The last few years has seen an explosion in the number of tattoo removal creams for sale. Perhaps we as a nation are beginning to collectively regret all our tribal arm bands? Or what about that butterfly tattoo in your lower back - it really did seem like a sexy idea at the time! Or maybe fashions just change, and bad tattoos are out...
If you take a look at the broad spectrum of removal creams and lotions on the market, you'll begin to notice some patterns in the products. With the exception of Rejuvi cream - which requires actual visits to the doctor, most creams actually work the same way. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on that process, removed from any one specific company's marketing efforts.
A typical tattoo removal or tattoo fade "kit" will be advertised usually as a 2 or 3 step process, and will often include a separate product for each process.
In a nutshell, the general idea behind how these creams work is this:
First, a topical lotion is applied to the skin above the tattoo. This purpose of this lotion is to usually "prepare the skin" for the next lotion. Companies also might claim this first lotion will gently break up the skin above the tattoo.
Secondly, the next lotion is applied to the same spot. The purpose of this lotion (or cream) is to break up the tattoo ink and the skin in which the ink was tattooed into. Over time, this will be pushed to the surface of the skin and will scab and fall off or will simply fade.
Thirdly, and lastly, a final lotion of cream is applied to soothe the skin and help the first and second lotions continue to work their magic, and keep the skin healthy and free of infection.
Take a look at the different products on the market, and they almost all follow this pattern. Not all lotions contain the same ingredients, with some being marketed as all-natural and others containing some strong chemicals. That being said, while the FDA has not tested any specific tattoo removal cream products, the ingredients contained within are considered to be safe to use by the FDA.
Although cheaper than other removal methods, tattoo removal creams are not cheap in the long run as many applications must be applied to fade or remove the ink altogether from the skin. Keep in mind though, whichever cream you do choose, the methodology of how it works is generally the same.
