Words by Adam Jolley
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Fight the fade with our handy tips and advice.
Over time, some tattoo fading is normal. However, this doesn’t mean you should just give up and accept dull looking tattoos! Here are seven ways to increase the vibrancy of your ink.
1. Pick a quality tattoo artist
There are many reasons not to get an amateur tattoo: potential hygiene issues, lower quality artistry, and sketchy (or non-existent) aftercare advice to name a few.
But it’s also worth seeking out a reputable artist as your tattoo is much more likely to last longer too.
Not only will a pro use better quality ink – something that’s super important when it comes to keeping your tattoo from fading - they’ll ensure the ink is delivered properly into the skin.
Skin cells in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, renew themselves much more often than the deeper layers. This means that if the ink is not delivered deep enough – into the dermis - it’s way more likely to fade faster.
2. Start aftercare from day 1
Your tattoo will go through some noticeable changes as it heals. You can read more about the tattoo healing stages in our blog.
And, as a new tattoo is essentially an open wound, looking after it from the start will ensure it heals well without scarring or other blemishes to your skin.
In fact, proper care from the beginning, which means reducing any irritation or chances of infection, is one of the best things you can do to ensure your tattoo looks its best for many years to come.
At Stories & Ink, our Aftercare Creamhas been specifically designed to soothe, calm and repair damaged skin immediately after tattooing.
3. Get a black or grey tattoo
At Stories & Ink we love a colour tattoo. But the fact is that colour tattoos, especially those that are light or watercolour, tend to fade faster than those done with black or grey ink.
All tattoos will fade a little over time. But if you want to up your chances of having a tattoo that still looks strong well into the future, you may want to think about going for a black or grey design.
4. Think about placement
In terms of general appearance, you’ll obviously think about the location of your tattoo carefully. But did you know the location can play a role in how it changes over time, including tattoo fading, too?
One of the reasons for this is that some body parts are more susceptible to skin changes as you get older, such as stretching, sagging or losing elasticity, which can impact your tattoo’s appearance.
And as your skin stretches, the ink pigments in your tattoo can break down, which may cause your tattoo to fade.
Another factor is friction. Too much constant friction can rub off the layer of skin that protects your tattoo.
So, to minimise fading, you might want to consider getting tattooed in a place that doesn’t rub up against tight clothing, or chafe against another part of your body.
5. Protect tattoos from the Sun
When it comes to keeping your tattoo from fading, this one’s a biggie! And while it’s always a good idea to keep your skin protected from the Sun, it’s especially important when your tattoo is new.
UV frequencies in sunlight can break down ink molecules gradually, especially on tattoos that are always exposed to sunlight – such as on the fingers or face.
While your tattoo is in its healing phase, we recommend keeping it covered with loose clothing if you’re going to be out in the Sun.
After it’s healed, feel free to slap on the sunscreen or even a moisturiser with an SPF.
6. Maintain good skin health
Your tattoo will only ever look as good as the skin it’s inked on. So, take care of your skin health and you’ll be rewarded with brighter and better-looking tattoos.
First, drinking water regularly is great for skin health. The NHS ‘Eatwell Guide’ advises drinking six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day.
Second, avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce the body’s collagen production, which is what makes the skin more elastic. And if your skin elasticity is reduced, your ink has more chance of fading out.
Third, exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. These will all help your skin look and feel good – which will ensure your tattoos look great too.
7. Use tattoo Vibrancy Serum
The Stories & Ink tattoo Vibrancy Serumcontains a number of ingredients that actively fight fade while reducing signs of inflammation and supporting the maintenance of tattoo ink.
This includes gentle amino acids that brighten and exfoliate your skin, while Liftonin-Xpert™ intensifies tattoo ink making it appear brighter and fresher.
Simply apply the tattoo serum to your skin in gentle, circular motions, leave it on overnight and wake up to fresher-looking ink!
Tattoo fading: FAQ
Why do tattoos fade?
Over time, cells from your immune system will gradually absorb the tattoo ink deposited in your skin and disperse it.
Also, UV frequencies in sunlight can break down ink molecules gradually, which can also increase the chances of your tattoo fading.
How to keep tattoos from fading?
There are several things you can do to stop your tattoos from fading, including picking a reputable tattoo artist, following a good aftercare regime from the very start, covering up if you’re going to be out in the Sun, and using Stories & Ink’s tattoo Vibrancy Serum.
Why has my tattoo faded after peeling?
Generally around the third or fourth week after getting a new tattoo, a layer of dry skin can form over your new tattoo. This can leave it looking faded. Over the next week or so this will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath.
