Overview
For some, it's hard to remember a time when having a tattoo wasn't the norm. While originally a sign of rebellious counterculture, now you'd be hard-pressed to go a day without spotting at least one out in the wild — after all, 30 percent of Australians* now sport some kind of ink.
The prevalence of tattoos may have changed, but certain requirements around donning new ink remain the same. Namely, the need for aftercare products. It's always been essential to take care of your tattoo in order to preserve the vibrancy of the ink and keep your skin healthy. But when your options were limited to greasy balms and clinical ointments, it was easy to let this fall by the wayside. For Another Self is changing all that by turning the tables on tattoo aftercare. Offering products that are lightweight, natural and nourishing, its range of skincare could be just the solution you — and your tattoos — are looking for.
For Another Self is built around a trio of signature products, which are formulated with 100 percent organic ingredients. Every item is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones, enabling you to keep your tattoos looking vibrant and your skin nourished, without relying on harsh chemicals. It's a more conscious approach to tattoo aftercare, embracing not only the experience of being inked, but how this reflects your very personality and individuality.
"Tattoos are a form of self-expression, and we wanted to create products that celebrate that, not minimise it," For Another Self founder Luke explains. "Tattoo aftercare has been dominated by a clinical approach that doesn't resonate with the values of the new generation of tattoo lovers. Our products are made to match their mindset, authentic, organic, and designed to nurture tattoos as personal works of art."
So how can For Another Self's treatments help you avoid the more irritating parts of tattoo care? First up, there's the Tattoo Oil ($29), which should be applied daily to keep your tattoo looking fresh. This treatment is packed with antioxidant-rich sunflower oil, along with moisture-locking jojoba oil and omega-packed avocado and argan oils. This combination of oils will help to keep your skin soft, while preserving your ink and enhancing its vibrancy.
To help maintain that vibrancy, you'll also want to apply the Tattoo Balm ($29) regularly. This treatment uses shea and mango butter to deeply hydrate your skin, along with coconut and castor oil to lock in moisture. To help your ink stay bold and defined, its formula also includes hemp seed and avocado oil, along with lime and mandarin essential oils that help soothe your skin and prevent irritation. If this isn't your first time under the gun, this balm is also a great option when it comes to caring for older ink.
Then there's the Tattoo Exfoliator ($29), which should be applied roughly two to three times a week. This exfoliator helps buff away dead skin cells without stripping away moisture, ensuring your ink remains bright and defined. This treatment is a blend of ultra-hydrating shea and mango butter, along with a combo of avocado, castor and hemp seed oils to moisturise your skin. To top things off, this exfoliator has a pleasant, earthy scent, thanks to cedarwood and bergamot essential oils — because why not feel and smell good?
When used separately, these treatments will do a good job of keeping your tattoos looking fresh and your skin nourished — but combining them will go a long way to keeping your ink looking as good as new. For Another Self also offers the Ritual Kit ($69), which bundles all three products into a convenient package. After all, you're it for the long run with a tattoo, so you may as well ensure it continues to look as good as the day you got it.
For Another Self is available to purchase online, and you can save 10 percent off your next order with the promo code 'FAS10'. You can learn more here.
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Images: For Another Self