Just when you thought you had heard all the tattoo removal slogans, we bring you the above! But what got you reading this article? If you don’t have a tattoo you want to get rid of, then perhaps you have a partner you are considering nagging about their faded tattoo. You maybe are considering getting a tattoo and want to know what you can do when it eventually does fade. If you do know of a tattoo that needs parting ways with, then you are at the right place.
The Faded Tattoo
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Tattoos are a unique concept. There are not any other ways of permanently marking your body in every colour of the rainbow that we can think of. A tattoo is a complex interplay of ink and biology. At some point, what once looked absolutely beautiful may start to look less so due to fading.
Why Do Tattoos Fade?
Over time, several factors contribute to the fading of these designs. The primary reason lies in how our skin interacts with the tattoo ink. When a tattoo is applied, ink is injected into the dermis, the second layer of skin. This placement is deep enough to be permanent, yet it’s also where the fading process begins.
Sun Exposure and Skin Health
One of the most significant factors in tattoo fading is sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can break down the pigment in tattoo ink over time. It causes the colours to fade and blur. This is particularly true for certain colours like red and yellow, which are more susceptible to UV radiation. Overall skin health plays a role in the process, too. As we age, our skin loses elasticity due to decreased collagen production. This leads to stretching and distorting of the tattoo.
The Body’s Immune Response
Interestingly, the body’s natural immune response also contributes to the fading of tattoos. When ink is injected into the dermis, it’s seen as a foreign substance, prompting the immune system to try and remove it. White blood cells, known as macrophages, attempt to absorb the ink particles and carry them away from the skin. Fortunately, for the tattoo, most ink particles are too large to be removed entirely, which is why tattoos are permanent. Over time, though, this ongoing immune response will gradually diminish the intensity of the tattoo.
Ink Quality and Tattoo Application
The quality of the ink used, and the technique of the tattoo artist are crucial in determining how well a tattoo ages. High-quality inks that are more resistant to fading and a skilled tattooist who can inject the ink at the optimal depth in the dermis can significantly prolong the life of a tattoo. If the ink is injected too shallowly, it’s more likely to fade quickly. Conversely, if it’s too deep, it can lead to ink spreading beneath the skin, blurring the design.
Individual Factors
Individual factors such as the body’s metabolic rate and lifestyle choices also play a part. A higher metabolic rate can lead to quicker fading as the body renews its cells more rapidly. Activities like swimming in chlorinated water or exposure to harsh chemicals can accelerate the fading process. Even the location of the tattoo on the body influences its longevity, with areas that experience more friction or exposure to the elements tending to fade faster. A more oily skin type has also been associated with faster fading, as has swimming in chlorinated water.
Deciding to break up with a Tattoo
People decide to remove tattoos for various reasons, and tattoos not looking like they did before are high up on the list. The question is, what can you do about it? We present Laser Tattoo Removal. We have the most effective laser systems here in clinic for safe and effective removal of tattoos. Please see our tattoo removal page to find out more. If you need to ask us anything please do get in touch. We will answer any questions you pose surrounding the tattoo removal process at The Doctors Laser Clinic.
