Tattoo Ink: What is it, what’s in it?
Tattoo ink has evolved significantly over the years, changing in composition, colour variety, and durability. These changes have brought stunning artistic advancements, but they’ve also introduced complexities for those looking to remove unwanted tattoos. Whether you’re considering tattoo removal in Victoria or elsewhere on Vancouver Island, understanding the science of tattoo ink and how it interacts with modern laser technology can help you make informed decisions.
What’s in Tattoo Ink?
Tattoo ink is a combination of pigments and carriers. The pigments provide colour, while the carrier ensures even application and prevents clumping. Common ingredients include:
Pigments: Metals, plastics, and organic compounds that create vibrant colours.
Carriers: Liquids like alcohol, glycerin, and water that help suspend the pigments.
Over time, more advanced inks have been developed, including semi-permanent inks and eco-friendly options. However, many inks still contain compounds like titanium dioxide or heavy metals, which can impact their response to laser removal.
Is Tattoo Ink Regulated?
In many parts of the world, including Canada, tattoo ink is not as strictly regulated as cosmetics or food products. However, the Consumer Product Safety Program (CPSP) under Health Canada plays an important role in governing and conducting testing on tattoo inks to ensure safety and compliance with Cosmetic Regulations.
According to the CPSP's 2022–2023 Compliance Verification Project, tattoo ink products are monitored for harmful substances and labelling accuracy. This initiative helps ensure that tattoo inks sold in Canada meet safety standards. For more information, you can read the CPSP report here.
Even with these measures, manufacturers aren’t always required to disclose every ingredient, which can make predicting how certain inks will react to laser treatments more challenging.
For this reason, it’s essential to work with a clinic like Amendermis Laser Clinic, which specializes in safe and effective tattoo removal for all skin types and ink compositions.
How Tattoo Ink Reacts to Laser Energy
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking down the tattoo pigment into smaller particles that the body’s immune system can eliminate. However, not all inks react the same way:
Traditional Inks: Black ink absorbs laser energy well and breaks down easily, making it one of the simplest colours to remove with 755nm wavelength.
Challenging Colors: Blues and greens can be stubborn, requiring specific wavelengths like 755nm or 532nm for optimal results.
Semi-Permanent Inks: These inks often contain iron oxide, which can oxidize during treatment, turning red or orange before they fade completely. This generally requires an initial 755nm treatment, followed up with a 532nm treatment once oxidized for a complete removal.
At Amendermis, we use Picosecond technology, which is highly effective at targeting even the most resistant ink colours.
The Role of Picosecond Technology
Traditional Q-switched lasers rely on longer pulses of laser energy, which can generate more heat and cause discomfort or side effects like scarring. Picosecond lasers revolutionize tattoo removal with their ultra-short pulses:
755nm Wavelength: Ideal for breaking down dark and black inks.
532nm Wavelength: Targets lighter colours like yellows, reds, and greens.
These specific wavelengths allow for precise treatment of all types of tattoo ink, minimizing side effects and ensuring treatments are safe for darker skin tones.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
The number of treatments required depends on several factors, including:
The type of ink used.
The tattoo’s age and size.
Your skin type and overall health.
Most clients need a series of treatments spaced weeks apart to ensure their body has time to process the broken-down tattoo pigment. During your consultation at Amendermis, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Addressing Semi-Permanent and Cosmetic Tattoos
Semi-permanent tattoos, like microblading or lip blush, pose unique challenges because they often oxidize during treatment. This reaction can initially make the tattoo appear darker or discoloured. The Picosecond laser’s precision allows us to safely and effectively target these pigments without damaging surrounding skin, ensuring gradual fading over multiple removal sessions.
Safety and Side Effects
While laser tattoo removal is generally safe, there are some potential side effects to consider:
Redness and swelling: Common after treatment, typically resolve within a few days.
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: Rare but more likely for darker skin tones if improper laser settings are used.
At Amendermis, our experienced technicians use advanced technology to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery for all skin types.
Your Path to Complete Tattoo Removal
Tattoo ink may have evolved, but so has laser technology. With Picosecond lasers, Amendermis Laser Clinic offers the most highly effective solution for Vancouver Island tattoo removal, targeting all types of tattoo ink with precision and care.
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn colours, semi-permanent tattoos, or an older design, our customized treatment plans ensure safe and lasting results.
Are you ready to say goodbye to your unwanted tattoo? Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a tattoo-free future!