Make your own all-natural tattoo balm made infused with soothing calendula.
Getting a new tattoo is something of a ritual for me. I’ve used them to celebrate milestones, commiserate failure, and to help me remember the things that are most important to me. It’s been a while since my last tattoo. Right before I got pregnant with CC I had a large piece outlined on my shoulder. That was more than three years ago!
I really need to get back to the tattoo shop and have that piece colored in, but in the meantime I decided to go out the other night for a quickie. These words are from one of my childhood heroes, Jacques Cousteau. Cousteau was a famous midcentury diver and ocean explorer. My sisters and I grew up with a bookshelf full of his photos and stories.
I have always felt connected to water, and this quote also resonates with my spiritual philosophy. I look forward to having a reminder of my connectedness to the world where I can see it every day.
This recipe is pretty simple. It uses calendula-infused oil, Shea butter, and beeswax to make a semi-soft balm that is perfect for soothing a partially healed tattoo. For the first few days of your tattoo’s life it’s a good idea to follow your tattoo artist’s recommendations for after-care. My tattoo artist asked me to use A&D ointment for the first three days. After that, it’s ok to use a simple butter, oil, or natural tattoo balm to keep the area happy and conditioned until it heals completely.
Calendula Tattoo Balm
Makes about 3 ounces
Ingredients
- 1 ounce organic beeswax (or 3/4 ounce candelilla wax, if you prefer something plant-based)
- 1 ounce raw shea butter
- 1 ounce calendula oil (readymade or homemade)
Step One: Melt the beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler or in the microwave using short, 30-second bursts of heat.
Step Two: Allow the melted wax and butter to sit for up to one minute, then stir in calendula oil.
Step Three: Carefully pour melted tattoo balm into tubes or jars. Allow to cool and harden completely before use.
