant properties, a study published in the International Wound Journal shows that it can be bad for skin healing. 

According to scientists, the caffeine present in the grain can end up reducing the multiplication of cells that help in the construction of tissues, the so-called keratinocytes, and can also delay the movement of cells over the surface to be healed, making the entire recovery process difficult.

After getting a tattoo, it is recommended to avoid some types of foods, such as fried foods, sausages, ham, sweets, alcoholic beverages and seafood, as they can stimulate inflammation in the body, which ends up delaying and impairing the healing of the tattoo.

In addition, some foods can favor the development of allergic reactions, which can also interfere with the tattoo healing process.

It is important to avoid these foods for 2 to 4 weeks, as it is the period of greatest healing, and to give preference to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods, such as nuts, red fruits, oranges, salmon, chia and sesame, for example.

The main foods to avoid after getting a tattoo are:

  • Pork
  • Fried foods, hamburgers and fast food
  • Soft drinks, juices, coffee and alcoholic beverages
  • Sausages, such as sausage, ham, salami, bologna
  • Candy, chocolate, cake and ice cream
  • Instant noodles
  • Frozen ready meals
  • Cereal bars
  • cubed beef broth
  • Seafood, especially shrimp.

What can I eat when I get a tattoo?

You need to understand that you need to ingest an amount of water, proteins and carbohydrates that is sufficient for your daily intake.

If a person has a medical problem like diabetes or high blood pressure, they should have some control.

That is, if the person manages to follow a balanced diet, there is no reason to be worried or not to eat when getting a tattoo on the body.

Here are some foods you can eat while recovering from a freshly tattooed tattoo.

  • Proteins: lean meats, eggs, milk, lentils, beans
  • Foods rich in vitamin C: orange, tangerine, lemon, acerola, broccoli
  • Vitamin K: Spinach and Kale
  • Vitamin A: Beef liver, carrots, sweet potatoes
  • Zinc, iron and selenium
  • Foods rich in omega 3: chia and flax seeds, oilseeds such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts, as well as fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines.

Can alcoholic beverages make it harder for the skin to heal?

Yes, alcoholic beverages do make it harder for the skin to heal. A review article published by the Journal of Dental Research pointed out that high alcohol consumption is related to an increased incidence of infections and can influence the proliferative phase of healing, that is, the phase of cell multiplication. 

According to the article, alcoholic beverages can impair the skin’s inflammatory response, inhibiting wound closure and collagen production.

What other care should I have after getting a tattoo besides food?

In addition to food: it is important to take care of tattooed skin. Tattooed skin care is also important to maintain a good healing of the design. The treatment needs to be based on cleansing, nourishing, protecting and relieving the signs of irritation that appear in the first few days. So, here’s what to do:

  • Hydrate the skin well every day with a product free of parabens, fragrance and other substances with allergenic potential
  • Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 50 and reapply every 2 hours
  • Avoid high sun exposure for at least 30 days
  • Keep away from sea and pool water to avoid inflammation
  • Wash the area with a specific soap without parabens or perfume
  • Spray thermal water throughout the day to soothe the sensitized region.

If there is any problem with your tattoo, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

How to know if the tattoo is inflaming?

One of the most serious complications that can appear after getting a tattoo is infection, which happens when a microorganism, such as a bacterium, a fungus or a virus, manages to enter the body through wounds on the skin.

When these things happen, in addition to inflammation in the tattoo area, symptoms such as:

  • Very hard skin
  • Exit of pus from the tattoo area
  • Generalized muscle pain and malaise
  • Hot flashes and chills
  • Low and high fever

As for whether or not these symptoms appear, whenever the inflamed skin does not improve after three to four days and whenever the symptoms worsen over time, it is essential to go to the hospital or see a doctor. By doing this, you will understand if it is necessary to do some kind of specific treatment.

Other FAQs about Coffee that you may be interested in.

Can I drink decaf coffee at night?

Can I drink Nescafe black coffee for weight loss?

Can I have coffee and bupropion together?

Conclusion

In this text we discuss whether coffee consumption is allowed right after getting a tattoo. In addition, we gave some tips on which foods to avoid, which ones to consume and what care you should have with a newly made tattoo.

Citations

https://authoritytattoo.com/drinking-caffeine-before-tattoo

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!