Tattoo artistry has been around since the mid-1800’s. Initially, tattoos were used to express cultural and religious backgrounds. Fast forward decades later, tattoos have evolved and are more prevalent than ever before. Today, tattoo artists are going beyond the ordinary to incorporate the latest technology and advancements in engraving the ink. The most recent is the use of UV and glow-in-the-dark inks that become visible only after shining UV light on them or in complete darkness.
While the new form of UV and glow-in-the-dark tattoos seem exciting, experts keep warning about the risks associated with them. Laser removal has become a common practice today but only workable with the standard ink tattoos. A significant concern among tattoo lovers is whether these new tattoo inks are safe and removable.
Doubtful Components in the Ink
A few years ago, getting a tattoo was termed as a permanent decision. Then came the laser tattoo removal technology that proved us wrong. Now we have the UV and glow-in-the-dark tattoos that are arguably permanent, or at least for now. Beyond the permanency status of these modern types of tattoos, there are major concerns about their safety and risks.
The glow-in-the-dark concept of the tattoo isn’t ideally new. We can easily derive the idea from particular sea creatures that adapt to glowing-in-the-dark in the absence of natural light, deep in the sea. Also, scientific projects have made phosphorescence features in glow-in-the-dark cats possible through genetic engineering.
Nonetheless, the art of engraving glowing ink into the skin as a tattoo eradicates the entire theory of the concept being natural. Unknown to the majority of people, the glowing ink is thought to be carcinogenic and hazardous to the human skin. Some studies reveal that the ink contains radioactive components that can be detrimental to an individual.
Looking at the other modern alternative, the black-light tattoo is preferably a safer choice if unique is anything to go by. Although it’s not entirely safe, some patients have reported instances of stubborn rashes and blisters after engraving tattoos with UV or black-light ink.
Many people fall victim due to misinterpretation of information. For instance, the FDA certifies the use of UV ink but not necessarily in utilizing it as ink for tattoos.
Glow in the Night, Mask in the Day
As the sub-title suggests, this type of ink is designed to remain invisible when shone in the light. People who like their tattoos to stay anonymous, especially during day working hours have grown interested in this particular type of ink. Black-light tattoos are famous among conservative individuals.
However, many artists do no entertain black-light tattoos due to their safety concerns. If you are lucky and find an artist willing to handle the black-light ink, you are likely to part with a considerable amount of money for service fees. The sensitivity in injecting black-light ink also demands quality ink and expert skill which doesn’t come cheaply.
What Risks are you Dealing With?
Unlike ordinary ink, both black-light and glow-in-the-dark tattoos are permanent affairs. Depending on the deepness of the engraving, the tattoos may be removed through specialized surgery. Most experts discourage getting these tattoos at least until more rigid information confirms their safety. Looking on the bright side, if you already have a black-light or glow-in-the-dark tattoo, they are known to fade faster than the regular tattoos.
If you think you made the wrong decision engraving either of the discussed tattoos, take some time off and speak to one of our professional tattoo removers, right here in Philadelphia. Let them discuss with you what your best options are, depending on the type of tattoo ink you have. Call us today at the InkAway locations nearest to you and let us help you!
