Recently, an increasing number of people have begun getting temporary tattoos. They’re an ideal option for those who want to experiment with designs before making a permanent commitment. However, some are questioning the safety of this trend.
What Makes a Tattoo Permanent?
Semi permanent tattoos are an ideal solution for those who desire the aesthetic of a permanent tattoo but don’t quite feel ready to commit. They last 8-18 days, making them suitable for special events like Halloween or Thanksgiving as well as birthdays, weddings and fundraisers. Temporary tattoos such as stick-on tattoos or henna art can also be purchased, though these come with their own risks and drawbacks.
One of the biggest factors in shortening a tattoo’s life is poor aftercare. You should wash the area where your design was inked regularly and refrain from activities like swimming or exercising for several weeks after getting inked. Additionally, keep the area dry for two weeks after getting a tattoo as this helps promote faster healing time. Additionally, wearing sunscreen to protect from UV rays will be a wise idea for added protection. Sun exposure can damage tattoo ink, fading it over time. To maximize longevity of your design, it’s best to get it placed somewhere that won’t get exposed as often to UV rays. This way, your design won’t fade as quickly and will look new for longer. Another factor that may reduce a tattoo’s longevity is using lotion or makeup before application. These substances clog your skin and prevent ink from adhering properly, thus decreasing its longevity.
The Process
Tattooing is an art and science combination. It involves inserting a needle into your dermis (the layer between skin and muscle), dispersing ink into it. As soon as the needle pierces your dermis, it causes an inflammatory reaction which sends cells to the wound site where they absorb the ink before forming new skin cells. tattoos typically use one color of ink to depict an image, though more complex designs may be created. All colors must meet FDA standards for safety and must adhere to those set for food, drug and cosmetic pigments. Inks also contain drying agents, extenders and pigments which prevent fading or discoloring.
Not only are these waterproof and reusable, but they’re also easy to take off again if desired. The initial step in producing a temporary tattoo is creating a stencil with your desired design. A rubber squeegee is then used to force ink through the openings of the stencil onto a printing screen. Next, the tattoo design is transferred onto a backing paper coated with transfer film. This can either be composed of gelatin or vinyl alcohol and designed to hold an image during printing while being flexible enough to slide off once applied to skin. Once the tattoo image has been printed onto backing paper, the film is coated with a non-stick silicone release coating to help separate it from the paper. After application to skin, lightly dampen with water for better image transfer. After a few minutes, the transfer film softens and the tattoo image can easily peel away from its backing paper and onto your skin.
The Ink
This layer protects against outside elements while giving off skin color and renewing itself over time. Tattoo ink typically consists of pigments, agents and lacquers. Inks typically contain chemicals which are soluble only in water or solvents. Unfortunately, they lack the vibrant hues of water-based inks, and they’re hard to remove after drying – so these should only be used for detailed or intricate designs. Semi permanent tattoos, which have become increasingly popular, use a new type of ink that fades after some time. While these tattoos cannot replace traditional permanent ink, they provide an effective alternative to flaky transfers and other temporary inks that fade after several weeks. Contrary to temporary tattoos, which typically last only a few weeks, semi permanent tattoos are meant to last nine to 15 months. Although not a replacement for permanent tattoos, it’s still best to consult a medical professional before having one done. Ephemeral’s ink was developed by chemical engineers Vandan Shah and Brennal Pierre, whom they met while studying at New York University. Over six years, the duo worked on developing 50 formulations that break down over time and eventually disappear from skin contact. Ephemeral Tattoos typically fade after nine to 15 months, but some customers have reported lasting results that extend past that. In a February email to customers, CEO Jeffrey Liu expressed his dissatisfaction with some customers’ results after that long.
The Artist
Tattoos offer people the opportunity to express themselves artistically. They may express passions or commemorate an important event. Whatever their reason may be, tattoos provide a boost of self-assurance and help define an individual’s individual identity. Semi permanent tattoos are an increasingly popular trend that provides a temporary alternative to traditional body art. These tattoos are made with different materials than regular sticker tattoos and use ink that is specially designed to last longer on the skin. Furthermore, these stickers have been specifically designed to look real and authentic, making them an ideal option for those who are wary of getting permanent tattoos but want to explore different designs before committing. This helps reduce the risk of infection while shielding the design from scratches, scrapes, or other injuries. Furthermore, the ointment acts as an intermediary between skin and ink. Once your tattoo artist has applied the ointment, they will remove it. You can ask them to clean up any mess and apply either a towel or hot towel as a soothing agent for the area. When selecting the design of your tattoo, your artist can advise you on which direction is ideal for your skin type and which colors to select. They will then work to apply your tattoo in the ideal location. Choosing an area of the body where there tends to be a lot of friction, such as hands or feet, is especially crucial when considering where the ink will stay for how long. The artist can also demonstrate how ink will fade with age and suggest the best color choices.
