Tattoos have been around for a very long time. Originally used in tribal societies to indicate certain stages of life or passages, tattoos have evolved in modern culture. A tattoo is essentially a form of body modification that is made by using indelible ink that is inserted into the dermis layer of the skin by way of a needle. This ink then changes the pigment of the skin. Tattoos are meant to be permanent which is why it is important to truly consider all aspects of a tattoo before getting one. However, mistakes happen whether the tattoo is not done correctly or a symbolic meaning behind a tattoo is no longer relevant. This is where tattoo removal processes come into play. Unfortunately the removal of a tattoo can be long and drawn out and can be painful as well. There are multiple ways to get rid of a tattoo. Some people tattoo over the bad one allowing it to take on a new meaning, others have it removed by lasers. There are also tattoo removal creams out there that claim to help get rid of tattoos fast. So, how does tattoo removal cream work and does it actually work? These are important questions to consider before deciding how to get rid of a tattoo.
How Tattoos Work
Tattoos are not easy to get rid of and that is because of their inherent nature. Once the initial injection of ink has been made the pigment is then dispersed throughout the damaged layer all the way down to the epidermis and upper dermis. This presence of this ink activates the immune system because it is a foreign body. The Phagocytes of the immune system then engulf the pigment particles. As the tattoo heals the damaged epidermis then flakes away which ultimately gets rid of the surface pigment of the tattoo. However, deeper into the skin the granulation tissue forms. This then converts into connective tissue when collagen grows. The upper dermis then heals however the pigment from the ink remains trapped within certain fibers of the skin known as fibroblasts. The presence of the ink material is stable, however over time the pigment will migrate deeper into the dermis. This is why older tattoos look degraded. By understanding how tattoos essentially work you can gain a better understanding of how to remove them.
Tattoo Removal Cream
There are a plethora of tattoo removal creams available from a variety of places. Unfortunately a lot of these creams make claims and are unable to deliver on them. Tattoo creams are popular because it is the least invasive method for attempted removal of a tattoo. Usual tattoo removal processes include laser treatments which in addition to being considerably painful can also take a long time. A tattoo cannot be removed in one visit, so it is costly to go multiple times. Other methods include having tattoo overlay on the unwanted tattoo, however this can be expensive and in some cases may not even be possible. This is where tattoo removal creams come into play. Each cream claims to be the best and most effective. However studies and research have shown that no tattoo removal cream actually gets rid of a tattoo. Over time the cream may be able to fade the tattoo, but due to the nature of tattoos and the body’s immune system response that essentially leads to the immortality of the tattoo it is impossible remove with cream. The cream is unable to get down to the deeper layers of skin and penetrate where the ink material is still found. So, basically because the cream cannot get to the deeper layers of skin then it is unable to get rid of the tattoo. The fading cream may allow for a fading reaction of the tattoo as it permeates the epidermis layer of the skin. However, some creams can wreak more havoc as they can irritate, burn, and in some cases even cause scarring in the area.
To answer the question, does tattoo removal cream work? You need to have an understanding of how tattoos work in conjunction with how the removal cream works. So, because the cream cannot reach the deeper layers of skin where the ink is settled there is no way that the cream can get rid of a tattoo. However, this does not mean that the cream cannot ensure that the tattoo fades. If you truly want to get rid of a tattoo then you will need to consult a tattoo removal professional.
Important Note: Always consult your physician before using any tattoo removal cream. The material provided on this website is for educational purposes only, and not intended to replace the advice of your physician.