In addition to water, a (warm) saline solution is also a suitable remedy for your healed piercing clean and care. You can make the product yourself (cheaper) or purchase it from Inksane. In this blog post, we explain why a saline solution is good for your piercings. On top of that, we also give you all kinds of tips and information on how to make and store a saline solution yourself.
Why clean your piercing with salt?
Please note that these are only piercings that have already healed! A fresh piercing is an open wound and heals best if you let it rest, along with good basic hygiene so that no residue (shampoo, cream, hairspray, makeup) remains. This could cause the piercing to become infected. It may happen that scabs form around the wound of the piercing despite good hygiene. To get rid of those impurities and scabs, you can use running water or a sterile saline solution (Neilmed) use. Wash your hands first before touching the piercing. That way you keep the bacteria out. Think you might have an infection but you're not sure? Definitely do not use saline solution but contact our shop in the first instance and we will look for a solution together.
Why is saline good for a healed piercing? Humans (and animals) naturally have salt stores under the skin. You may have asked yourself why tears taste so salty? Well, tear fluids are minerals largely released from that salt storage! When the skin detects inflammation or damage, that subcutaneous salt clumps together. This causes an activation of macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells that destroy bacteria and help fight infections. Saline provides stimulation of macrophage function. Crazy, right?
Sea salt is closest to one's own body fluids (plasma) and helps fight infections. It helps remove scabs and waste without making wounds. Saline solution does not cause irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin. Both water and saline do not dry out the wound, and a warm (saline) solution also stimulates blood flow. This ensures a promoting recovery and cleansing. Use the saline solution a maximum of twice a day. Should you use it more, the wound may dry out. Water you may use as much as you want.
How do you make your own saline solution for your piercing?
Simple! You need two things to make a saline solution: 250 milliliters of water (a coffee cup) and a half teaspoon of salt. The instructions are as follows:
- Sprinkle the salt (2.5 grams) into the cup
- Add 25 centiliters of hot water (not boiling!) and stir well or add cold water and stick it in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir well until the mixture is completely dissolved
- Wait a few minutes until the solution reaches an ideal and comfortable temperature
- Take a pad or cotton ball/cotton swab and dip it in the solution (should not be soaked), then gently go around the piercing and remove excess scraps and crusts
- Make sure no salt residue remains after treatment by gently going around the piercing again with a new damp cotton ball or pad
What could go wrong?
Because you are using a cotton ball/wadding pad or compress, there is a chance that your secondary wounds makes. If the piercing is not adequately cleaned and there remain salt residue behind, this may be for infections concerns.
How to make your own sea salt bath for your piercing?
You can also soak your piercing in a sea salt bath. There are other instructions for this technique:
- Sprinkle the salt (2.5 grams) into the cup
- Add 25 centiliters of hot water (not boiling!) and stir well or add cold water and stick it in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir well until the mixture is completely dissolved
- Wait a few minutes until the solution reaches an ideal and comfortable temperature
- It is now time to clean your piercing. Hang your piercing in the sea salt bath for 2 to 3 minutes and gently rotate the gem several times afterwards
- It is important to clean the piercing well afterwards, take a clean glass with lukewarm water and do the same here for 2 to 3 minutes, this way you can be sure that no salt residue remains
- To be sure, you can clean the piercing twice with lukewarm water!
What salt do you need to care for your piercing?
Not every type of salt is equally effective. To take as an example is table salt no good type to use because other ingredients are added such as iodine and anti-caking agent. It is important to purchase salt that is as unprocessed/pure as possible with no additives such as perfume or coloring because it can be irritating. You have two types of salt that are a good alternative: unprocessed sea salt and mineral salt.
How should you store sterile saline solution for piercings?
Pour the contents of the cup (or cups) into a bottle that you can seal. Store the bottle as quickly and cool possible in the refrigerator. The content is maximum 7 days shelf life. Use a new cotton ball/wadding pad or compress for each grooming session.
Where can you buy saline solution?
It is always better that you purchase a saline solution instead of making one yourself. That way you have the right composition and you get the right instructions. We do not sell saline solutions in the shop. What we do sell in our shop and webshop is Neilmed, a sterile saline solution. Neilmed is a strong detergent for piercings and has a patented spray that ensures the contents are sterile stays. Neilmed brings the PH value of the body more in balance so that the healing smoother goes. It is recommended that the drug not exceed twice a day to use. If you use it too much, the skin around the piercing will start to dry out. We recommend the product Neilmed to because the spray allows you to spray directly on the piercing due to the fine mist of the product. This way you no cotton swab and prevent further wounds. Association of Professional Piercers (APP) in the Benelux recommends this piercing spray. Neilmed can also be purchased in pharmacies.
Want to purchase Neilmed? Feel free to check out our webshop to the offerings or stop by. You can make an appointment using the button below. We look forward to seeing you!
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