Although millions of people throughout the world have tattoos, including 20 percent of all Canadians , very little is known about their long term impact on your skin. Or more specifically, the impact pigments in your tattoos could have on your overall health.

What is pigment?

A pigment is a material that changes the colour of reflected or transmitted light as the result of wavelength-selective absorption. This physical process differs from fluorescence, phosphorescence, and other forms of luminescence, in which a material emits light.

What are pigments made out of?

Pigments may be organic (i.e., contain carbon) or inorganic. The majority of inorganic pigments are brighter and last longer than organic ones. Organic pigments made from natural sources have been used for centuries, but most pigments used today are either inorganic or synthetic organic ones.

Findings recently published in Scientific Journal stated that tiny nanoparticles of tattoo pigments were found in the lymph nodes of corpse donors. These particles, which were found to be less than one thousandth of the thickness of a piece of paper, had contaminants such as chromium and nickel. An Edmonton dermatologist, Dr. Zaki Taher, stressed there was no reason to panic about these particles as there is no knowledge of them causing any toxic reactions.

However, CBC also acknowledged that Health Canada does not actually regulate pigments used by tattoo artists. Furthermore, they stressed the importance of ink being free of substances that are “unsafe or cause adverse actions.” It is the responsibility of the “manufacturer or importer to meet the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations, and ensure that the product they are selling is safe.”

Understanding the quality of the ink being used in your tattoo is the best way to ensure you’re not subject to harmful substances. Speak with your tattoo artist before any ink touches your have them talk you through what kinds of pigments will be used during your appointment.

If you find yourself no longer wanting to expose your skin to possibly harmful pigments and the possibility of metal contaminants, tattoo removal may be the right option for you. At Unthink Inc. we use the advanced technology of the PicoWay laser. Unlike traditional Q-switched lasers, PicoWay is able to remove your unwanted tattoo in fewer treatments, with minimal discomfort and minimized risk. This is due to the short, fast pulses with which PicoWay delivers energy to the targeted area. Ink particles are shattered into tiny pieces which are eliminated through the body’s natural filtration system.

PicoWay also offers clearance of all tattoo colours, due to its ability to utilize three different wavelengths, each one able to remove a specific colour: 532nm, 785nm and 1064nm. This allows for a wide variety of pigments to be safely and effectively removed.

To learn more about tattoo removal options available to you, click here to schedule a free consultation.