How to Stop A Traditional Tattoo Fading?
A common question our artists at Inception Ink are often asked is ‘how do I stop a traditional tattoo fading?’ There are many reasons that could cause a tattoo to fade. Colour tattoos do tend to lose their vibrancy quicker than a black or grey tattoo, but rest assured, this takes a while. With proper care and treatment, there are ways that you can slow the depletion of the ink colour.
Why Do Tattoos Fade?
There are a variety of reasons. A fact of life is that you skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner as you get older. This can naturally lead to your tattoo(s) looking a little lacklustre to when you first got them. Contrary to what you may have been told, a tattoo doesn’t go very deep. In fact, the needle deposits a little ink into the top layer of skin, known as the dermis. Gradually, your cells absorb the ink and disperse it very slowly.
This, alongside external and environmental factors, such as placement of the tattoo, clothing friction and sun exposure can accelerate the process of aging your skin and the fading of your ink. The good news is that you can prevent your tattoos from fading to a degree.
Take Care of Your New Tattoo
It’s important that you look after your new traditional tattoo from the get-go. Doing so will promote an effective healing process and keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Keep the newly inked area clean and moisturised. Do not scratch or itch it. Doing so could pick off some of the healing design! Any damage that happens in those first few weeks can make your tattoo more susceptible to fading more quickly. Your tattoo artist will be able to advise
on how to take care of your new tattoo best.
Although keeping your tattoo clean is very important, over cleaning can be just as detrimental as none at all. Don’t exfoliate or rub too hard. You will quite literally scrub off thin layers of your skin, causing irritation and accelerate the colour fading.
Sun Protection
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of tattoo fading. Prolonged exposure to the sun can be very harmful to the longevity of your tattoo. UV rays, or ‘aging rays’, penetrate the skin and break down the pigments in the tattoo. Once those pigments are damaged, the tattoo will appear lighter than it was. Fine dot and line work can even become distorted.
If you have a new tattoo, keep it completely covered in the sun. If your tattoo is healed, either keep it covered, or wear SPF 30+.
Loose Clothing
Friction caused by clothing can cause tattoos to fade. It also depends on the placement of your tattoo but wearing loose clothing in the first few weeks can help to ensure the vibrancy of the ink. Tight clothes mean that the material is more likely to rub against the protective layer of skin.
Skin Hydration
When it comes to stopping a traditional tattoo from fading, skin hydration plays a huge part. When your skin is hydrated, it is happier, less susceptible to cracks and dryness and can heal faster. There are two ways you can ensure your skin is hydrated. The first is through a regular skin care routine. Balms and moisturisers that are unscented and naturally based ensure that you aren’t using hard chemicals on the skin.
Secondly, drinking enough water is important for optimum tattoo health. We forget that the skin is an organ and water is needed to keep it alive and in peak condition. Drinking your recommended daily water intake is a great place to start when it comes to happy skin and a healthy tattoo healing/prolonging process. If your skin looks good, so should your ink!
Touch Up
Remember, if your tattoo has faded considerably, you can always get a touch up. Our Essex tattoo artists are specialists in touch ups and cover ups, so if you need a fix up, look no further than Luke and Steve. We only use the highest quality tools to ensure a vibrant tattoo
that you’re proud to show off. Take a look at our gallery here.
Looking to Get A Traditional Tattoo?
This advice applies to not only traditional tattoos, but all tattoos in general. At Inception Ink, we are experts in a variety of tattoo styles including traditional, dot work, line work and more.
Are you thinking of getting a new tattoo? Why not contact us below, or check out our Instagram, @inception.ink to see more of our previous work.