Ultraviolet radiation may cause premature fading of colored tattoos

Safety of Inks Used in Tattoos

Since 2015, the number of articles on tattoo inks has increased significantly in recent years as more and more people choose to decorate their bodies. The introductory section presents a multifaceted psychological and social perspective. Attitudes toward tattoos in different parts of the world are taken into account, as well as the approach to the topic by different social groups. It has changed over the years and depending on the wealth of a given group. The main part is an overview of tattoo ink tests, which mainly focus on the safety of the products used, direct tests and potential allergens contained in the composition. The information contained can be summed up by the great need for ongoing implementation of further regulations in order to protect people using the services of tattooists.

Exploratory evaluation of tolerability, performance, and cosmetic acceptance of dexpanthenol-containing dermo-cosmetic wash and sun-care products for tattoo aftercare

Background and Aims

Tattoo prevalence has significantly increased over the last decades. Proper tattoo aftercare, such as cleansing, moisturizing, and protection against sunlight, is essential to prevent complications and to keep the beauty of the tattoo. The tolerability, performance, and cosmetic acceptability of two dexpanthenol-containing dermo-cosmetic products, a wash and a sun-care, were investigated on tattooed skin in two separate trials.

Methods

Two single-center, exploratory, open-label cosmetic studies were conducted between August and November 2020 to evaluate the dexpanthenol-containing dermo-cosmetic products. In the first study, healthy adults applied the 2.5% dexpanthenol-containing wash right after their tattoo session daily for 14 consecutive days. In the second study, healthy adults applied the 2.5% dexpanthenol-containing sun-care sun protection factor 50+ cream on existing tattoos that were daily exposed to sunlight for 28 consecutive days. Clinical examination by a dermatologist and self-assessment through subject questionnaires were used to assess the tolerability, acceptance, ease of use, and cosmetic outcomes of both products. Additionally, transepidermal water loss and moisturization assessments were performed to evaluate skin hydration after use of the sun-care product.

Results

Both study products were well tolerated, and no product related adverse events were reported during the studies. At least 90% of the study participants appreciated the performance of the dexpanthenol-containing wash and sun-care product, including moisturizing properties, relief of unpleasant sensations, and preservation of the cosmetic appearance of the tattoo. For the sun-care, it was shown that its application supported maintaining the skin barrier of tattooed skin, while keeping it hydrated.

Conclusion

The 2.5% dexpanthenol-containing wash and sun-care products are well tolerated and appreciated by tattooed subjects. Hence, they represent valid options for tattoo aftercare in line with current recommendations and practice.

Study of Tattoo Colorants in Skin by Conventional and Polarized Light Microscopy

Tattoos are a common practice in the 21st century. Although most modern pigments are organic and made of vegetable or plastic compounds, they still sometimes elicit an adverse reaction in the skin. Identifying the tattoo pigment in such biopsies is not always an easy task. To study how tattoo inks appear in the skin, we injected 14 different colors of commercial tattoo ink into normal skin obtained from a mastectomy specimen. One unstained section was obtained from each case, as well as one section stained with hematoxylin-eosin from each case. All sections were observed under the microscope. Stained and unstained sections were also examined under polarized light. We did not observe any modification of the ink color with the staining process with hematoxylin-eosin. However, some pigments appeared differently in stained and unstained sections than in the vial. Pink was the most difficult color to identify from the eosinophilic tissue. None of the colors showed any birefringent particles. However, in some unstained slides under polarized light, the color of the pigment appeared more similar to the one in the vial than in the stained slide.