If you have tattoos and are concerned that they will fade or disappear over time, then this may be of interest to you.
Why do tattoos fade or disappear over time?
One of the reasons why tattoos tend to fade over time is due to the technique used to create them.
According to Paula Torres Camacho, a dermatologist from UNAM, the technique using micro-needles can cause significant inflammation, and as a result, leave a noticeable scar. This makes it so that the tattoo does not remain on the skin, but rather fades away.
Another factor that can cause tattoos to fade is a lack of moisturization and the use of sunscreen. Since the skin with a tattoo undergoes cellular renewal, the ink becomes superficial and fades away over time.
Why do tattoos fade?
It’s a little-known fact that tattoos age with us, almost from the moment they’re applied to our skin. During the healing process that follows a tattoo, our immune system tries to break down the pigment particles. Due to their size, it’s not very successful. The millions of remaining pigment particles make up the tattoo artwork.
Since there’s no way to stop time, we have to live with a faded tattoo after decades in which our immune system has been slowly breaking it down. Another factor that contributes to fading is exposure to the sun. Sun exposure can change the appearance of the pigment in our skin, causing it to shift to a different tone from the original color or, often, to a lighter tone.
Those who work outdoors often see an accelerated rate of tattoo fading. The style of the tattoo also plays a role in the speed or slowness with which it fades. Thicker lines, bold and saturated colors often remain brighter and more vibrant for longer periods of time compared to tattoos with finer lines.
This is partly due to the appearance of larger tattoos, which receive less attention to their complexities, unlike subtle gray wash pieces or fine lines. Tattoo inks are also a unique factor that contributes to the speed of fading. It doesn’t mean that one brand of ink is superior, but the composition of the ink combined with the application could contribute to the fading of the tattoo.
General skin care can also play an important role. Areas of high friction, such as the elbow and foot, typically show excessive fading very quickly. There are some simple preventive measures that can reduce the amount of fading of a tattoo.
Proper sun protection is the most important, blocking the tattoo from direct and prolonged exposure is ideal, but not always possible. Zinc-based sunscreen applied correctly and frequently can be an excellent alternative when physical coverage is not possible. A healthy diet with nutrient-rich foods and plenty of water every day will also help to delay the fading of your tattoos.
Why can’t tattoos be erased? Scientific explanation
Our body is unable to eliminate the wounds caused by tattooing.
Tattoos are today a way to decorate our body. Arms, legs, back… are countless sites where we can find these works on our body.
Although we may think that it’s a fashion trend that’s only a few years old, people with tattoos have been found dating back over 5,200 years. The tattoo gun was initially invented by Edison to pierce paper, but later Samuel O’Reilly adapted it to pierce our skin and leave the ink behind.
Scientists have raised several questions about tattoos since our skin is constantly renewing itself. Within a month, the cells that make up our skin will not be the same as the ones we have now. The way tattoos are made is quite simple.
The tattoo artist uses their tattoo gun to introduce ink into the dermis (the second layer of skin behind the epidermis), which regenerates continuously, causing skin cells to shed. That’s why a tattoo that’s very superficial would eventually disappear.
Another factor that makes tattoos permanent is that when we introduce ink into our skin, it creates a wound that our white blood cells attack, absorbing all the foreign particles that appear. The molecules of ink that remain in our skin are too large for white blood cells to remove, which is why a tattoo is permanent.
Risks of getting a tattoo
One of the risks of getting a tattoo is contracting a blood-borne infection. Since, in inadequate hygiene conditions, it is possible to acquire an infection such as:
- Hepatitis
- Herpes simplex
- Human papillomavirus
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Another risk of getting a tattoo is the possibility of developing an inflammatory or rejection reaction to the ink. This is due, according to the academic, to the fact that a tattoo is a laceration on the skin.
That is, a wound that is created in such a way that through micro-needles, the ink is deposited in the different layers of the skin, mainly in the dermis, so that it remains over time. However, sometimes the cells identify the ink as something foreign and generate this reaction.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
