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9 Surprising Things That Ruin Your Tattoo

Updated: Jun 6, 2023

Lets assume that everyone reading this has taken a well informed and smart decision of studying your tattoo artist and his/her work, before choosing to get inked by them. It goes without saying that the artist portfolio and credentials should speak volumes about their work. Most definitely do check the clients reviews before you go ahead with getting something permanently inked on your skin.

So you've done your homework - decided where you want to get tattooed, the artist from whom you want the tattoo and the kind of design you want - but there are these surprizing things you did not know are going to ruin your tattoo if not addressed right away or take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.



1. INK ALLERGY

No one can know if they are allergic to tattoo inks until after they get their first tattoo.

However if you already have skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, it is best to avoid the risk of getting a tattoo or speak to your tattoo artist about how to get one and avoid any complications.

A lot of people come to me with a request for some colour in their tattoos but my advise is to best avoid them. Over the years, traditional ink manufacturers have incorporated heavy metals such as barium and copper into their pigments to create a widening palette of colors, and neurotoxic agents like cadmium, lead and arsenic have been documented in some inks in high concentrations. For example; Cadmium, which makes yellow color, is the number one tattoo allergen.

Black pigment is the safest known pigment. At Moths and Owls tattoos we only use premium ink - Dynamic Black Ink


Features:

Professional Quality Pre-Dispersed Inks: Proudly made in the USA, Dynamic Color provides premium quality tattoo ink with the most impressive pigment content in the business. Noted for its smooth flow rate, this inks is up to piece — from precise detail work to outlining and shading.

Authentic and Hygienic: Dynamic Color inks arrive in crystal clear PET bottles with a Dynamic logo anti-counterfeiting coating. Even the heat seals, which secure a sterilized product, holds the Dynamic Color stamp of approval.

Time-Tested, Reliable Healing: Say goodbye to stubborn healing processes or unhappy clients. Dynamic Color tattoo inks go in smooth and heal vibrantly for a noticeably vivid results that can stand the test of time.

Bold, Bright, Long Lasting Colors

Vegan: Dynamic tattoo inks are safe on the skin, better for the environment, and ultimately preferred for your overall health.

Never Tested on Animals!



2. EXPOSURE TO SUN

Upon direct exposure to the Sun, its ultra violet rays can penetrate down to the layers of skin where your tattoo pigment resides, having an unwarranted effect on the tattoo. This can cause you tattoo to fade faster as time flies. I recommend lathering on a sunscreen containing zinc or titanium whenever your tattoo will be exposed to sunshine.



3. AGING AND OTHER BODY CHANGES


Our skin changes -

a) When we age

b) when we lose or gain weight

Depending on where one decides to get a tattoo, that could have major implications.

Some of the best locations are ones which are on areas of the skin which tend to be sun protected and not as susceptible to weight change such as the mid lower back, back of the neck, chest, and inner upper arm. These are the safest areas but other less exposed areas are also a great second option provided you are diligent enough to wear sunblock.





4. LACK OF SKIN HYDRATION


Your skin needs to always be well hydrated and moisturized to look great and to age well. I would recommend a ceramide based moisturizer since it penetrates to the deep layers of skin where the pigments reside. These moisturizers reach and replenish the elastin fibers which hold the tattoo pigments in place and prevent them from migrating into the surrounding tissues. This further minimizes the spreading of tattoos and blurring.





5. SMOKING



As we all know how smoking is detrimental to the health of our skin and makes it dry and age faster. This happens because smoking is known to reduce the fibroblast activity of the skin tissues because of which collagen production decreases. This results in the skin tissues being unhealthy causing the tattoo pigments to bleed out.









6. PICKING AT THE SCABS

Peeling or picking at the scab formed over a healing tattoo will lead to premature scabbing of and it will hamper the final outcome of the tattoo. Picking may lead to secondary infection of the tattoo as well as scarring leading to changed appearance of the final tattoo. This is in no way in the control of the tattoo artist.


I cannot stress enough, that tattooing is only 50 percent of the job and the rest 50 percent depends on how you take care of your tattoo while it is healing,






7. DRENCHING IN WATER


It is okay to get the tattoo wet, but avoid prolonged submersion in water for a few weeks. Anything more than a couple of minutes is not okay.

You especially do not want to go into the ocean, a pool, or Jacuzzi while the tattoo and skin are healing. It can introduce bacteria to your still-healing tattoo and cause a potentially dangerous infection.


8. NOT FOLLOWING YOUR TATTOO ARTISTS' INSTRUCTIONS

Want to avoid a severe infection or just keep that tattoo beautiful? Do not pay heed to what your uncle, cousin, bff or bae tells you to do, for the "best healing" of your tattoo. Listen to only and only your tattoo artists' instructions.



9. OVER CLEANSING

Cleansing your skin is really important, but just as important (if not more) is how you're cleansing. Over cleansing will dry out the skin and when you dry the skin out actually means the barrier is not as protected as well and you can get irritation. During its healing phase, cleanse your tattoo gently and mindfully and you'll hopefully avoid premature fading, blurring, or any other adverse reactions.

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