Why is my tattoo fading?

All tattoos fade over time, but we should do our part to slow down the fading process.

Firstly, let us understand how the immune system protects the body. White blood cells play a key role in the body's defence system against infection and disease. Neutrophils are phagocytes cells (comprising 60% to 70% of all white blood cells) that consume invading pathogens. Lymphocytes, the second most common type of white blood cell, disseminate through the organs and tissues of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other undesired substances. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.

Therefore, ink particles are moved into the deeper dermis over time due to the action of mobile phagocytic cells that causes the tattoo to look blurry, faded and bluish.

Here are some factors that influence the longevity of a tattoo.

1. Tattoo artist's technical skills and application ability

   1. Tattoo ink is inserted through the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, and into the dermis, which is mottled with nerves and blood vessels. If the tattoo ink is not deposited accurately into the appropriate skin depth, the tattoo will definitely fade.

   2. The basement membrane of the epidermis is fully reformed between two and three months, barring any further loss of tattoo ink through the epidermis.
      

2. Placement of tattoo

   1. High-friction and stretchy areas tend to fade faster. High tattoo fading areas include the inner ears, hands, palms, fingers, wrists, feet, elbows, armpits, knees and abdomen (pregnancy).
      

3. Quality of ink

   1. It is important to select ink brands that contain organic ingredients and pigments made from all-natural elements, and at Paper Plane Ink, your well-being is our paramount concern.

   2. The tattoo inks that we use are made in the USA, vegan, made of natural pigments, not tested on animals and contains zero animal products, pigments are certified sterile, supplied in a medical-grade sealed bottle, ensuring its longevity before and after opening.
      

4. Tattoo style, size and colour

   1. Small details and light shading fades faster than dark solid black lines.

   2. Tattoo designs that are too closely packed may bleed together and may appear like a black blob over time. It is therefore recommended to go bigger and bolder, as it will be easier to tell what the tattoo design is for years to come.

   3. Black and grey are the longest lasting colour tattoos and suits all skin tones while vibrant and pastel colours like yellow, light blue, white and pink tattoo inks fade faster.

   4. Most tattoo colours will turn up considerably better for people with lighter skin tones.
      

5. Tattoo aftercare and skincare practices
   

6. General health and nutrition

   1. It is good to know and understand the possibility of experiencing allergic reactions from tattoo inks, skin infections or blood-borne diseases when you chose to breach the skin.
      

7. Exposure to the sun

   1. During sun exposure, many Langerhans cells (reside in the epidermis as a dense network of immune system sentinels) will undergo apoptosis (a type of cell death where the cell breaks apart into many small fragments) while others migrate into the dermis and a minor inflammatory reaction occurs. The inflammatory reaction is not restricted to the epidermis but also involves the dermis. Such a reaction causes the recruitment of more phagocytic immune cells to the area. This, therefore, accelerates the fading of the tattoo.

   2. Needless to say, the first line of defence to prevent your tattoo from fading is to use sunscreen (10% Promo Code: DKOPPI).