The Science Behind Tattoo Ink Absorption in the Skin

The art of tattooing is not only an expression of creativity but also a fascinating application of science. When a tattoo needle delivers ink into the skin, a myriad of biological processes takes place.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the science behind how tattoo ink is absorbed by the skin, why tattoos are permanent, and the factors that can affect a tattoo's appearance over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Tattoo ink is deposited into the dermis, the second layer of skin, where it's absorbed by skin cells and immune cells.
  • Tattoos are permanent because the ink particles are too large to be removed by the body's natural cleaning processes.
  • Various factors such as skin type, ink quality, and exposure to sunlight can affect how a tattoo looks over time.

What Happens When Tattoo Ink is Injected into the Skin?

When the needle of a tattoo machine punctures the skin, it carries ink into the dermis.

But why the dermis?

The epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, continuously sheds cells, whereas the dermis is more stable. The dermis provides a relatively stable environment for the tattoo ink, as opposed to the rapidly turning over cells in the epidermis.

In the dermis, immune system cells called macrophages attempt to ‘clean up’ the foreign ink particles. Some of the ink is transported away by these cells, but much of it remains in the dermis, absorbed by fibroblasts (a type of skin cell) and trapped within the collagen matrix.

Why are Tattoos Permanent?

While our bodies are quite efficient at cleaning up foreign materials, tattoo ink particles are usually too large for the macrophages to fully consume and transport away. As such, the ink particles remain trapped in the dermis, visible through the outer layer of skin.

How Does the Body React to Tattoo Ink?

When the skin is punctured, the body responds as if it’s been injured - because it has. The immune system springs into action to prevent infection and start repairing the damage. It’s this immune response that is integral to both the permanence of tattoos and the body's ability to remove ink through laser tattoo removal.

What Factors Affect Tattoo Ink Absorption and Appearance?

Skin Type: Different skin types react to tattoo ink in various ways. For example, oily skin might cause ink to spread slightly, affecting the tattoo’s sharpness.

Ink Quality: High-quality inks tend to maintain their vibrancy longer. Some cheap inks can fade quickly or cause allergic reactions.

Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause tattoo ink to break down over time, leading to fading.

Age: As skin ages, it loses collagen and elastin. This can cause tattoos to sag or blur as the skin becomes less firm and elastic.

Tattoo Depth: If the ink is deposited too shallowly, it ends up in the epidermis and will be shed. If it’s too deep, the tattoo might not be as sharp.

How Do Laser Tattoo Removals Work?

Laser tattoo removal uses highly concentrated light beams to break up the ink particles in the dermis. Once the ink particles are broken into smaller fragments, the macrophages are more successful in consuming and carrying them away.

Safety Considerations and Tattoo Ink

It's essential to be aware of the contents of tattoo inks. Some inks contain metals or other substances that can cause allergic reactions. “Since tattoos are not regulated in any way, there are many unknowns that could pose potential problems for consumers in terms of the inks and tools used,” Dr. Michi Shinohara, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle, said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release.

It is important to talk to your tattoo artist about the inks they use.

The Future of Tattoo Science

As the tattoo industry evolves, so does the science behind it. Emerging technologies may soon bring new types of tattoo inks and delivery methods. For instance, researchers are looking into “bio-inks” and temporary tattoo inks that last longer than traditional temporary tattoos but are not permanent.

Conclusion

The permanence of tattoos is a fascinating interplay between art and science. The role of the immune system, the structure of the skin, and the properties of tattoo ink all contribute to the absorption of tattoo ink in the skin and the longevity of tattoos. Understanding the science behind tattooing can lead to more informed choices and a deeper appreciation of this ancient art form.

We Make Ink Do More

Paul Park, The Xtreme Team

For the most recent tattoo art made with Xtreme Inks by tattoo artists who are pushing the boundaries of self-expression, check out our Instagram.

For more information on our sets, please take a look at our piece on Xtreme Inks: Artist Collections.

TAGS

#AnimalTattoos#asianart #tattoodesign #irezumi #calligraphytattoo #mandalatattoo#BlackworkTattoos #TattooArtistry #BodyArt #PersonalExpression #TattooSymbolism #TattooCulture #TattooDesigns #AncientTribalTattoos #ModernTattoos #PersonalNarratives#BodybuildingAndTattoos#BodyPositive#CleanLines#CleanTattooEnvironment#ColorPalette#DelicateDesigns#Empowerment#FineLineTattoos#FineLineTattooTips#geishatattoo #japaneseculture #irezumi #neotraditionaltattoo#HealingThroughArt#InkSterilization#IntricateTattoos#MuscleGrowth#ParamedicalTattooing#PhysiqueAndTattoos#PrisonTattoos #TattooCulture #InmateIdentity #TattooHistory #InmateSurvival #PrisonCulture#Scars#SkinArt#StretchMarks#TatiannaB#TattooAftercare#TattooApplication#TattooArt#TattooArtistsGuide#TattooCare#TattooColors#TattooGuide#TattooHealthConsequences#Tattooing #Architecture #ArchitecturalTattoos #LandmarkTattoos #ArtForms#Tattooing #CollageTattoos #TattooArt #PersonalStories #BodyArt#TattooInk#TattooInkSterilization#TattooRemastering #OldTattoos #TattooArtists #RodgerLaw #BrunoLima #XtremeTeam#TattooRisks#TattooSafety#TattooStyles#TattooTechniques3d effect tattoo3D Printing3d tattoo3D tattoos7 signs of intelligence7 signs you're a talented tattoo artist7 signs you're incredibly talentedAbstract TattoosAcceptanceaccessory packageaccurate stencilachieving optimal resultsAcne-Prone Skinacrylic-freeadditivesadjustable tattoo machineadjusting ink consistencyAdventureAdvocacyaesthetic appealAesthetic ConsiderationsAfricaAfter Inked Tattoo Aftercare LotionAftercareage of tattooAgricultureair compressorAlcohol Consumptionallergic reactionsalternative inksAlternative MethodsAlternative Tattoo Practiceamericana tattoosanchor tattooAncient AngkorAncient TattoosAncient TraditionsAndy WarholAnimal IdentificationAnimal Resource CenterAnimal SheltersAnimal SpiritsAnimal TattoosAnimal WelfareAnimationAnimeantibioticsantiseptic ingredientsAnxietyAotearoaapanese tattoosapprenticeshiparmature barArtart and cultureart and fashionArt AppreciationArt CollectionArt CommodificationArt EvolutionArt Exhibitionart formsart high school in PolandArt MarketArt Movementart stylesart therapyartist collectionsartist-client relationshipartistic challengesartistic expressionArtistic growthArtistic InnovationArtistic Journeyartistic prowessartistic shadingartistic skillsartistic stylesartistic symbolismArtistryartists use neutral colors forAsh KetchumAsiaAsianTribalTattoosassembling a tattoo gunAstrologyAstrology TattoosAstronomy TattoosAsuka LangleyAt-Home Tattooingathletic achievements tattoos.athletic tattoosato legaspiAto Legaspi's Realism Color Setattoo HistoryAwarenessbback tattoosbacteriaBaking TattoosBangkok InkBangkok Tattoosbarrier creamsBear TattoosBeauty StandardsBecoming a tattoo artistbeginner guideBeginner Tattoo ArtistBeginner Tattoo Artistsbeginnersbest blue tattoo inkbest female artistsbest female tattoo artistsbest green tattoo inkbest inkbest street art tattoosbest tattoo inkBest Tattoo PensBeverage TattoosBicep TattoosBio-InksBiomechanical TattoosBiosecuritybird tattooBirthmarksBlack & Grey tattoosblack and grey tattooBlack and Grey TattooingBlack and Grey TattoosBlack Fridayblack inkBlack Magic Tattoo Inkblack tattoo inkblackbird tattooBlacklight TattoosBlackwork TattooBlackwork Tattoosbleaching propertiesblending tattoo inkBlockchain Technologyblood thinnersBlood Thinningblood-borne pathogensblue and green tattoo inkBlue Butterfly Tattooblue inkblue ink symbolblue tattooblue tattoo inkblue tattoo ink meaningbody artbody art alternativesbody art and identityBody Art in IndiaBody Art.Body modificationBody Positivitybody tattoosBold Colorsbold fontsbold inkbold tattoosBook CharactersBook-Inspired TattoosBotanical Tattoosbottlingbrand identitybrand loyaltybrand reputationbrandsbreaking beauty standardsbreaking stereotypesbreathable barrierBrushstroke CalligraphyBrushstroke TattoosBuddhismBuilding a portfoliobusiness insurancebusiness managementbusiness planButterfly TattoocalciumCalligraphy StylesCalligraphy TattoosCambodian Militarycan you tattoo over black ink?carbon inkcarcinogenic riskscarcinogensCat TattoosCelestial SymbolsCelestial TattoosCeltic Folklorechair rental for tattoo artistschallengeschallenging gender normschallenging processCharacter TattoosCharactersChef Tattooschemical reactionschemical stabilityChest TattoosCheyenne Hawk PenChineseTattoosChiShenchlorinecircle tattooCitrus FruitsClean Linescleaning guidelinescleaning solutionclientClient Collaborationclient communicationClient Relationshipclient safetyclogged poresCloud StorageclumpingCollaborationcollaborative creativitycollagencolorcolor consistencyColor Enhancerscolor fadingcolor mixingcolor paletteColor Precisioncolor psychologycolor retentioncolor saturationcolor spreadingColor SymbolismColor Tattooscolor theorycolor-changing inkcolored tattooscolorfastnesscoloring techniquesComic TattoosCommitmentCommunitycommunity engagementcompatibilitycompatibility with skin tonescompetitioncompositionconcentrationconsistencyConstellation TattoosconsultationContact Dermatitiscontact screwContemporary Artcontrastcorneocytescorporate social responsibilityCosmetic TattooingcosmicCosmic TattoosCosplayCostume Playcountry-specific tattoo rulescover up tattoocover-up tattoosCraniofacial Surgerycreative collaborationCreative IdeasCreativitycross-contaminationCrown ChakraCrown of the HeadCulinary ProfessionCulinary TattoosculturalCultural AppreciationCultural AppropriationCultural CommentaryCultural Cuisine Tattooscultural expressioncultural heritagecultural identitycultural impactcultural influencescultural originscultural perspectivesCultural PreservationCultural Respectcultural sensitivitycultural shiftcultural significancecultural symbolsCultural Tattoo HistoryCultural TattoosCultural traditionCultural TraditionsCulture and Tattooscursive fontscustom designCustom Designscustom shadesCustom Tattoo Designcustomer relationsdandelion tattooDark Horse Tattoodark tattoo inkDayakTutangdeep black inkDekudelicate tattoosDepressionDepthDermal DiseasesdermatitisDermatographydermatologistDermatologyDermisdermis layerdesigner collectionsdesired resultDeveloping drawing skillsDiabetic PatientsDiagnostic MethodsDigital ArtDigital Art ToolsDigital Revolutiondilution solutiondiscolorationDisney Tattoosdisplay fontsdisposable cartridgesdistilled waterDiversityDIYDIY TattooDIY tattoo stencilDIY TattoosdocumentationDotworkDragonhawk Mast PenDrawing skillsDream ImageryDream SymbolsDream-Inspired Tattoosdry skindual functionalitydurable constructiondurable tattoo inkdynamic tattoo designse-commerceeagle tattooEarning potentialeasier tattooingeco-friendly inkseczemaEducationEdward Elricelegant tattoosElimination ChallengesEmerging Artistsemerging technologiesEmma Kierzekemotional connectionemotional milestonesemotional paletteEmotional SignificanceEmpowering ArtistsEmpowering SymbolsEmpowermentempowerment tattoosend resultsEndoscopic Tattooingengraved tattoosenhanced realismEnso CircleEnso Tattoosentering the skinentrepreneurshipenvironmental awarenessenvironmental responsibilityEphemeral Artepidermal tattoosepidermisepidermis bindingepisode themeEren Yeagerergonomicsetched effectEthereum BlockchainEthical Considerationsethical tattoo practicesethical tattoo productsEthical TattooingEU regulationEuropeevolutionExo Black Tattoo InkExo WhiteExperienced tattoo artistexperimenting with inkexpert tattoo artistsexpiration dateextra blackExtra WhiteExtraterrestrial Tattoo DesignsExtremeTravelfacial tattoosfadingfair competitionfake info about tattoosfake skin practicefalcon tattoofamily tattoosFandomfashion collaborationfashion industry.FDA regulationFDA regulations on tattoo ink.feather tattoofemale tattoo artistfemale tattoo artistsfemale tattoosfeminine tattoosfeminist tattoosfilm dressingFinding a mentorFinding ClientsFine Artfine particle sizefine-line techniquesFirst tattooFitzpatrick ScaleFK Irons ExoFK Irons SpektraFlash Challengesflat needlesflower tattoosFolkloreFood and Drink TattoosFood Inspired TattoosFood Lovers Tattoosforearm tattoosForensic MedicineFree For Artistsfreedom tattoosfreehand tattoofreehand techniqueFreemasonryfruit tattoo practiceFruit Tattooingfruit tattoosFundraisingFuture of Tattoosfuture trendsfuture trends in tattoo removalFuturistic TattoosGalaxy Tattoosgaming cultureGastronomyGen ZGenZTravelgeometric designsgeometric tattoosglobal practicesglobal talentglobal tattoo standardsglovesGlow-in-the-Dark TattoosglycerinGokuGold Tattoo InkGood Luck Charmsgothgoth tattoosgothic fontsgothic tattoosgothicaGraffiti ArtistGranulomasgray realismGreek Mythologygreen ink supplygreen soapgreen tattoo inkgreywashguide to mixing colorsguide to mixing tattoo inksHand and Finger Tattooshand tattoosHand-Poked Tattooshand-tappingHands-on experiencehandwritten fontshard waterHarry Potter TattoosHawaiian tattooshawk tattooHealinghealing processhealing tattoo inkhealth and safetyhealth consciousnessHealth Directiveshealth regulationsHealth Riskshealthcare providerheart tattooheavy metalshectograph transfer paperHenna Practiceherb tattoosheritagehigh-quality inkhigh-quality tattoo inkHigher ConsciousnesshighlightingHighly experienced tattoo artisthiring staffHistorical SymbolsHistorical Tattooshistorical usehistoryhistory of tattooHistory of Tattooshistory of the tattoo needlehome tattoo removal techniquesHome Tattooinghomemade tattoo inkHoneydew Practicehori needleshormonal medicationsHorror Tattooshow to be a professional tattoo artist.how to begin tattoohow to dispose of tattoo inkhow to learn how to tattoohow to mix tattoo inkshow to prevent contamination in tattoo inkhow to start tattooinghow to store tattoo inkhow to use wetting solutionhuman canvashummingbird tattooHydrationhygieneHygiene and Safetyhygiene and sanitationIconic ImageryIconsIdentityIdentity FormationImaginationImmortalized TattoosImmune Responseimmune response modifiersImpulsive DecisionsInclusivityinclusivity.Indian Tattoo CultureIndian Tattoo HistoryIndianTribalTattoosindigenous artindigenous culturesIndigenous Tattoo TraditionsIndividual ExpressionindividualityIndonesianTattoosIndustry StandardsinfectiInfection RiskInfection Risksinfinity symbolinfinity symbol tattooinfinity tattoo designinfluencer marketingInk Absorptionink additivesink behaviorink breakdownink consistencyink contaminationink contamination risksink diluentsink flowink formulationInk InteractionInk Longevityink manufacturersInk MasterInk MigrationInk Precisionink propertiesink qualityink quality standardsink removalInk Reviewink saturationink setsink shelf lifeink storageInk Swatchesink versatilityInk Vibrancyink viscosityInked Practiceinking in greenInkjecta Flite X1inkjet printerInner StrengthinnovationInnovation In Inkinorganic pigmentsInspirationInstagramintelligentintelligent signsinternational tattoo lawsInterpersonal skillsiPadsIrezumiirritationitchinessitchingitching after tattooiwiJapanese craftsmanshipJapanese FolkloreJapanese tattoo cultureJapanese tattoo needlesJapanese tattoo traditionsJapanese tattoosJokerKaneki KenkapeKeith HaringKelly Dotykeratinizationkevin boudreauKielcekirituhikorukosher inkKwadron proteamlaser printerlaser tattoo removallatest postsleaf tattoosLearninglearning to tattooleg tattooslegacylegal aspectsLegal ConsiderationsLegendsLGBTQ+license renewallicensing feesLichenoid ReactionsLidocainelife phaseslifelike portraitLifestylelightweight tattoo machinelimitationsliner machinelining and shading inkLining WhiteLion TattoosLiterary QuotesLiterature TattoosLivestock managementLivestock TattooingLiving Tattoo Artlocation of tattoolong-term exposurelong-term health effectslongevityLongevity symbolslove tattoosLuffymachine compatibilitymachine lubricationmagnesiummagnum needlesmainstream culturemainstream mediaMainstream Tattoosmaintenance tipsmale tattoomale tattoo ideasmanamanaging expectationsmandala tattoosmanual tattoo transfermanufacturersMaori cultureMaori Ta MokoMarine life tattoosmaritime-inspired fontsmarketingMarvel-inspired tattoosMasonic SymbolsMasonic TattoosmatauMatt Hodelmeaningful tattoosMedical AlertMedical Alert TattoosMedical RisksMedical Tattooingmedical tattoosmedical-grade alcoholmedicationsmemorial tattoosmemoriesMen's TattoosMental Healthmental health tattoosMentoringmentorshipMentorship in Tattooingmetallic inksMetallic TattoosMichal Wursztmicro tattoosMicropigmentationMiddle EastMikasa AckermanmiliaMillennialTravelMindfulnessmineral contentmineral-based tattoo inksminimalist tattoosmisconceptionsmixingmixing containermixing sticksmixing tattoo inksmixing techniquesmodern designsmodern fontsmodern tattoo artistsModern TattooingModern Tattooing in Indiamoisturized skinmoisturizingMolesMoon TattoosMoral Lessonsmountain tattooMoviesmulti-colored worksMuseum ArtMusic SymbolsMusic TattoosMythological TattoosMythologyMythology in Tattoosmyths about tattoosname tattoosNanotechnologyNarutoNative American tattoosNatsu Dragneelnatural healing processnatural oilsnatural pigmentsnatural remedies for tattoo removalNature Tattoosneck tattoosneedle compatibilityneedle depthneedle gaugeneedle identificationneedle penetrationneedle sizeNeo TrNeo-traditional TattoosNeotraditional Tattoosneutral color setneutral colorsNew School 12 color setNew School tattoosnew tools in tattoosNew York Historical SocietyNew ZealandNFTsNightlifeNo Facenon-permanent tattoosnon-toxic materialsNorse mythologyNorth AmericaNumbing OintmentsNurturingOceaniaOld School tattoosoldest tattooOnline Platformsonline shoppingoozing and peeling after tattooOptical Illusionsorangesorganic inkorganic inksorganic pigmentsOrganic Tattoo InkOriental styleoriginsornamental tattoosOSHAotziowl tattooowning a tattoo studioPac-ManPain ManagementPain ReductionPain TolerancepassionPassion for tattooingPatient Identificationpeacock tattooPerceptionPermanent ArtPermanent Inkpermanent makeupPersonal EmpowermentPersonal ExpressionPersonal FreedomPersonal GrowthPersonal IdentityPersonal Journeypersonal meaningPersonal NarrativesPersonal Significancepersonal stylePersonal SymbolismPersonal TattoosPersonal transformationPersonalized tattoo experiencepersonalizing tattoosPet Identification.pH changepH levelsPhoenix Tattoosphoto-realisticPhotoallergic ReactionsPhotostability.Pig Skin Tattoopigmentpigment allergiespigment chemistspigment concentrationpigment dilutionpigment dispersionpigment dispersion sciencePigment Hypersensitivitypigment lightfastnesspigment migrationpigment qualityPigmentspinkspixel artPlaneta Biuplanning tattooplant-based dyesPlastic Surgerypneumatic tattoo machinesPokémonPolandPolish tattoo artistPolycyclic Aromatic HydrocarbonspolynesianpoolPop ArtPop Culturepop culture influencePop Culture Referencespop culture tattoosPopular Sci-Fi Franchisespopular tattoos for womenPopularitypore blockageportable tattoo ink systemportable tattoo kitportfolio buildingPost-Operative Tattoospower supply settingsPower Tattoopractice and patiencePractice Materialsprecautionsprecision in tattooingprehistoric tattoospreservationpreventing smearingpridePrilocainePrimary Aromatic AminesProcreateProcreate Swatchesproductionprofessional considerations for tattoosprofessional developmentProfessional Suppliesprofessional tattoo artistsprofessional tattoo artists.Professional Tattoo Gearprofessional tattoo removalprofessional tattooingprofessionalismProfessionalTattooingproper ink storageProstheticsPseudolymphomaPsychological Ownershippublic health.purified waterpurplepurple tattoo inkpurpliciousputting together a tattoo machinequalityQuality Inkquality of tattooquality tattoo inksquote tattoosRadiation OncologyRadiation TherapyRadiologyREACHreach complianceREACH standardsrealismrealism tattoosrealistic tattooRealistic Tattoosreality tattoo showreality TVRebirthreclaiming the bodyrecommendations.Reconstructive Tattooingred tattoo inkredsregular paperregulationsregulatory agenciesreliabilityReligious SignificanceRemembrancerenewable energy in tattoo studiosrepresentation in body artRescue Organizationsresearch