Tattoo Ink

During the tattooing process, tattoo ink is placed into the dermis layer underneath the skin in order to create a permanent marking. Metal needles are used during this process to deposit the ink. Tattoo ink contains a dye or pigment which is suspended in a solvent known as a carrier.

Tattoo ink carriers may contain such ingredients as witch hazel, glycerin, and propylene glycol.The carrier allows the pigment to suspend evenly and prevents clumping. A carrier is also used because it works to disinfect the pigment solution.Tattoo ink is not regulated by the FDA and sometimes the ingredients can be sketchy. Many people decide to tattoo, and adverse reactions are reported very infrequently. Pigments in tattoo ink could possibly contain metallic oxides, carbon, or derivatives of vegetables.

Laser treatment is the only real way to effectively remove tattoo ink. The light from the laser helps to break down the pigment into small pieces which can then be naturally cleansed from the body. The pigment color or colors, size, and how long the tattoo has been there all play factors in the extent of the success of the laser treatment process. Keep in mind when getting a tattoo that it is intended to be permanent.

Black tattoo ink can be made from a heart wood extract found in Central America known as Logwood, or from magnetite crystals, wustite, bone black , and amorphous carbon, also known as soot. Brown tattoo ink is made from iron oxides mixed with clay. Red tattoo ink can actually cause more risk of allergic reactions, especially those that contain Cinnabar or Cadmium which are both highly toxic.

Some people have expressed concerns about the possibility of some tattoo ink pigments containing toxic ingredients.It's hard to be sure what exactly is in the pigment since ingredients are not required to be listed on ink bottles. Be aware that some people may experience allergic reactions, photo toxic reactions from exposure to sun, or scarring from the tattooing process. Most of the time everything goes without incident due to increased awareness and concerns about safety measures used during the modern tattoo process.