The tattooing process damages the Epidermis and Dermis layers of the skin. The ink is retained on the upper surface of the Dermis layer, and some of the tattoo ink particles are distributed within the Epidermis layer of the skin. In the initial period after getting a tattoo, usually within the first month, we may notice some fading or spreading of the ink around the tattooed area. As per the body’s natural skin cell replacement process, around 2-3 months later, the tattoo ink on the Epidermis layer will start to shed as the new layer of skin cells is generated, and the ink will be embedded in the fibroblast cells, which are responsible for making the tattoo last longer.
Stages of ink dispersion on the skin:
Initially, the ink is absorbed by Keratinocytes and phagocytic cells (including fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells).
After one month, the basal membrane of the Epidermis layer undergoes reorganization, and ink-containing cells are found in the basal layer. In the Dermis layer, the ink is contained within phagocytic cells concentrated along the lower Epidermis layer and surrounded by collagen fibers. The ink is still being eliminated through the Epidermis layer, with residual ink in keratinocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts.
After two to three months, the basal membrane of the Epidermis layer is completely reorganized, preventing further ink loss through the Epidermis layer. The ink is now present within fibroblast cells. Most ink types containing these fibroblast cells lie beneath a fibrous tissue layer that replaces the previous granular tissue. A network of connective tissue surrounds and effectively traps these fibroblast cells. These fibroblast cells are believed to be the cells responsible for the longevity of the tattoo.
Why do tattoo marks fade over time?
It depends on whether the tattoo ink particles are located within the fibroblast cells or if there is still a significant accumulation of ink particles outside the skin cells. Additionally, the tattoo ink particles will gradually migrate deeper into the Dermis layer over time until they are cleared by the body’s immune response and the natural cell turnover process replaces old cells with new ones. This is the reason why tattoos gradually become fainter. According to research conducted over 40 years on old tattoos, it was found that ink remains deeply embedded in the Dermis layer of the skin and some also reside in the lymph nodes.
What about sunlight?
Sun exposure has a similar damaging effect on tattoos, whether you realize it or not. Langerhans cells, a type of dendritic cell present throughout the Epidermis layer but predominantly located in the stratum spinosum, undergo apoptosis (a type of cell death where cells break into smaller fragments) when exposed to sunlight. While other cells migrate to the Dermis layer and experience a minor inflammatory reaction, the inflammatory response is not limited to the Epidermis layer but also involves the Dermis layer. Such a reaction leads to the recruitment of numerous immune cells to the area.
With the presence of a larger number of immune cells moving abnormally, the mobility of the ink increases, thereby accelerating the fading process of the tattoo.
