Tattoo Removal Methods
Tattoo removal creams, often referred to as tattoo lightening creams or tattoo eraser creams, are topical creams marketed as a way to remove tattoos by bleaching and peeling the top layer of skin.
For those who want to have a tattoo removed without spending a lot of money or going to a dermatologist, the prospect of an over-the-counter tattoo removal skin care cream can be very appealing. Unfortunately, at-home tattoo removal creams are more hype than anything and in certain cases, they can actually cause permanent damage to the skin compared to other tattoo removal alternatives.
To understand how tattoo removal creams potentially work, you need to know the true science behind tattoos themselves—specifically where the ink resides within the skin. Tattoo artists inject tattoo ink into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis, which creates a physical barrier between your tattoo and the outside world. Your tattoo won’t rub off from friction caused by clothing, nor be harmed by regular exfoliation products like sugar scrubs. The dermis universally protects the tattoo, unless the second layer of skin is penetrated for any reason.
Most tattoo removal creams “work” by bleaching the top layer of skin, but that is all they are able to do effectively. Tattoo removal creams do not have the ability to penetrate the skin enough to access the dermis, rendering them ineffective to remove tattoos.
No, tattoo removal creams are not effective in removing a tattoo or even fading the ink at all.
To put it simply, the lightening caused by tattoo removal creams is an illusion. Your tattoo may look like it’s fading; but in reality, your skin is being temporarily lightened by the bleaching agents within the cream’s ingredients. Tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, which can only be penetrated if the skin is broken—hence, why tattoos need a needle for the actual application. It is merely impossible for these tattoo removal creams to reach the dermis on their own, making them ineffective in fading a tattoo.
Yes, it is true that someone might experience “tattoo lightening” while using tattoo creams. However, it is a claim stemming solely from confusion and a lack of tattoo knowledge. The skin on top of your tattoo is the only thing being lightened and most of the time, it’s temporary—typically fading once you stop using the product. Even though many people purchase these creams for tattoo removal, they are merely a waste of time (and money).
Tattoo removal creams can have larger risks to your skin’s health compared to other removal methods available. Your skin could be permanently discolored due to bleaching agents in the ingredients, often resulting in light spots on the skin. A specific ingredient, hydroquinone, is carcinogenic and may even lead to cancer. Aside from physical complications, tattoo removal creams can also be extremely inconvenient for one’s life. Many creams require you to apply multiple times per day for up to a year in order to see proper results.
Hydroquinone is a topical drug that is used to treat hyperpigmentation in the skin. Someone that is experiencing acne scars, age spots, or melasma can use hydroquinone to lighten dark spots and make their skin tone more even—under the guidance of a licensed dermatologist. Overall, hydroquinone is safe and effective; however, prolonged use can cause severe irritation, dryness, or even permanent discoloration of the skin. Anyone using hydroquinone should follow all necessary directions provided by their dermatologist, and limit sun exposure to ensure complications do not occur.
Hydroquinone is banned in countries such as England, Japan, and France—but it is fully legal for use in the United States. The topical drug can be found over the counter or be prescribed by a doctor for stronger formulas.
Despite its presence in tattoo removal creams, hydroquinone is not effective for removing tattoos due to its inability to penetrate the dermis where tattoo ink resides.
Because of the overall risks to one’s skin health, everyone should avoid using tattoo removal creams. These creams contain harsh chemicals such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydroquinone that bleach the skin, posing an exceptionally greater risk to people with darker skin types.
There are many cream products for tattoo removal on the market; however, the plentiful amount of options should not indicate they are safe or effective to use. Most tattoo removal creams are forbidden from penetrating the surface of the skin, per the FDA’s standards. Thus, the chemicals cannot effectively reach the ink in the dermis. A popular tattoo removal cream, called Wrecking Balm, actually involves microdermabrasion to “speed up fading.” Once again, a method that is unsafe and ineffective for removing tattoos.
Other popular tattoo removal creams include Inked Up Tattoo Removal Cream, Tattoo Destroyer, and Profade—all with the same possible side effects.
Tattoo removal creams are not the only tattoo removal option available—in fact, there are many options that are safer and more effective for tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal and dermabrasion tattoo removal are amongst the most popular treatment types; and with the proper technology and expertise, they have incredibly low risks for permanent scarring and complications. Surgically removing a tattoo from the body is another popular choice for its ability to give clients a “quick fix,” but it can leave the skin permanently scarred.
If you’re considering tattoo removal, it is important to know all your options before making a decision that could result in serious complications:
Laser tattoo removal, arguably the best removal method, involves removing a tattoo with a laser and your body’s natural process(es). Tattoo ink absorbs the laser’s energy, causing the ink particles to shatter into smaller pieces. These freshly shattered ink particles are then gradually removed from the body by your immune system.
While laser removal might be a more expensive option for some, the final results can be incredibly worth it. Technological advancements allow for tattoos to be fully removed as if they were never there in the first place.
Dermabrasion tattoo removal involves an exfoliation technique to remove the first layers of skin, along with tattoo ink, through a controlled abrasion in order to promote cell regeneration. With the regeneration of cells, tattoo ink is supposed to be removed or reduced. Dermabrasion can be a great removal option for tattoos that are not very deep in the skin. Scarring is also a smaller risk when the exfoliation is completed by an experienced professional.
Surgical removal, also known as a tattoo excision, is a medical procedure that involves surgically removing the tattooed skin from your body with a scalpel. Surgical tattoo removal is considered the fastest way to remove a tattoo, but it is only really effective for smaller tattoos. These excisions always result in scarring, making them almost pointless when it comes to fully removing a tattoo. However, some people prefer surgical options for tattoo removal rather than undergoing a more extensive process like laser removal.
A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that involves using chemical solutions to exfoliate and remove the first layers of skin, stimulating new layers to grow underneath the treated area. Similar to dermabrasion tattoo removal, cell regeneration will trigger fresh, inkless skin cells to grow in the area—thus, removing/reducing the current tattoo ink. While chemical peels can be done by a professional, some choose to do this tattoo removal method at home, resulting in serious complications such as chemical burns.
While other types of tattoo removal do exist, it’s important to know that laser tattoo removal is one of the only FDA-approved methods available – and the most effective. With advanced laser technology, ink particles can be targeted directly without harming your skin in the process. No scarring, no permanent skin discoloration; only noticeable results. Other tattoo removal techniques can be extremely invasive, unsafe, and leave your skin permanently damaged.
Removery is the #1 tattoo removal provider in the world, combining state-of-the-art laser technology with clinical protocols crafted by experts in the medical and dermatology fields. Besides providing quality tattoo removal, our mission is to make removal more accessible for clients—so nobody has to resort to using tattoo removal creams or lemon juice at home. With Removery, you’ll always have financing options and payment plans to support your tattoo removal journey financially.
Always remember that at-home tattoo removal care is nearly impossible for the average person and usually causes permanent skin damage rather than actual results. The low cost of tattoo removal creams might make them tempting to try, especially in comparison to other tattoo removal methods out there. However, you should always prioritize seeking professional guidance for safe and quality removal care, rather than the price. Laser tattoo removal is the best way to remove a tattoo; and when done correctly, your skin will look how it did pre-tattoo. No scarring, no discoloration—just results.
Learn more about laser tattoo removal
Meet the World’s Tattoo Removal Experts: Removery. Since 2019, we’ve been providing quality laser tattoo removal care in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Removery uses state-of-the-art laser technology and clinical protocols crafted by industry experts to deliver the safest, most efficient tattoo removal experience possible. Because tattoo removal is much more than removing a tattoo—it’s about feeling good in your skin again, and feeling even better about the journey it takes to get there.
Whatever your removal reason might be, Removery is here to make it a reality. Book your complimentary consultation to get started today.
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