What Is Tattoo Ink Made Of? Is Tattoo Ink Harmful to the Body?

Tattoo is a permanent accessory that has been applied on the skin with different techniques for centuries. The technology that has developed over time has had a very positive effect on the quality and permanence of the tattoo.

Tattooing is an art that has been permanently applied to various parts of the body for centuries. So much so that the tattoo tradition dates back to the Ancient Egyptian society in the 2000s. Also, apart from the Egyptians, Britons, Gauls, and Thracians also had tattoos.

However, the Ancient Greeks and Romans used to tattoo criminals and slaves because they considered tattooing a 'barbarian occupation'.

Tattoos made in millions of shapes have been applied for centuries for the sake of commemorating the deceased, remembering the suffering and of course admiration. So, what is the ink used for tattooing under the skin made of? Let's see together.

What Is Tattoo Ink Made Of?

Tattoo ink consists of small particles of ink carrier material temporarily suspended in disinfected carrier solution. This solution is generally ethyl alcohol or purified water. The components that give color to the ink are usually metal salt, lead, cobalt and carbon dye carriers. However, the American Academy of Dermatology has reported that plastic-based dyes are mixed with these components over time. Dermatologist Michi Shinohara also mentioned that many unknown ingredients come into contact with the skin and this can lead to complications. The Canadian Dermatology Association also expresses the concern caused by the lack of regulations in tattoo ink production from time to time.

How Does Tattoo Ink Get Under the Skin?

Tattoo ink reaches the dermis layer of the skin by descending 1-2 millimeters from the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. The dye particles of the ink are trapped inside the fibroblast cells. These cells are also located in the connected tissue within the dermis. Our body perceives the dye particles in the dermis as foreign matter, but because they are too large, white blood cells cannot damage these particles.

How Painful Does a Tattoo Hurt?

Least Painful