Most people think that tattoos are forever, but there is a way to remove or fade them.
No, not the old-school method of getting a tattoo covered up with another tattoo (although that’s definitely an option).
I’m talking about using a (magic) cream!
Just like magic, your tattoo disappears. Well, okay, maybe it’s not quite that simple.
But tattoo removal creams do exist, and they work by breaking down the ink particles in the tattoo.
Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work?
The development of technology in the tattoo removal industry and innovations in dermatological care have greatly improved the options available to have a tattoo removed from the skin.
Laser removal is the best-known method.
As an alternative to laser treatments, prolonged treatment with tattoo removal cream can diminish or completely render tattoos invisible over time.
How Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work?
Tattooing effectively pierces the surface with a needle continuously while depositing non-soluble ink below the skin layer or epidermis. This ink becomes a permanent stain on the skin.
To remove the tattoo, you must remove the skin on which the ink has stained.
Tattoo removal creams work by utilizing a removal chemical agent to slowly and safely remove each ink-stained layer of skin. The most common chemicals in these creams are TCA or trifluoroacetic acid and hydroquinone.
This treatment is a great way to avoid the pain of laser treatment or invasive removal. It is also a great way to remove smaller tattoos that have faded over time.
Although different creams rate differently on effectiveness, a hydroquinone-based cream has proven the most effective in tattoo removal. Dermatologists recommend it as it is more gentle on the skin.
Using tattoo removal cream can have some mild discomfort to the skin, but compared to other methods available, removal cream is probably the most painless option.
Different Types Of Tattoo Removal Creams
Although we mentioned the two most widely used ingredients in tattoo removal cream, other creams use different methods for removing unwanted ink.
Lactic Acid Peel
Designed to treat skin disorders such as acne and wrinkling, lactic acid is a great way to remove tattoos.
Lactic acid removes layers of unwanted skin without causing adverse symptoms such as skin burns or itchiness.
Lactic acid already works under your skin to help remove oil and dirt. Using a cream will add additional lactic acid. This is a great way to remove tattoos deep in the skin.
Tattoo Removal Creams Using Natural Products
Many Tattoo removal creams use natural ingredients such as lemongrass to break down the epidermis in a less aggressive way than more chemical-centered tattoo removal creams.
However, they usually take a bit longer to work. Natural tattoo removal creams are popular because of their nourishing effects on the skin.
Chemical Peel Creams
Some creams are like a chemical peel you may get at a dermatologist. A chemical peel breaks down the epidermis using chemicals to remove the ink.
These creams are the most effective in removing tattoos in a short treatment period.
However, extra caution must be taken if you have sensitive skin, as these treatments use chemicals that, although FDA-approved and completely safe to use in moderation, can damage the skin when used excessively or without instruction.
Bleaching Creams
Bleaching creams are widely and effectively used for removing unwanted tattoos. Like the chemical peel methods, these types of tattoo removal creams can be highly effective in removing a tattoo over a short treatment time.
These kinds of treatments may also be very harsh on the epidermis and may cause some discomfort when using them, although this is a small price to pay to avoid the laser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How Effective Are Tattoo Removal Creams Compared To Laser Removal Treatment?
Answer: Although not as effective, clever use of tattoo removal creams can give the same result you would expect from clinical treatments.
Question: Does This Type Of Treatment Cost As Much As Professional Tattoo Removal?
Answer: Not at all. Home treatment with tattoo removal creams is an extremely effective way of removing an old unwanted tattoo in the most cost-effective way possible.
As dermatological advances increase, the availability and use of these creams have driven down the price.
Question: Are Tattoo Removal Creams Safe To Use?
Answer: Tattoo removal cream available to buy in the US is manufactured using FDA-approved, entirely safe ingredients. As long as they are used responsibly, like everything. You should take caution when using these products for the first time and always follow the provided instructions.
Make sure that you only purchase FDA-approved tattoo removal cream.
Question: Does Tattoo Removal Leave Scars?
Answer: Although mistreatments can result in skin damage and scarring, the proper use of tattoo removal cream is safe and should leave your skin in a smooth, healthy condition following a correctly executed treatment.