Piercing aftercare is an essential part of ensuring your new body art heals properly. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) provides comprehensive guidelines to help you take care of your piercing, and selecting the right products can make all the difference in your healing process. We offer several options that can complement your aftercare routine while aligning with a commitment to all-natural wellness.
As a reminder, it’s always best to consult with a professional piercer who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.
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The Importance of Proper Piercing Aftercare
A fresh piercing is essentially an open wound that requires meticulous care to heal properly and avoid complications like infections, scarring, or prolonged healing times. Following a strict aftercare regimen ensures that your piercing remains clean and free from irritants, promoting a smooth healing process.
The APP recommends using sterile saline solutions specifically designed for wound care. They advise against using harsh chemicals, alcohol, and antibacterial and synthetic soaps that can over-dry and irritate the healing tissue. This is where Dr. Bronner’s comes into play.
Why Use Dr. Bronner’s as a Piercing Cleaner?
Our products are renowned for their organic and biodegradable ingredients, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to care for their piercings with gentle, natural products. They avoid synthetic detergents, preservatives, and foaming agents, which can be harmful to sensitive skin, particularly around a new piercing.
How to Integrate Dr. Bronner’s Products into Your Aftercare Routine
Before Caring for Your Piercing
Keeping your hands clean before touching or cleaning your piercing is crucial to avoid introducing bacteria. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer, which uses organic ethanol, glycerin, and essential oils, is a quick and effective way to sanitize your hands before handling your piercing. Simply spray the sanitizer on your hands before touching your piercing. Let it dry completely before proceeding with your cleaning routine.
How to Clean Your Piercing with Pure-Castile Soap
This multi-purpose soap is made with organic oils and is free from synthetic preservatives and detergents. For piercings, it’s important to use the Unscented variety, which is the gentlest option available. The APP advises against using harsh soaps and antibacterials on healing piercings, so our Unscented option is a good choice because of its mild formulation.
- Dilute the soap: Mix a few drops of the soap in a large amount of water (about a 1:10 ratio) to create a gentle cleansing solution.
- Gently clean around the piercing: After thoroughly washing your hands, use a clean, disposable cotton pad soaked in the diluted soap solution to gently clean around the piercing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue, as leftover soap can irritate the healing tissue.
Moisturizing Your Piercing with Dr. Bronner’s Organic Coconut Oil
Moisturizing is an often overlooked, yet important, part of piercing aftercare. Once your piercing has entered the latter stages of healing, applying a thin layer of natural oil can help keep the skin around the piercing soft and hydrated, reducing the risk of itching or cracking.
- Wait until the initial swelling and irritation have subsided, typically after a few weeks.
- Use clean hands or a disposable applicator to apply a small amount of Dr. Bronner’s Organic Coconut Oil around the piercing site. Avoid getting the oil directly into the piercing and be sure to blot away any excess.
What to Avoid in Your Piercing Aftercare Routine
It’s important to follow the APP’s advice and avoid using Dr. Bronner's in certain ways during the initial healing phase:
- Do not use Dr. Bronner’s soap directly on the piercing without diluting it.
- Avoid using scented versions of Dr. Bronner’s soaps on your piercing, as these could cause slight irritation.
- Refrain from using any oils on your piercing until the initial healing phase is complete to avoid clogging the area or trapping bacteria.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Healing Process
- Stay consistent with your cleaning routine. Consistency is key to preventing infections and promoting faster healing.
- Protect your piercing from environmental factors, such as sweat, dirt, and friction, by wearing loose, breathable clothing and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Listen to your body. If you notice unusual pain, prolonged redness, or signs of infection, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider promptly.
By carefully incorporating Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap, Organic Coconut Oil, and Organic Hand Sanitizer into your piercing aftercare routine, you can support your body’s natural healing process while minimizing the risk of complications.
