My first tattoo is still my favourite, but if I could go back in time, I’d do a few things differently.
When I was 15, my sister and I somehow coerced our mom to sign off on matching UFO tattoos on the inside of our left wrists (because we’re from the same Mother Ship—get it?).
Every time I catch a glimpse of it, I remember exactly how giddy and excited we were to have matching ink for life. Even though some people think it looks more like a fried egg than an alien spacecraft, I wouldn’t change a thing about the design.
What I would change, however, is how I took care of it. At 15, I was too cool for sunscreen and didn’t know a thing about proper tattoo maintenance. As a result, my little UFO has faded and will definitely need some touching up.
Tattoos aren’t just ink on skin—they’re art. And tattooed skin needs extra protection and care. Most traditional lotions aren’t made with tattoos in mind, and many contain synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good.
That’s where INKED comes in. LAKE+MAIN’s newest essential is packed with nature’s best protectants, designed to hydrate, soothe, and preserve your ink—whether it’s fresh or years old.
Nature’s Best for Your Ink – Key Ingredients in INKED
Helichrysum Oil: Fighting Fading & Oxidative Stress
Whether your skin is freshly tatted, or you’ve had your ink for years, oxidative stress can be a huge factor in fading and general skin damage. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that damage our skin by breaking down collagen and altering pigments.
Poor hydration, UV exposure, and pollution can speed up tattoo fading by breaking down ink particles within the skin. They also weaken the skin’s structure, causing tattoos to lose their sharpness and vibrancy over time. The good news? You can protect your ink with the right care.
Meet Helichrysum Oil, also known as the Everlasting Flower, a Mediterranean plant famous for its skin-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s why it’s a tattoo-care essential:
- Prevents Tattoo Fading – Packed with antioxidants, Helichrysum helps neutralize free radicals, keeping your ink crisp and defined.
- Boosts Skin Repair – Known for its wound-healing abilities, it speeds up skin regeneration, reducing scarring and irritation.
- Keeps Skin Hydrated & Healthy – Helichrysum supports moisture retention, preventing dry, flaky skin that can make tattoos look dull.
Carrot Seed Oil: The Natural UV Shield
Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits behind tattoo fading. UV rays break down tattoo pigments, causing blurring, patchy fading, and dullness—especially for black and vibrant tattoos. And since the sun also dries out the skin, it speeds up premature aging and ink degradation.
That’s why Carrot Seed Oil is a must-have in your tattoo aftercare routine (check out our Ingredient Bible, and you’ll find it in a ton of other LAKE+MAIN staples). Loaded with Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, it helps protect and nourish your skin naturally:
- Shields Against UV Damage – Contains natural SPF properties to minimize the effects of sun exposure.
- Strengthens the Skin Barrier – Helps lock in moisture, keeping tattooed skin smooth and supple.
- Reduces Free Radical Damage – Antioxidants work to keep ink looking fresh and sharp for longer.
Chamomile Oil: Soothe & Protect Fresh Tattoos
Getting a tattoo is an experience—but let’s be honest, it puts your skin through a lot. A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, making it extra sensitive to moisture loss, bacteria, and irritation. The first few weeks are critical for proper healing, which means avoiding synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and sun exposure.
Enter Chamomile Oil, a gentle yet powerful healer that helps your skin recover naturally:
- Calms Redness & Swelling – Rich in bisabolol, chamomile helps reduce inflammation and irritation from the tattooing process.
- Supports Skin Healing – Strengthens the skin barrier, ensuring your tattoo retains moisture and vibrancy.
- Prevents Infection – Natural antimicrobial properties keep tattooed skin clean and healthy while it heals.
How to Keep Your Tattoos Bold & Vibrant—Naturally
Caring for your tattoo doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few simple steps can make a big difference:
✅ Apply INKED Tattoo Serum daily to clean, dry skin for hydration and protection.
✅ Avoid synthetic ingredients that clog pores or trigger irritation.
✅ Pair with sunscreen year-round for tattoos to really stand the test of time.
Try INKED Today—Your Future Self Will Thank You
Tattoos tell a story on your skin—and I don’t know about you, but I want mine to stay bold enough for my grandkids to ask about. With the right care, your ink can stay as vibrant and defined as the day you got it.
INKED Tattoo Serum is the perfect example of how a little self care can compound overtime, protecting your skin, your story, for years to come.
