Tattoos have been used for centuries as a form of self expression. As people become more aware of their bodies, they want to express themselves through art. Some people believe that tattoos are a way to mark important events in their lives. Others choose to get them just for fun.
But they can fade over time. There are many factors that affect the fading process and some people have better luck than others when it comes to keeping their tattoos looking fresh for years on end.
There are many reasons why tattoos fade. Some of them are natural, while others are caused by the environment or your lifestyle. Regardless of what causes fading, there are ways you can prevent this from happening. Here’s how to keep your ink looking fresh for years to come.
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. The first recorded evidence of tattoos dates back to ancient Egypt. In fact, the word “tattoo” comes from a Tahitian word meaning “to mark” or “to cut.”
Tattooing is one of those things that people love to do but hate to think about doing. It’s not like going to the dentist where you know what’s coming next. With a tattoo, you don’t know if it will last forever or not. You could get a tattoo and then regret it in five minutes or you could get it done and be happy with it for the rest of your life.
The biggest problem with fading tattoos is that there isn’t really anything you can do about it.
Tattoo Fading: Causes
There are many causes of tattoo fading. Some of these include the following:
1. Sunlight
Sunlight is the number one cause of fading. When exposed to sunlight, the ink absorbs the rays and starts to break down. While you can reduce fading by wearing sunscreen, it doesn’t completely stop it.
2. Heat
High temperatures can also cause fading. If you live in a hot climate, you may notice that your tattoo fades faster than it does in cooler weather.
3. Chemicals
Certain products can also cause fading. Most notably, chlorine bleach can cause permanent discoloration.
4. Aging
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes less able to hold onto pigment. This means that over time, your tattoo will start to fade away.
5. Water
Water plays a big role in tattoo fading. The water in swimming pools, lakes, oceans, and rivers contains salt. Salt makes the ink dissolve into the surrounding tissue. As this happens, the ink begins to lose its color.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol can also cause fading. In fact, alcohol can accelerate the process because it breaks down the ink particles and speeds up the breakdown of the skin cells.
7. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can lead to premature aging. It also damages blood vessels which can speed up the rate at which the ink dissolves into the skin.
8. Pregnancy
Pregnant women often have trouble holding on to their ink. Because of this, pregnant women tend to see a lot of fading in their pregnancy.
9. Medications
Some medications can cause fading. For example, birth control pills contain hormones that can affect the way your skin heals.
10. Illness
When you’re sick, your immune system weakens. This allows bacteria and other harmful substances to enter your bloodstream. Once they reach your bloodstream, they can travel through your veins and arteries and damage your skin.
11. Surgery
Surgery can also cause fading. During surgery, doctors use sharp instruments that cut through the skin. This can leave behind tiny cuts that allow bacteria to get inside your body.
12. Scars
Scars can also cause fading. They’re made when your skin grows back after an injury. Over time, scars begin to darken and become more noticeable.
13. Skin Care Products
Skin care products like moisturizers and makeup can also cause fading. Many people believe that using certain types of skin care products leads to fading. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this claim.
14. Tattoos Design
Tattoos themselves don’t usually cause fading. But if you choose a design with lots of colors or intricate details, then you could experience some fading.
15. Genetics
If you have family members who have faded tattoos, you might be prone to do so as well.
16. Stress
Stress can make your body produce higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol causes your body to release extra fluid that draws out pigments from your skin.
Here are 4 Skin reasons why your tattoo is fading:
1. Your skin is too dry. Dry skin is very sensitive to sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, your skin breaks down faster and fades quicker. You should use moisturizer every day to help prevent this problem.
2. Your skin is too oily. Oily skin is also very sensitive to sunlight. To avoid this problem, try using a to sunlight. If you have oily skin, you should avoid using lotions and creams which contain petroleum products. Instead, you should use natural oils such as coconut oil.
3. Your skin is too tight. Tight skin does not allow enough air circulation. This makes your skin vulnerable to bacteria and fungus. Try loosening your skin by exfoliating regularly. Use a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer after each wash.
4. Your skin is too rough. Rough skin tends to be red and irritated. Make sure that you cleanse your skin thoroughly and gently massage it. After cleansing, apply moisturizer to your skin.
How Do I Know If My Old Tattoo is Fading?
To know if your tattoo has faded, you can compare the color of the ink to what it once was. You may also notice a change in how the tattoo looks on your skin, such as an uneven appearance or a loss of detail.
The only way to know for sure whether your tattoo is fading is to see a doctor. He or she can tell you if there is anything wrong with your tattoo.
If you notice that your tattoo has faded, don’t panic. Instead, take action immediately. Contact your doctor to schedule a visit.
22 Tips on How to Prevent Tattoo Fading?
If you’re a tattoo enthusiast, then you know that tattoos fade over time. While some people are lucky enough to have their tattoo last for decades, others can only hope that they won’t end up looking like the guy who was wearing the same shirt for 40 years. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help keep your tattoo fresh and vibrant.
1. Use Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen lotions will help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. However, they also contain chemicals that can damage your tattoo. Instead, choose a lotion that doesn’t contain these harmful ingredients.
2. Choose Dark Colors
Dark colors absorb more sunlight than lighter ones. Therefore, you can reduce the amount of fading by choosing darker shades for your tattoo.
3. Change Your Shirt Style
White t-shirts can actually make your tattoo appear darker. Instead, opt for a solid color or patterned shirt.
4. Get Professional Help
If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of removing your tattoo yourself, then you may want to consider hiring a professional. A reputable removal shop will remove your tattoo without causing any harm to your skin.
5. Learn About Different Types of Tattooing
There are different types of tattooing techniques available today. For example, laser tattoo removal uses a beam of light to destroy the pigment in your tattoo. However, this method requires multiple sessions and can be quite expensive.
6. Use Good Quality Ink
The quality of ink used by your tattoo artist is very important. If you choose a cheap brand, then you risk having your tattoo fade sooner rather than later.
7. Consider Using Temporary Tattoos
Temporary tattoos are often used as a way to cover up unwanted ink. This allows you to avoid having to remove the entire tattoo.
8. Avoid Excessive Exposure to the Sun
Exposure to the sun can cause your tattoo to fade faster. In addition, it can lead to premature aging. As such, you should always apply sunscreen when you go outside.
9. Keep Your Skin Clean
Keeping your skin clean will prevent bacteria from growing on your tattoo. If you notice that your tattoo appears duller than usual, then you should wash your hands regularly.
10. Use a Waterproof Ink
Waterproof ink is ideal because it doesn’t rub off easily. It’s also great for those who plan to wear shorts or swimsuits.
11. Wear Clothing That Doesn’t Show Off Your Tattoo
Wearing clothing that shows off your tattoo will make it look even worse. Instead, try to find clothes that blend in with your existing tattoo.
12. Try To Find An Artist Who Can Do More Than One Thing
Some tattoo artists specialize in certain styles while others focus on specific designs. By finding someone who does both, you can ensure that you get exactly what you want.
13. Ask Questions Before You Go Ahead With The Process
Before getting a tattoo, ask questions about how long it will take to heal. Also, be sure to discuss whether or not the artist has experience working on tattoos like yours.
14. Take Care Of Your New Tattoo
After you receive your tattoo, you need to keep it properly cared for. For instance, you should never use harsh soaps or cleansers on your tattoo. Instead, you should only use gentle products.
15. Make Sure To Have Proper Insurance Coverage
You should also make sure that you have proper insurance coverage before getting a tattoo. Otherwise, if something happens to your tattoo, you could end up paying out of pocket.
16. Remove Any Old Tattoos First
You shouldn’t wait until after you get your new tattoo to remove any old ones. Doing so could result in permanent damage to your skin.
17. Be Patient
Tattoos don’t usually fade overnight. Rather, they gradually disappear over time. As such, you may need to wait several months before seeing results.
18. Get Regular Check-Ups
It’s important to visit your dermatologist every few months to check on your tattoo. They may recommend that you see them more frequently if there are signs of infection.
19. Choose A Design That Fits In With Your Personality
When choosing a design, consider your personality and your lifestyle. For example, you might choose a butterfly tattoo if you love nature. Or, you could opt for a dragon tattoo if you enjoy fantasy novels.
20. Don’t Forget About Color
When it comes to color, some people prefer black and white. Others, however, prefer bright colors. Whatever style you choose, just remember that you can change the color at any point in the future.
21. Consider Getting A Second Tattoo
If you already have an extensive collection of tattoos, why not add another one? There are many different types of tattoos available today. Some people even choose to get multiple tattoos at once.
22. Keep Your Tattoo Clean And Dry
As mentioned earlier, keeping your tattoo clean and dry is essential. However, you should avoid using harsh soaps or cleanser. Instead, you should stick to mild products.
How Long After Getting My Tattoo Will it Fade?
Tattoos do fade over time. However, the rate of fading depends on several factors including the type of pigment used, the size of the tattoo, the length of time since the tattoo was applied, and whether the wearer wears a collared shirt.
Also, the color of the tattoo fades at different rates. For example, reds fade quicker than blues or greens.
Also, the area where the tattoo is located may affect its longevity. Tattoos placed on the face tend to wear off sooner than those on the body.
There are ways to slow down the rate of fading, however. One method involves using an ultraviolet lamp to expose the tattoo for 20 minutes each day. Another involves using a product called Kool-Aid. It contains a chemical compound that helps prevent the ink from fading.
In general, though, the longer the tattoo is on your skin, the more likely it is to fade. You may want to consider having your tattoo repaird before it fades completely.
If you don’t mind repairing the tattoo, make sure that you use an appropriate method to repair it. A professional tattoo repair service should be able to help you choose the best method for your particular situation.
How Do I Know Which Type Of Tattoo Repair Is Right For Me?
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo repaired, you need to first decide what type of tattoo repair you want. You’ll also need to consider whether you want a full tattoo restoration or a partial tattoo restoration. Full tattoo restorations involve covering up the entire tattoo with new ink. Partial tattoo restorations only cover part of the tattoo. This allows you to keep some parts of the original tattoo intact while still having a brand new appearance.
Full Tattoo Restoration vs. Partial Tattoo Restoration
If you decide to go with a full tattoo restoration, you’ll need to know that not every artist offers this service. Only a few artists specialize in restoring tattoos. Most tattoo artists offer either a full or partial tattoo restoration.
Partial tattoo restorations can be done by any artist, but you should always ask your potential tattoo artist if he does full or partial tattoo restorations before you book him.
Partial tattoo restorations are great for those who want to change the color of their tattoo without completely changing its design. They can also help remove unwanted skin tags.
Full tattoo restorations are best for those who want to completely change the look of their tattoo. They can also be used to restore fading tattoos.
The cost of a full tattoo restoration depends on several factors:
1) How much work needs to be done
2) What type of tattoo is being restored (full or partial)
3) The size of the tattoo
4) Whether the tattoo has been damaged by chemicals or other substances
5) The age of the tattoo
6) Any previous tattoos already on the customer’s body
7) The location of the tattoo
8) The number of colors used in the tattoo
9) The style of the tattoo
10) The type of ink used in the tattoo
11) The health of the customer’s skin
12) The skill level of the tattoo artist
13) The experience of the tattoo artist
14) Whether the tattoo was done professionally or at home
15) The amount of money the client wants to spend
Conclusion
Tattoos have become an integral part of our culture. Many people have them as a reminder of something significant in their life. However, not all tattoos are permanent. Some fade over time and others get damaged from various causes. If you notice that your tattoo is fading or getting damaged, you might want to think about getting it fixed. There are many different types of tattoo repairs available today. It’s important to choose one that suits your needs.
