Tattoos have gone mainstream. These days, one in three Americans has at least one.
But what happens when you get a tattoo? It’s a fascinating blend of art and biology, and it starts with the body’s response to having ink injected into the skin.
If you’re curious about the science of tattoo, this article will explore how tattoos become permanent, what happens in your body when you get a tattoo, what risks you should consider, and how tattoos can be removed.
The Biology of Tattoo Permanence
Why do tattoos last so long? It all comes down to where the ink ends up and how your body reacts to it.
The Dermal Deposition
When you get a tattoo, the ink doesn’t just sit on the surface of your skin. Instead, it’s injected into the dermis, which is the layer beneath the outer epidermis.
“When we get tattooed, the ink is deposited as a pigment in the dermis of our skin…” explains dermatologist Dr. Lauren Ploch.
The dermis is a more stable environment than the epidermis, which is constantly shedding skin cells. That’s one reason why tattoos don’t just fade away like temporary tattoos do.
The Immune System’s Role
Your body sees tattoo ink as a foreign substance and mounts an immune response.
“When tattoo ink enters your skin, your body recognizes it as foreign…” says dermatologist Dr. Lauren Moy.
Special immune cells called macrophages try to engulf the ink particles through a process called phagocytosis. However, they can’t fully break down the ink. Instead, the macrophages hold onto the ink, and even when they die, other macrophages come along and re-engulf the ink particles.
This “release-recapture cycle” is what makes tattoos permanent. The ink is always there, stored safely within your immune cells.
Tattoo Ink: Composition, Movement, and Reactions
Ink Composition and Allergic Reactions
Tattoo inks are made up of pigments and carrier substances. Unfortunately, these inks can sometimes cause allergic reactions. According to research, red pigments are responsible for about 78% of these reactions.
Another potential adverse effect is a pseudolymphomatous reaction, which is basically an inflammatory response that mimics lymphoma.
Ink Movement and the Lymphatic System
Here’s something you might not know: tattoo ink can move through your body. “But it does not usually travel very far,” according to Dr. Ploch.
Ink particles can be carried to your lymph nodes, and this can cause them to become discolored. In 2018, doctors reported the case of a cancer patient whose lymph nodes had become discolored from tattoo ink.
Tattoo Risks, Precautions, and Aftercare
It’s important to make sure that any needles used by the tattoo artist are sterile to avoid infections. You can help prevent a bad reaction to the tattoo with proper aftercare. This means keeping the area clean and moisturized and avoiding sun or water exposure while it’s healing.
Many people worry about getting cancer from tattoos, but there’s not much evidence of a link. As dermatologist Dr. Moy points out, “I think if tattoos were really that dire, we all would have heard about it.”
Tattoo Removal: Methods and Future Directions
So, what if you do change your mind about that ink? Here’s what you should know about tattoo removal.
Laser Tattoo Removal
The most common method for removing tattoos involves lasers. According to Ploch, lasers break down the tattoo pigment into tiny pieces.
“Most lasers on the market now essentially break apart the pigment into smaller pieces so that it can be cleared by our lymphatic system quickly and more efficiently,” she explains.
Multiple laser sessions are usually needed to completely remove a tattoo.
Emerging Removal Techniques
Researchers are also exploring new strategies for removing tattoos, such as targeting the macrophages that hold the ink. Future advancements may lead to even more effective and efficient tattoo removal techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the science behind a tattoo?
The science of tattoos boils down to a fascinating interplay of biology and physics. Tattoo machines use needles to repeatedly puncture the skin, depositing ink into the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. Because the dermis is deeper than the outer layer of skin, the ink is more-or-less permanent. The immune system recognizes the tattoo ink as a foreign substance, so immune cells try to clear the pigment. However, the ink particles are too large for the cells to digest, so the ink remains visible in the skin.
What do psychologists think of tattoos?
Psychologists have explored the motivations behind getting tattoos, often finding connections to self-expression, identity, and personal narratives. Tattoos can also be a way to reclaim control after traumatic experiences. While there was historical stigma, tattoos are now widely accepted, and psychology focuses more on understanding the individual’s reasons for choosing them.
What is the chemistry behind tattoos?
The chemistry of tattoos centers around the composition of tattoo inks. These inks are complex mixtures of pigments, which provide the color, and carrier substances, which transport the pigment into the skin. Pigments can be made from various compounds, including metals, metal salts, and organic dyes. The chemical properties of these substances influence the ink’s color, stability, and potential for allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
In conclusion
The science of tattoos is a fascinating mix of biology and technology. Understanding how your body responds to tattoos is critical for both safety and innovation in tattoo artistry.
As our understanding grows, we can anticipate advancements in both how tattoos are applied and how they can be removed, making this ancient art form even more refined and accessible.