Steriwash Pro-Team Member

💁🏼‍♀️ Let’s talk AFTERCARE!
As you all know, I’m Anti-Piercing Guns. Cattle tagging, blunt force trauma, & subpar jewelry isn’t okay. But, their aftercare…sigh.
(A particularly known Mall Chain's) Main Ingredients: Claiming “rapid”. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Let’s be honest, healing is healing.

*BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE:
• “was deferred from further rulemaking in the 2019 FDA Final Rule on safety and effectiveness of consumer hand sanitizers, "to allow for the ongoing study and submission of additional safety and effectiveness data necessary to make a determination"
-via Wikipedia
• “while a benzalkonium chloride-based sanitizer, because of its bleaching attribute, tends to fade away the beautiful color of any fabric you spill it on.”
-via penquinhealthco
• “benzalkonium chloride is a sensitizer especially dangerous for people with asthma or skin conditions such as eczema.”
-via ewg.org
• “Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is one of the most frequently used QACs known to cause toxic effects on the skin, eyes, and the airways”
-via NCBI

*POTASSIUM SORBATE:
• A preservative used to suppress formation of molds and yeasts in foods, wines and personal care products. In-vitro studies suggest that it is toxic to DNA and has a negative affect on immunity.
-via honestweight.coop
•”Food and chemical toxicology reports have labeled potassium sorbate as a carcinogen, showing positive mutation results in the cells of mammals. Other studies have shown broad systemic and toxic effects on non-reproductive organs in animals. No long term studies have ever been initiated on either animals or humans, so there is simply not enough evidence to theorize what could happen after years of ingesting this preservative. However, based on short-term carcinogenic and toxic effects, is it worth the risk to find out?”
-via sophieuliano
AKA: hazardous corrosive used in fertilizers, rust-proofing, detergents, and more.

STERIWASH is safe and a fully shelf-stable product. It contains the same safe percent of saline, already in the human body, and does not cause stinging or burning. No added drugs or preservatives, vegan friendly.
There’s no reason to add bleach or corrosive additives to heal your wounds. Hospitals don't use bleach in wound care, neither should you! 

SteriWash is as simple as a quick burst 2X a day, no twisting, turning, Q-tips, or cotton balls!

SIDE NOTE: Not only do I purchase Aftercare spray from them, but also PREP! Stiletto Piercing Packs are sterilized individual piercing pouches that permit me to provide you with the perfect aseptic technique! (Gauze, Q-tips, alcohol & iodine packs)

Desert Palms Emu Oil

Desert Palms Emu Ranch emu oil is a natural alternative to aftercare for piercings.

I highly suggest it to help rid of piercing "bumps" (aka Hypertrophic Swelling & at times mistaken for keloids).
I also highly recommend it (in most cases, in addition to Steriwash) for Daith Piercings, Nipple Piercings, Navel Piercings, Vertical Labrets, tongue piercings, & those with dry skin. 

"Our oil is fully refined and is suitable for pharmaceutical usage. (not all emu oils are) Even though it is an oil, it has been proven that emu oil does not clog the pores, therefore allowing the skin to breath during the healing process. (unlike most commercially made aftercare products that are petroleum based) Studies have shown that emu oil penetrates through all layers of the skin and is rich in nutrients (essential fatty acids) that feed the skin to aid in new cell development that can help hasten the healing process.   Emu oil  is also a natural emollient keeping the skin moist and pliable."

"Emu Oil comes from a layer of fat of the Emu, a bird native to Australia. It has been used for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, bruises, and as a pain reliever for bone, muscle, and joint disorders.

Emu Oil is approx. 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid which has an anti-inflammatory effect on dermal tissue, an identifiable anti-degenerative effect on skin cells, and a natural absorption to the skin. Emu Oil also has approx. 20% linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, which is known to temporarily ease joint pain. Emu Oil also has linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Emu Oil is almost 100% triglyceride in nature, meaning that it is almost a completely neutral lipid. There is also a lack of phospholipids, which explains Emu Oil’s high penetrating qualities since the human skin is naturally phospholipids deficient. Emu oil acts as a unique transdermal carrier because of its deep penetrating ability.

Despite the fact it is oil, Emu Oil has been clinically proven to be a non-pore clogging substance. Emu Oil penetrates the skin layers very quickly, leaving no greasy residue. There have been no known allergic reactions from Emu Oil in studies.

Emu Oil has been shown in studies to aid in reducing scar formation in burn wounds, surgical incisions and other topical skin abrasions. With its natural anti-inflammatory properties, studies have shown Emu Oil to aid in relief of arthritic pain. Emu Oil also significantly reduces recent keloid scarring. Studies have also shown that Emu Oil will strengthen the skin, give it more elasticity, and reduce unwanted pigmentation."

- From Desert Palms Emu Oil Website (https://desertpalmsemu.com)

For Stretching
Apply emu oil daily as needed on clean surface with clean hands. Emu oil will keep area moist and pliable. Helps prevent tears and blow-outs on ear stretching. Put a drop of emu oil on larger gauge jewelry before insertion to ease discomfort and increase slide.

From The Piercing Bible:

For the care of healing and troubled piercings, emu oil has proved itself superior to all the other products I’ve advocated throughout my career. Yes, emu, as in the big flightless bird. Aboriginal people in Australia have used emu oil on wounds for centuries. Today it is used by massage therapists, dermatologists, other medical practitioners, and piercers, for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and wound-healing properties. I believe emu oil is safe and effective enough that it could become the norm for post-piercing care, at least among non-vegetarians. I know I’ve advised against miracle products, but if there is such a thing, in my opinion, emu oil is it.

Emu oil is safe even for use inside the mouth, and no, it doesn’t taste like dead bird, or like anything at all. A natural food by-product, high-quality emu oil is odorless and tasteless. It is considered hypoallergenic, and I haven’t witnessed any negative responses to it. No adverse reactions or toxicity have been reported in the scientific literature.1 Laboratory studies show that emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties2, and in its pure state, emu oil is bacteriostatic(restricts the growth and activity of microorganisms).3

Emu oil is high in essential fatty acids and keeps your skin moisturized. This establishes favorable conditions: healing is three to five times faster and less painful in a moist environment. Pure emu oil does not clog pores, and it does not prevent air circulation like petroleum-based products. The emollients help keep secretions from drying and adhering to the skin or jewelry, which cuts down on crusting, trauma, and discomfort. Even though it is called “oil,” it is more like a lotion. It rubs in well and does not leave a greasy residue. Emu oil feels extremely soothing the instant you put it on. These pleasant attributes help to encourage regular applications.

Emu oil is also economical because you apply only a tiny dab. It is easy to use:

• Shake the bottle
• Two to three times daily, rub a single drop onto the piercing with a clean or gloved finger

You can use it in conjunction with saline soaks, though many piercees have had excellent results healing with emu oil as the sole care product. Studies have shown that emu oil penetrates the skin, which resolves any debate over rotating the jewelry.

I also suggest applications of emu oil on the tissue of any piercing that is being stretched. Research has shown it can thicken skin, so it may be especially helpful for thinning tissue.4

Different manufacturers produce emu oils of varying qualities, and it may not perform equally well in all climates. I once tried an inferior brand that did smell and taste like a big, dead bird. Use only certified fully refined oil on piercings. The idea of suggesting oil for piercings seemed appalling after years of preaching against the use of ointment. All I can say is, “This is different!” "

Don't forget: Downsizing is an important step in your overall healing process! 

Downsizing is a very important & sometimes overlooked process of switching your initial jewelry length to a shorter post, after the initial swelling has dissipated.
It’s very important to downsize your jewelry in order to avoid potential complications, such as irritations, bumps, and/or odd angles, etc, as your piercing continues to heal.
Being aware of & following through with downsizing, through the time recommendation of your piercer, can make all the difference in the long-term success of your piercing.
But, ...when? Typically 6-9 weeks following your initial piercing...give or take, depending on how you heal as an individual & the piercing received.
If you notice your piercing is irritating you, or your jewelry is moving around a bit, it’s likely time for you to come in for a downsizing. In fact, nearly everyone should come in for a downsizing to get their perfect forever fit.
Reference the photo image of the last downsizing I performed. The left is how your jewelry should appear previous to downsizing, after the initial swelling period your piercer suggested to be patient during, has bypassed. This is not how it should remain long term! This is a good example of when to send the message to request a downsize. The right is how your jewelry should fit following downsizing.
A longer labret post is necessary to prevent imbedding & other complications during the initial heal. A downsized labret will not only provide the ultimate fit & comfort, but also prevent snagging &/or lost of your topper due to such, irritation "piercing" bumps/bubbles, & overall healing at the correct angle.
Don't overlook this necessary step in your healing process!
•
At Hocus Poke'Us Piercing Studio, I offer my downsizing service at no additional cost, aside from your new perfectly fitting jewelry. You don’t have to purchase a new topper to downsize...just the implant grade titanium flat back labret post (unless you want a total change up, of course!) ~by appointment~

OTHER THINGS FOR THAT PERFECT HEAL:

• Drink lots of water
• Eat healthy
• Get ample sleep
• Up your vitamins and minerals; such as A, B, C, D, E, & Iron, Zinc

• Downsize your labret

• Don't sleep on your piercings (TIP: place a travel pillow on top of your regular pillow. Place your ear in the "neck" opening.)

• Don't touch or play with your piercing

Healing any wound is dependent on your Piercer’s Technique, placement, & quality of jewelry…though equally dependent on your overall well being, health, & immunity! Be sure to take good care of you!!!