Tattoo removal is a growing field in aesthetic medicine. More people are getting tattoos every year, meaning more people are looking for ways to remove them. As tattoo technology advances, so does the ease of removing them.
Previously, laser tattoo removal required multiple sessions and years of patience. With the right technician and equipment, green and yellow tattoos could be completely removed in one session!
The problem was that the ink color had to be very close to a natural skin tone or it would not come off. This made green and yellow tattoos almost impossible to remove unless you were willing to pay several sessions and wait years.
With the addition of new laser technologies, this problem has been solved. New violet lasers have been proven to completely remove any color of tattoo! Coupled with newer products that aid in the healing process, tattoo removal is more effective than ever before.
This article will discuss an emerging trend in tattoo removal: aloe vera gel! Read on to learn about its effectiveness and how to use it.
How does it help with tattoo removal?
Aloe vera is a plant-based product that has been used for hundreds of years. It has numerous uses, including health and beauty uses.
Many people use it to treat sunburns because it soothes damaged skin and promotes healing. This is because it contains enzymes called lipases, which break down fats in the skin.
Other people use it to clean and heal their skin, particularly if they have acne. By applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your skin, you are promoting a healthy surface layer.
Tattoo artists typically use a thicker ink layer when tattooing due to the longer healing time required. A thicker ink layer means there is more tissue damage on the skin, which can be problematic for the new cell growth below it.
Aloe vera helps heal this tissue faster, reducing the scabbing process.
What ingredients are in aloe vera?
Aloe vera contains several active ingredients, including polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. These components work together to soothe the skin and aid in cell regeneration.
Polysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules. They help to bind the other aloe vera components together and promote healing.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 8 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot synthesize (meaning we must get them from outside sources). Aloe vera contains several of these essential amino acids, which helps to rebuild damaged tissue.
Vitamins A, C, and E are important for cell and skin health. By including these in your aloe vera gel, you are also aiding in skin healing!
Minerals such as zinc and iron also play a role in cell regeneration.
Where can I find aloe vera?
Aloe vera can be found at most drug stores and some grocery stores. It can be tricky to find an adequate amount without having to buy a whole plant.
Many websites sell pure aloe vera juice, so you can always order that if you cannot find it in stores. You can also grow your own aloe vera plant, which is very easy to do!
Once you have the gel from the leaves, it is simple to make the tattoo removal cream. Just mix in the beeswax and vitamin E oil and you are done! You can keep the leftover gel for other uses, such as applying to sunburns or dry skin patches.
If you already have enough aloe vera gel stored away, then using your own homemade version is just as effective as buying the commercial cream. Try purchasing a small bottle just for testing if it works for you.
How do I use it for tattoo removal?
Aloe vera juice can be directly applied to the tattooed area. The tattooed area must first be washed with soap and water. Then, wipe the area with a paper towel or cloth to dry.
The next step is to apply the aloe vera gel directly to the tattoo. Once applied, you will need to massage the area gently until the gel absorbs into the skin. You can then leave it as is or sleep in a sleeve or other covering over it.
The last step is to sleep with a bandage over it to keep it from rubbing off on your bed sheets. You will have to do this for several nights until you see some results.
Repeat this process every few days until you see less color in the tattoo and more transparency.
Are there any side effects?
While tattoo removal creams are well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause an allergic reaction. This is rare, but it is important to know if you have a sensitivity to tattoo ink or sensitivities to certain chemicals.
Tattoo removal treatments contain melanin binders that work to remove your tattoo. These are usually hydroquinone or corticosteroids, which are common ingredients in anti-inflammatory and steroid medications.
Because these are applied topically on your skin, an allergy would only be possible if your body reacted against your own skin. This would be characterized by a rash, swelling, and possibly dry or flaky skin.
While most people do not experience any issues with tattoo removal cream, there are some cases where it can lead to permanent scarring or chronic skin inflammation (cancer). If you notice any changes in your skin during or after treatment, contact your doctor.
What else can I use for tattoo removal?
If you do not feel comfortable using aloe vera for tattoo removal, there are other natural products you can use. Some people report good results with coconut oil, lemon juice, and/or baking soda masks.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the presence of bacteria in the skin. By reducing the presence of bacteria, the chance of a bad reaction and scarring is reduced.
The oils in coconut also help to soften the skin, making it easier to remove the tattoo. Lemon juice is another natural acid that helps break down tattoos.
Baking soda acts as a dry soap, helping to remove some of the tattoo ink.
