Foods to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo (And What to Eat Instead)

Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but the healing process is just as important as the tattoo itself.

Taking proper care of your skin — both from the outside and from the inside — can make a big difference in how your tattoo looks once it’s fully healed.

One area that people often overlook is diet. What you eat after getting a tattoo can either help or slow down the healing process. That’s why knowing which foods to avoid after getting a tattoo is essential to prevent problems like skin inflammation, infections, or even scarring.

Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can support your tattoo healing journey the smart way.

⚠️ Why Food Matters After a Tattoo

After getting inked, your body begins working immediately to repair your skin. The tattooed area goes through a healing process similar to a wound. This means your immune system becomes active, inflammation can occur, and new skin needs to regenerate.

Eating unhealthy foods — especially those high in sugar, fat, and artificial additives — can:

• Increase inflammation
• Slow down the skin’s ability to repair itself
• Cause itchiness, irritation, or swelling
• Increase your risk of scarring or poor tattoo color retention

❌ Foods to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo

Here’s a detailed list of foods and drinks you should stay away from — at least for 7 to 10 days after getting your tattoo:

1. Sugary Foods and Drinks

Excess sugar promotes inflammation and can weaken the immune system, making your skin take longer to heal.

• Soft drinks (soda)
• Sweetened juices
• Candy, chocolate bars, and caramel
• Cakes, muffins, donuts, and other baked goods
• Cream-filled cookies and biscuits
• Cereal bars packed with added sugar
• Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Foods made with corn syrup

2. Processed and Fatty Meats

Highly processed meats contain chemicals and preservatives that trigger inflammation and can interfere with tissue repair.

• Bacon
• Sausages (especially fresh or smoked)
• Salami
• Ham
• Mortadella
• Deli meats

3. Fast Food and Fried Snacks

These are loaded with unhealthy fats, salt, and additives that your body struggles to break down — slowing healing and increasing skin sensitivity.

• French fries
• Fried chicken or burgers
• Deep-fried snacks
• Store-bought pastries and pies
• Instant noodles

4. Frozen and Packaged Meals

These meals are often packed with preservatives, sodium, and artificial flavorings that your body doesn’t need while it’s trying to heal.

• TV dinners
• Frozen pizzas
• Instant soups
• Broth cubes

5. Alcohol

Alcohol dries out the skin and weakens the immune system. It also thins the blood, which can cause more bleeding during healing and delay scab formation.

• Beer
• Wine
• Spirits
• Cocktails

6. Artificial Sweeteners

Although they’re often used as a “healthier” alternative, artificial sweeteners can still affect digestion and immune health.

• Aspartame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose (often found in diet sodas)

Note: While it may be tempting to indulge in comfort foods after a tattoo session, sticking to a skin-friendly diet will reward you with faster healing and a better-looking tattoo in the long run.

✅ What to Eat Instead: Skin-Healing Superfoods

To help your tattoo heal beautifully and reduce the risk of problems, focus on foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. These help your skin repair itself and fight off inflammation.

🥗 Here’s what to include in your diet:

• Omega-3 Rich Foods: Fatty fish (like salmon, sardines, mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts help reduce inflammation and support skin repair.
• Antioxidant-Rich Fruits:
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
  • Tomatoes (rich in lycopene, a skin protector)
• Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Spinach, kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes (rich in Vitamin A and C)
  • Garlic and onion (natural anti-inflammatory agents)
  • Turmeric and saffron (contain powerful healing compounds)
• Lean Proteins:
  • Chicken, turkey, tofu, eggs, legumes, and beans
  • Protein supports tissue repair and cell regeneration
• Whole Grains:
  • Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread to provide energy and fiber
• Plenty of Water:
  • Staying hydrated keeps your skin moist, boosts circulation, and helps flush out toxins

🧼 Bonus Tip: Combine Good Food with Good Tattoo Aftercare

Eating the right food is just one part of the healing process. For the best results, make sure to:

• Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized
• Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo
• Protect it from sunlight, especially during the first few weeks
• Avoid swimming pools or hot tubs while the tattoo is still healing
• Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions carefully

Your tattoo is an investment, and taking care of it starts from the inside. Avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, processed meat, alcohol, and fried snacks can speed up healing and reduce the chances of infection or scarring.

Instead, choose healing foods that are rich in nutrients and natural anti-inflammatory compounds to help your body recover faster — and keep your new ink looking sharp and vibrant for years to come.

🥑 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Support Tattoo Healing

After getting a tattoo, your body goes through a natural healing process. During this time, it’s important to support your skin by eating the right kinds of foods — especially those that help fight inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods are rich in healthy fats and other nutrients that protect your skin, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing. These foods also help your immune system stay strong, which can prevent infections and scarring.

✅ Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Diet:

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews — packed with vitamin E and healthy fats
• Avocado: Rich in healthy fats and fiber; supports skin health
• Fatty fish: Salmon, tuna, sardines — full of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation
• Olive oil: A great replacement for regular cooking oils, supports heart and skin health
• Peanuts: A source of plant-based protein and healthy fats
• Flaxseeds and chia seeds: Small but mighty; high in omega-3s and antioxidants
• Sesame seeds: Add crunch and healing nutrients like zinc and magnesium

🍵 Anti-Inflammatory Teas

Drinking 1 to 2 cups of healing tea per day can also help reduce inflammation and soothe your body from the inside out. Here are some of the best herbal teas to try after a tattoo:

• Chamomile tea: Calming, great for reducing stress and soothing the skin
• Ginger tea: Natural anti-inflammatory that boosts blood circulation
• Rosemary tea: Helps reduce pain and swelling, supports digestion and healing

Want to dive deeper? You can also check out the full anti-inflammatory diet plan that helps support healing from tattoos, piercings, or even surgery.

💧 Tattoo Aftercare: How to Keep Your Ink Safe and Clean

Eating right is just one part of the healing puzzle — proper tattoo aftercare is also essential.

🧼 Here’s what to do after getting a tattoo:

• Gently wash the tattooed area: Use mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water twice a day for at least two weeks.
• Pat dry — don’t rub: Use a soft, clean towel to dry the area gently.
• Apply a light moisturizer or healing ointment: Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions carefully.
• Avoid sun exposure: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade the ink and irritate your skin.
• Skip the pool and hot tub: Stay away from swimming for at least 2 weeks, or until the tattoo is fully healed.

These steps help prevent infection, keep the skin hydrated, and ensure your tattoo heals evenly and beautifully.

🏥 Get Inked Safely: Choose a Trusted Tattoo Studio

Before anything else, make sure you get your tattoo done at a licensed and certified studio. A clean, professional environment helps you stay safe during the procedure.

The tattoo artist should always:

• Use sterilized tools
• Wear gloves
• Open new, single-use needles and ink in front of you
• Follow proper hygiene protocols

This is extremely important to reduce the risk of infections and serious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.

📝 Final Thoughts

Taking care of your new tattoo isn’t just about applying cream — it’s about treating your whole body with care. Eat anti-inflammatory foods, drink healing teas, and follow proper aftercare to help your skin bounce back fast and keep your tattoo looking sharp and vibrant.

And remember, always choose a safe and trusted place to get your ink. Your skin — and your health — are worth it.

SEE MORE ARTICLES