Is Tattoo Ink Safe? How Much Do Tattoos Affect Your Health
Tattooing is an ancient art form that traces its origins back thousands of years across many different cultures. From symbolizing rites of passage, to serving as a badge of honor or even a tally of past crimes, tattoos have held different meanings depending on the wearer’s time and place.
Today, tattoos primarily serve as symbols of self-expression, rebellion, or remembrance of significant life events. However, as tattoos become more popular, more people have questions about the safety of getting inked. What exactly are we putting into our skin? How safe are these inks, and what impacts, if any, do they have on our overall health?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of tattoo ink, separating myth from fact and providing insights into the relationship between tattoos and health.
Composition of Tattoo Ink
To properly understand the risks of tattoo ink, it’s important to know the different components that go into it:
Pigment
Pigments (usually in the form of a powder) provide color to the ink and can be derived from natural sources, metallic salts, or carbon-based chemicals.
Carrier
Carriers, like witch hazel or ethanol, are the liquid portions of the ink. They distribute pigment evenly and aid in sterile application.
Filler
Fillers can adjust a tattoo ink’s texture or shade, though some may cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Potential Contaminants
Due to varying regulations, some inks may contain impurities. You will not find these impurities in ink from reputable brands like Solid Ink, Fusion, Intenze, and others with safe manufacturing processes.
Please note: There are unsafe knockoffs of these brands available online. Tattoo ink should always be ordered directly from the manufacturer.
Safety Concerns with Tattoo Ink
Naturally, when it comes to putting something into the skin forever, tattoo clients have some questions about the safety of their tattoo ink. Here are the top safety concerns that clients bring up:
Misconceptions of the Industry
In the past, tattoo artists mixed their own ink (increasing the risk of contamination) and some of the health standards that are obvious now were not so obvious a century ago, which led to tattoo healing complications. This has led many to believe that getting a tattoo is unsafe.
While there can be allergic reactions or some risks due to opening the skin, any reputable tattoo studio will use proper sterilization techniques, sterile pre-made inks, and brand-new needles for every client.
Lack of Regulatory Standards
The lack of universal standards for tattoo inks means that not all inks undergo rigorous safety testing. However, this is slowly changing and reputable manufacturers in the industry are leading the way in implementing new safety tests.
Possible Long-Term Effects
There’s still limited research on the long-term effects of certain ink components on the body. However, there is no current evidence that tattoo ink causes long-term harm.
Potential Risks of Tattoo Inks
List of common tattoo ink materials via tattooing101.com
As with any procedure where the skin is punctured, there are some potential risks. Here are the most common ones:
Allergic Reactions
Some inks might trigger skin allergies manifesting as itching, swelling, or redness. This is seen most often in red ink, and people affected by it are said to have “Red Reaction.”
Infections
Using non-sterile ink or equipment can lead to bacterial or viral infections. However, most infections caused by tattooing happen after the client leaves the studio. A tattoo is an open wound, which makes it more susceptible to becoming infected.
If this happens, a doctor will often prescribe an antibiotic.
Toxicity of Ink Components
Certain inks contain potentially harmful substances like metals or plastics that may pose health risks. In most cases, this is a trace amount. However, many countries have banned inks that contain potentially cancerous azo chemicals.
MRI Complications
Tattoos can occasionally cause discomfort during MRI scans due to the metallic components in some inks.
Granulomas and Keloids
In response to foreign ink particles, the skin might form small nodules (granulomas) or excessive scarring (keloids).
Improvements in Tattoo Ink Safety
In recent years, governments and tattoo equipment manufacturers alike have made moves to improve the safety of tattoo ink.
Advanced Formulations
Recent studies have shown that the ink particle size is one of the larger health risks when it comes to tattoo ink. This is because ink particles that are small enough to get into cells and cause changes there can lead to potential cancer risk. As more tattoo ink regulations are set in place, larger ink particle size is likely to become a standard.
Transparent Ingredient Lists
Some leading brands now provide detailed ingredient lists, enabling informed choices by artists and clients.
Sterilization Techniques
Innovations in sterilization have made it easier to ensure inks are free from harmful bacteria and contaminants.
Vegan and Organic Options
Responding to demand, several brands now offer vegan and organic inks, which often eliminate some common allergens and irritants. (However, at present, these inks do not look bold and bright in the skin as long as traditional ink.)
How to Ensure Safety When Getting a Tattoo
As a tattoo client, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety and put your mind at ease.
Research the Studio and Artist
Picking a reputable studio and experienced artist can significantly reduce the risks associated with tattoos. Many artists post their processes online so you can see how they work. All workstations and tattoo machines should be covered in plastic barriers, and the tattoo artist should use a new, unopened tattoo needle and a new pair of gloves for each and every client.
Ask About Ink Origins
Ensure your artist uses high-quality inks, preferably with transparent ingredient lists, from known and reliable sources.
Test Patch
Consider a small ink test, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, to see if you have any skin reactions.
Proper Aftercare
Infection of the tattoo can happen after the tattoo session is over. This is why it’s important to follow recommended aftercare instructions diligently, keep the tattoo clean and moisturized, and be on alert for signs of infection or other complications.
The Health Benefits of Tattoos
While there are some risks associated with getting tattooed, there are some health benefits as well.
Therapeutic Expression
For many, tattoos offer a therapeutic way to cope with traumatic experiences, memorialize loved ones, or mark significant life events.
Confidence and Body Image
Tattoos can empower individuals by helping them cover scars, reclaim their bodies, or simply express their personal style.
Symbol of Resilience
Overcoming the pain of getting a tattoo can symbolize personal strength and resilience for some individuals.
Cultural and Communal Bonds
Tattoos can serve as a cultural rite of passage or signify membership in a particular group or community.
Artistic Outlet
Beyond personal symbolism, tattoos allow both the artist and the recipient to celebrate art and creativity on a unique canvas: the human body.
Medical Tattooing
People with certain health conditions might get a medical tattoo, giving emergency responders important information regarding how to best care for them.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, collecting different personal, cultural, and artistic meanings along the way.
As the tattoo industry continues to evolve, so will the discussion around the safety of tattooing practices. While there will always be some risk when it comes to getting a tattoo, advancements in ink composition and a better understanding of health have led to a safer tattooing environment than ever before.
For many, the transformative power of tattoos – their capacity to heal, empower, and artistically express – far outweighs the concerns. However, as with any lifelong commitment, it’s important for both artists and clients to prioritize health and safety at every step so that each tattoo remains a symbol of beauty and self-expression that stands the test of time.
