Does Tattoo Removal at Home Work?
No, tattoo removal at home hardly ever works. People often come across websites promising “completely effective”, “cheap and easy” tattoo removal at home procedures. Such DIY treatments committing cheap, safe and successful tattoo removal ideas might sound alluring but these claims are never true. In fact, the most widely trusted and effective way of tattoo removal is laser tattoo removal. To know more about this, click here.
Dangers around home tattoo removal procedures are really high, and that is why this work should be left to the trained tattoo removal technicians. Even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has disapproved of any kind of home remedies in order to remove tattoos because of the high risk and infectivity.
How To Remove Tattoos At Home – Methods
With so many tutorial videos and instructional websites on the internet, people many a times fall prey into believing that these “tattoo removal at home” methods are legit and functional. On the contrary, these tattoo removal techniques rely on harmful substances and acids. It’s always good to stay away from these remedies:
- Acid Peels – Most acid peels which promote DIY tattoo removal at home consist of glycolic acid which penetrates multiple skin layers and dissolves skin cells in order to remove the tattoo ink. This can cause severe skin burns and scarring. Another acid that is present in such peels is salicylic acid. This acid does not penetrate deep into the skin where the tattoo ink actually resides. It rather dissolves skin cells closer to the surface.
- Tattoo Removal Creams – Tattoo removal creams cause unexpected reactions, skin burns, rashes and scarring. On top of that, the FDA does not approve of any tattoo removal creams.
- Salabrasion – This alleged tattoo removal method is extremely painful. This procedure involves cutting the top layer of the skin and applying saline solution. However, this process, too, cannot remove a tattoo as the solution cannot penetrate deep enough the tattoo ink particles. It just causes extreme pain and can also result in serious skin injuries.
- Laser pens – Laser technology is currently the most trusted tattoo removal method. And, laser pens seem to bring this technology at home. This option might seem very attractive as it promises similar laser tattoo removal technology and results at home at a way cheaper price. But, the truth is, these laser machines are not as powerful or effective as the ones in clinic. For proper results, it is important to opt for proper laser removal treatments at clinics.
Another side of tattoo removal at home is ‘natural’ home remedies. These treatments are promoted to be completely safe and can be made at home to get rid of an unwanted tattoo. The word “natural” often misleads people into thinking that these remedies are safer than other kinds of tattoo removal methods. However, these too are waste of time and money, as it can never give the desired results.
Natural Remedies for Tattoo Removal At Home
Here are some natural remedies that claim to help remove tattoos at home:
- Aloe Vera and Yogurt – This mixture is not harmful, but at the same time this will never help in tattoo removal.
- Sand – This method involves rubbing sand on the tattooed region in order to get rid of it. Of course there is no evidence of tattoo removal with this method, but it will leave cuts, rashes and infection on the skin.
- Lemon juice – Many DIY tutorials suggests lemon juice as a temporary skin lightning agent, but it cannot really help tattoos fade as it cannot penetrate further than the epidermis. Also, lemon juice is acidic in nature and can react when it’s been exposed to the sun resulting in rashes and hyperpigmentation.
- Salt, Honey and Yogurt – Another homemade mixture which cannot remove a tattoo.
As mentioned earlier, there are certain home remedies which promise to help fade tattoos, and these seem to be appealing for reasons like low cost, natural or time saving. But it is always clever to avoid such traps. Tattoo removal procedures are safe when they are carried out by experts, with proper before and after care routines. No matter how appealing “tattoo removal at home” sounds, it is dangerous for the skin and is ineffective.
Why is Home Tattoo Removal Dangerous?
Carrying out a tattoo removal at home can cause serious side effects:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin infections
- Permanent scarring
- Irritation and rashes
- Burns
- Skin cancer
Home tattoo removal remedies like salt abrasion and acid peels, commonly results in the above-mentioned side effects. The damage caused to the skin is long lasting, painful and sometimes, permanent.
Recovery may not be possible solely by medication and thus even surgical treatments could become necessary.
It is important to keep in mind that laser tattoo removal is safer and can remove a tattoo completely.
