In simple terms, tattoo ink is the substance used to give colors to the designs.
It could be simply a black line drawing, or a design having several colors. The
ink is injected into the derm where the color stays. Tattoo inks are meant to be
permanent, however, the color is prone to a bit of fading over the period of
time since our immune system tries to break down the foreign substance and take
it out of our system. Most of the pigment molecules are too large for the white
cells to break up, and that’s why, most of the coloring remains unless you want
to have it removed in future. Tattoo Ink should not be confused with other types
of inks because it is made specifically to color tattoos. Tattoo ink usually
comprise of two basic components; pigments and carriers.
Pigments
Pigments can be anything which is finely ground to provide color. Some of the
pigments that are used to make tattoo inks are minerals, vegetable dyes,
plastics, and metallic salts. Sometimes many substances can be used to make the
same color. Some colors and pigment used to make them are: Blue - Calcium Copper
Silicate; Red - Iron Oxide; Green - Chromium Oxide; Yellow - Curcuma; Black -
Carbon, and White - Zinc Oxide.
Carriers
Carriers are liquids which deliver the pigments under the skin. The carriers of
good quality distribute the pigment equally, avoiding clumping together. They
also offer a bit of disinfecting action. Some of the frequently used liquid
carriers are: Listerine, Witch Hazel, Purified Water, Propylene Glycol, Vodka
and Glycerine.
Adverse Effects of Tattoo Inks
Although some modern inks are said to be 100% safe, it is partially true. As
there are some common risks associated with tattoo pigments, such as, allergic
reactions, scarring, phototoxic reactions (reaction from exposure to sunlight)
and other several adverse effects. The plastic-based pigments are many times
have been reported to cause reactions. These pigments are undoubtedly risky,
though some may be safe, but most of them are radioactive or otherwise toxic.
Use Of Alcohol In Tattoo Inks
If alcohol is used in the ink to disinfect the skin's surface, it allows more
chemicals to cross into the bloodstream than any ordinarily ink would. It is
also known that alcohol is a promoter. Thus, it means alcohol works
synergistically with mutagens, teratogens, and carcinogens, making them more
harmful than they themselves would be. If any of these substances are present in
the ink, alcohol along with them will increase the chance of mutation or
disease, not only at the part where the tattoo is designed, but all over the
body.
Proper Knowledge Is Required
Medical-grade chemicals used in the tattoo inks are safe and are specially made
for medical uses. To avoid side effects of tattoo inks, it is must that the
person who mixes the ink should know proper sterilization techniques, such as,
how to perform heat-sterilization and cold-sterilization? He must have proper
knowledge of the sterilization needs of different materials. It is advised by
the experts that dry or mixed pigments should never be heat sterilized, as heat
can cause chemical changes in the pigment molecules. Sometimes heating can also
produce toxic substances.
However, after the researches, it has been said that ethyl alcohol, in the form
of vodka, is the safest carrier for the pigments. Propylene glycol helps to keep
the pigment in solution. You can find medical grade propylene glycol and
glycerin at pharmacies, feed supply stores, and stores which supplies for soap
making or herbal medicine preparation. After going through this article, you can
prepare yourself to ask the tattoo professional the questions about ensuring the
safest tattooing.
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