Some inkings can lead to allergic reactions and others are almost impossible to remove
A dermatologist has explained there are three types of tattoos she would never get. Their popularity has soared in recent years. In the Uk in the last 10 years the number of inking businesses has soared from 1,637 to 3,394 — up 107 per cent — and 14 million now have one, which amounts to nearly a third of all adults.
However, their popularity sometimes leads to impulsive decisions, with the result not being what they expected. In these cases, laser treatment may be necessary to remove the pigment or cover the design with another design – and getting certain types of tattoo can make this more difficult.
One of the most debated topics is tattoo care. The reason is that the skin can react in unexpected ways, and not all scarring is the same. Dermatologist Ana Molina (dr.anamolina) explained in a video on social media what three types of tattoos she would never get as a skin specialist.
Multicoloured tattoos are the first on the list. The professional explains that the greater the number of pigments, the greater the chance of developing allergic reactions. She also said it’s not easy to remove them in the future, as each colour requires a different wavelength and even different lasers.
Secondly, she refers to the “blackout” trend. Although she describes them as visually striking, she warns that if a mole or other lesion appears beneath the design and begins to change, it is very difficult to diagnose. Therefore, they could hinder the early detection of serious skin problems, such as cancer.
She said: “What three tattoos would I never get as a dermatologist? 1. The multicoloured tattoos are beautiful, but the greater the number of pigments, the greater the chance of developing allergic reactions. And even worse, what happens if you ever want to take it off?
“Each colour requires a different wavelength and even different lasers. So get ready for a laser festival! 2. Blackout tattoos, those that cover an entire arm or even a leg. They are visually striking, but what if you have a mole underneath or another injury that begins to change? Let’s see who can diagnose it in a sea of black ink. Not easy.
“And finally, tattoos in pastel or very light tones. At first, they are subtle and elegant, but in time, they tend to fade, and removing them is not easy at all. Remember that lasers attack dark ink, and in this case, a lot of clear ink or even ink mixed with white has been used, making it almost impossible to remove them with laser. If you’re going to get a tattoo, go ahead, but choose the area, design, and type of ink carefully because your skin is for life, and so is your tattoo.”
Finally, she advises against tattoos in pastel or very light tones. The reason is that over time, they tend to fade, and if you want to remove them, it’s very difficult because the laser works better on dark ink. “It’s almost impossible to remove them with laser,” she points out. As the specialist concludes, “if you’re going to get a tattoo, go ahead, but choose the area, design, and type of ink carefully because your skin is for life, and so is your tattoo.”
On the other hand there are three types of tattoos which she would recommend as a skin expert. The first is Microblading after chemotherapy. She explained: “Because losing your eyebrows greatly affects your gaze, and recovering that is very important in these patients.”
Another medical aid was her second choice: “Tattoos of the mammary areolae after a mastectomy. It is not an aesthetic whim; it is authentic emotional medicine.”
Finally she added: “Tattoos to cover scars or burns. These tattoos do not erase the past, but rewrite it with art and other meanings. In dermatology, we also use ink for other purposes, such as camouflaging vitiligo, disguising stretch marks, marking areas for radiotherapy, or even creating tattoos with medical indications for patients with diabetes or severe allergies, which allow for quick reporting in case of emergency. So remember this, there are tattoos that not only decorate, but empower you, give you back your body and remind you that your scars are not the end, but part of the change.”
Dr Mark Griffiths, Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at Nottingham Trent University, told The Sun on Sunday: “Most people who get tattoos experience positive benefits.
“For example, someone who is experiencing depression or anxiety may feel empowered by a tattoo, or view it as a way of demonstrating control in their life.”
“A tattoo can help some individuals feel better about their body and help them feel as though they are part of a community. Tattoos may help promote body positivity, boost self-confidence and, for a minority, help to lower stress levels.
“For a small minority, tattoos may also be a symbol for trauma survivors, for example of PTSD, sexual assault and healing from childhood trauma.”