So- how does tattooing actually work?
Tattooing is essentially just the controlled process of placing pigment into a stable layer of the skin so that it remains visible for many years.
Our skin has 3 main layers:
1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
3. Subcutaneous Tissue
What happens in each layer?
What happens during tattooing?
A tattoo needle must deposit ink into the dermis. If the ink stayed only in the epidermis, it would disappear as the skin naturally sheds and replaces itself every few weeks.
As soon as ink enters the skin, the immune system responds. Special immune cells called macrophages try to remove the pigment particles and some particles are carried away through the lymphatic system, which is why tattoos often become slightly lighter as they heal. However, many particles are too large to be completely removed and stay trapped within skin cells in the dermis. Researchers have actually found that when pigment containing cells die, other immune cells will often recapture the pigment and this continual 'recycling' helps tattoos persist for decades! Isn't science crazy?!
Why does ink sometimes fade?
Tattoos slowly change for many reasons.
As mentioned above, some pigment particles get gradually removed by immune cells. Sunlight damages pigment and skin cells, which is why we will always recommend a strong SPF is used on all healed tattoos and skin.
Skin aging can also alter the structure of the dermis, this is why older tattoos can look softer, blurrier or lighter.
Certain ink colours can sometimes break down more easily than others.