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April 15, 2019In today’s society, we’re seeing more and more people with tattoos. In fact, about 14% of Americans have gotten at least one tattoo. And tattoos are more intricate and amazing than ever before. But just like with most styles and trends, there are a few tattoo trends that aren’t so great — like glow-in-the-dark tattoos. This article is going to discuss a few problems and risks with glow-in-the-dark tattoos so you can make an informed decision.
First off, it’s important to note that glow-in-the-dark tattoos are not exactly tattoos that are simply going to light up when they’re in a dark area. These tattoos are made of ink that is invisible until it’s put under a black light, which then helps them glow. Unfortunately, the misleading name results in a lot of disappointed tattoo clients.
Now, let’s talk about what exactly is in this tattoo ink that causes them to glow. In addition to the traditional pigments in ink, phosphorus is added to help the ink light up under a black light. And unlike regular tattoo ink, phosphorus is not something that should be put under your skin — it’s considered a toxic chemical and it’s used in pesticides and poisons. That doesn’t sound like something you would want to put under your skin, does it?
It’s also important to note that the FDA has not officially approved these types of inks, which means clients are taking a huge risk when they decide to get one of these tattoos. There is also little information regarding the long-term effects the glow-in-the-dark ink can have when injected into the skin. And because of this, when you’re choosing a tattoo artist, there’s a good chance you’ll have a hard time finding one who will use this type of ink.
So while they may look cool and be a unique form of body expression, you should probably add glow-in-the-dark tattoos to your list of “bad tattoos”. The risks certainly outweigh the benefits, especially with so little being known about the long-term impacts of this ink.
When you’re choosing a tattoo artist, you should always look for someone who has your safety as a priority. While there are some artists who have developed their own version of “glow-in-the-dark” tattoos, it’s probably best to stick to traditional ink.