Inside: Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work?
Did you get a tattoo without thinking it through and are now regretting your decision? You’re certainly not the first person to have these thoughts. There are a number of reasons a person may want to get rid of their tattoos.
You could have gotten a matching tattoo with an ex, your new job may not allow visible tattoos, you may have found out that your tattoo represents something offensive, your tattoo may have been a drunk mistake, or you simply don’t want a tattoo anymore.
Either way, you don’t have to live with a mistake for the rest of your life, even when the mistake is a seemingly permanent tattoo.
With modern technology, there are now several methods through which you can have your tattoos removed or touched up instead. However, not all methods work the same. This is why it is necessary to assess the situation and examine each method’s pros and cons.
In this post, we’ll take a close look at one of the popular methods of removing tattoos: tattoo removal.
What Are Tattoo Removal Creams?
As the name suggests, tattoo removal creams are simply creams that are meant to reduce and diminish the appearance of a permanent tattoo. These creams bleach or peel away the top layer of the skin, which allows the tattoo pigment to be released.
Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work?
Here’s the simple answer: no. Tattoo removal creams generally do not work, at least not in the way you might expect.
These creams work by sloughing off the top layer of your skin, also known as the epidermis. However, the tattoo ink is injected around 1 to 2mm into the skin’s layer. This layer of the skin is known as the dermis, which cannot be penetrated through over-the-counter products.
This makes these tattoo removal creams ineffective at completely removing the tattoo. Instead, they will fade the tattoo away, leaving a discolored and distorted version of the original image.
Top 5 Removal Creams to Try
1. Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System
2. Spartan Perform Tattoo Destroyer
3. Inked Up Tattoo Removal Cream
4. Profade
5. Tat B Gone
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Tattoo Removal Creams?
The ineffectiveness of tattoo removal creams isn’t the only reason you should stay away from them. These creams can also cause severe harm to the skin.
As discussed earlier, these creams use bleaching and peeling to reduce the appearance of the skin. As you can expect, these procedures can have some serious long-term side effects, especially since tattooed skin is already sensitive, to begin with.
The active ingredient in these formulas is trichloroacetic acid. This is a peeling agent that dermatologists and healthcare professionals regularly use to treat various skin conditions. However, using this at home without proper supervision can be extremely dangerous.
In addition to not removing the tattoo completely, tattoo removal creams can leave a permanent scar on the site of the tattoo. The risks are even higher for dark-skinned people, as bleaching may permanently discolor their skin.
Following are some side effects you will likely notice after using a skin removal cream.
- Burning
- Redness
- Rashes
- Peeling
- Scaly skin
- Dryness
- Inflammation
- Permanent skin discoloration
- Permanent scarring
For people with severe allergies, these creams can further exacerbate the condition while also causing some potentially fatal symptoms, such as:
- Swelling
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Anaphylaxis
Should I Use Tattoo Removal Creams?
As you can see, tattoo removal creams have no real benefit. Even in the best-case scenario, it won’t get rid of the tattoo. Instead, it will make the appearance worse while also causing some dangerous side effects
It is also important to note that none of the creams available over the counter are FDA approved. Hence, if you choose to use these, you will be doing it at your own risk.
Therefore, it is better to steer clear of these creams and opt for other, safer tattoo removal methods.
What Are Some Safe Tattoo Removal Methods?
Just because tattoo removal creams are ineffective and unsafe doesn’t mean you have to give up the hope of having your tattoo removed. Instead, you can consider one of the following options that are safer and more effective.
- Laser Surgery
- Surgical Removal
- Dermabrasion
Another option you can consider is having your tattoo changed by getting another tattoo over it. For instance, if you got your ex’s initials on your arm, you can have it covered by another design. However, this only works if the design is the issue, not the tattoo itself.
When it comes to tattoo removal, it is essential to consult a professional. Trying to use DIY methods or over-the-counter products can leave long-term scars.
So don’t try any at-home methods that you may come across on the internet and consult a good dermatologist who is experienced in removing tattoos.