In some cases getting a tattoo can be a decision made in seconds. However, that timing is different when wanting to say goodbye to that spontaneous ink later down the road. Finding accurate and reliable resources for tattoo removal can be exhausting. Every website claims to know the “answer”, but what information really points you in the right direction? Is there a method for all-natural tattoo removal at home that really works? The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or n, but don’t worry, because we are here to help guide you in the right direction.
There are three common methods out there on the market for tattoo removal. Tattoo removal cream and/or lotion, salabrasion, and laser tattoo removal. The first two techniques are popular “all-natural tattoo removal at home” methods, but they really aren’t very natural at all and they definitely are not very effective. All these methods might have some success at removing your tattoo, but which one can you trust to be the most effective and least damaging to your skin?
Tattoo removal cream is not a natural tattoo removal method
Tattoo removal creams on the market, like Profade, claim they work effectively and promise you will see results in a matter of weeks simply by using their product at your leisure when home. What they don’t explain to you is that most creams are just bleaching the skin and are probably the least natural tattoo removal method available. The chemicals never completely pierce through to the layer of skin that holds the ink from your tattoo. Since the prime component is a bleach-like substance, expect repetitive use to irritate your skin and possibly cause complications like any other cleaning chemical applied to your skin would do. The main ingredient in these type of products is trichloroacetic acid which can cause very bad burns to your skin leading to scarring. For more information on creams check out our recent blog post, Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work?
Salabrasion may be a natural tattoo removal method but it does more harm than good
Salabrasion tattoo removal claims to use simple ingredients including plain table salt, tap water and an abrasive device such as a “wooden block wrapped in gauze”. In some cases, a local anesthetic is administered before the procedure, since there may be some pain involved. After shaving the area of the tattoo the person performing the procedure will apply the salt mixed with water to the area while using the abrasive gauze surface to vigorously rub the region until it turns a deep blood red. They will then apply an antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze dressing, which is left in place for three days. After this time, the dressing will be removed and the skin, which will be raw, is covered once again with the salt for several hours following more antibiotic ointment to be redressed and sit for another 3 days. Excuse me, what?! Just think about it! You’re basically rubbing off your skin with a salty water gauze which you then put more salt on and let sit. This method is very difficult for us to make sense of, but it is a common all-natural tattoo removal at-home technique. We cannot stress enough how pouring salt into an open wound that you rub raw is a horrible idea and will often cause serious scarring or infection.
Laser tattoo removal is a safe, effective, and natural tattoo removal method
Laser tattoo removal is a process that requires patience. Many variables affect how quickly and effectively tattoo ink will fade, but laser tattoo removal is the most effective method with the least amount of scarring. Recent technological advancements have resulted in new lasers that break up ink more quickly and completely than older tools or methods. This is where patience comes in. Procedures range from only 2-20 minutes but take 6-8 weeks to fully recover before your next treatment. Most tattoos are gone or nearly gone in 6-9 treatments. Each person is evaluated based on skin type, size, and color of their tattoo. Winter is the best time of year for laser tattoo removal because you will need to cover your treated area while it heals and avoid heat or direct sunlight for a few days. It is the spendier option, but having a tattoo removed by a professional is worth every penny. When performed properly, laser tattoo removal leaves little to no scarring and is the best tattoo removal method to date.
Still thinking of doing it at home?
No matter what you decide, it is your body. We want you to understand you have options. Several removal options are considered safe if they are done by a professional or other licensed medical professional. These methods are not cheap but will give you the best results and not cause other issues like scarring or infection. Is there a method for all-natural tattoo removal at home that works? The clear answer is no. Laser tattoo removal is your cheapest and most effective option to literally zap away your unwanted tattoo compared to surgical excision or dermabrasion. In fact, most professionals almost never recommend anything else. So forget about ineffective or outdated methods like creams (no matter how many times you use them to dissolve a tattoo, they won’t). Skip excision (it leaves prominent scars, not to mention the agony factor). And say no to dermabrasion (it’s just not as effective as laser removal and can damage skin).
f you want satisfactory results, stop considering taking shortcuts with ineffective “all-natural tattoo removal at home” methods and leave your tattoo removal work to the professionals.
