Tattooing is an ancient art form dating back over 5,000 years, with Ötzi the Iceman among the earliest examples. Ötzi, “the European Tyrolean Iceman who died and was buried beneath an Alpine glacier along the Austrian–Italian border around 3250 B.C. …had 61 tattoos across his body, including his left wrist, lower legs, lower back and torso.” (1)
My own tattoos have been deeply personal experiences, each with different meanings and stories attached, and for nearly a decade now, I have been using my own handmade balm for tattoo aftercare. As any tattoo artist will tell you, proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for healing! It is generally recommended that you gently wash with a mild soap (Changeling baby soap works well!), pat dry, and then apply a thin layer of ointment. Tattoo Goo has certainly dominated the market for some time, but for those looking for an all-natural, handmade, and local option, I am thrilled to now offer Sigil, a soothing balm with calendula and lavender.
I absolutely adore using calendula in my skincare, as it is exceptionally effective yet gentle enough for all skin types (read more about calendula’s benefits here!), and have seen great results with my own tattoo’s healing!
- Scallan, Marilyn. “Ancient ink: Iceman Otzi has the world’s oldest tattoos.” [pub. 2015] https://www.si.edu/stories/ancient-ink-iceman-otzi-has-worlds-oldest-tattoos
