Vaseline alternative?

Hi I'm just wondering if there is an eco friendly alternative to vaseline that is safe to use during tattooing? Also I am doing a cover up on one of my coworkers throats and she used numbing cream but it wore off too fast and she was shaking by the time I finished the line work. I was wondering if it would be safe to use a numbing ointment? (Not the cream) while I do the shading and color to avoid wearing off ahain?

I'm using vaseline because i'm a lazy ass, but do a search in the forums and you'll find many alternatives.
MalligaMallan uses some bee products, ans some coconut oil i think but let's see what she has to say.

Peace,

DKJ

I will answer later tonight!

Thebenniebabyninja said:

Hi I'm just wondering if there is an eco friendly alternative to vaseline that is safe to use during tattooing? Also I am doing a cover up on one of my coworkers throats and she used numbing cream but it wore off too fast and she was shaking by the time I finished the line work. I was wondering if it would be safe to use a numbing ointment? (Not the cream) while I do the shading and color to avoid wearing off ahain?

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There are lidocaine sprays that can be used after the skin is broken. Vasocaine is a popular one and I've had good results with B-Numb from Ink-Eeze. Don't ever use an ointment while you're tattooing. Keep that for prior to the tattoo to get you started then switch to a spray that can be used after the lining is done. Chances are that either the ointment your client used wasn't sufficient, or it wasn't on long enough beforehand. Most ointments do best when left for at least an hour. Just wash it off at the last possible minute before you prep the area to be tattooed.

First of all I want to say that I tried a number of different balms when tattooing, including Vaseline. They're all exactly the same to me, I like them all. The only thing to me that differs is the smell. The only one that acts differently is Vaseline- it clogs the needle much easier than any other balm. Therefore I never use Vaseline, only for securing the ink cup as it's much cheaper than all the other balms.

Cold pressed coconut oil is great for when tattooing on fake skin, but due to its low melting point (body temperature) it gets to watery when using it on human skin so I never do that anymore.

The one I use now is made of bees wax. Link ---> ONLINE STORE | More Bees Please
Whether it's eco friendly or not, I can't tell. You would have to ask them. They are very nice and answers all questions. When I first bought it my main concern was the hygienic procedure when making the balm, so I asked them about it and the answer is it's a very restricted procedure, so I feel completely safe using their balm. Also it smells loooovely Not bees wax as you would expect, but a minty smell

As for numbing creams - read all about it to make sure you use it properly and be aware of that it can affect the skin and make it a little "rubbery". I never use any kind of numbing cream.

MalligaMallan said:

As for numbing creams - read all about it to make sure you use it properly and be aware of that it can affect the skin and make it a little "rubbery". I never use any kind of numbing cream.

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Yeah, that is a good point to mention. It also happens with the numbing sprays. Too much and the skin gets that hard rubber feeling and can actually make the skin inflame. It makes it super super easy to overwork it because the skin is so tight and it looks like you're putting the ink in lighter than it is. So take it easy on the stuff and remember that the body is still building up that pain. Once the numbing wears off it can hit with a vengeance.

Some things to consider: Vaseline (A&D) breaks down the material in latex gloves and compromises their integrity. Not sure about Nitrile (anyone?).

Vaseline also seems to erode the stencil much quicker, especially from a thermal printer/transfer process.

I’m using inkeeze right now, but have used hustle butter and similar non-petroleum lubes. In addition to improving my stencilling techniques I am finishing big tattoos with stencil still clearly visible and locked on the skin.

whippet said:

Some things to consider: Vaseline (A&D) breaks down the material in latex gloves and compromises their integrity.

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We shouldn't confuse Vaseline and A&D ointment. Yes, A&D ointment has a petroleum base, but it's fairly low content. Vaseline is 100% petroleum. The small amount in A&D ointment isn't enough to break down your gloves (unless you're completely slathering them in it.).