There are two main culprits when it comes to how quickly your tattoos fade: aging and sun damage. It doesn't matter how careful you are, your tattoo will fade. However, there are some easy things you can do to try and avoid faded tattoos and help keep your tattoo looking fresh for longer.
One of the most common home tattoo removal methods we see talked about is salabrasion or rubbing the skin away with salt. It's an old method, and it does technically work, provided you rub enough skin off to reach the layer where the ink is held. You could also achieve the same effect with coarse sand or sandpaper.
Friction and rubbing from clothing or objects: Friction and rubbing from clothing or objects can also cause tattoo fading, particularly in areas where the tattoo is exposed to constant rubbing or friction. This can cause the ink pigments to break down and fade over time, resulting in a loss of vibrancy and definition.
Simply put, UV rays break down the pigment in your skin, which can cause the ink to become discolored. Additionally, sun exposure breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin, which can result in sagging that makes your tattoo look wonky over time. The quality of the ink used for your tattoo is also a factor.
Hydrogen peroxide
It is designed to work as a disinfectant but is moderately effective at fading superficial layers of ink. On its own, hydrogen peroxide is not potent enough to penetrate the second layer of skin. As a result, fresh tattoos or deeply embedded tattoos won't be phased by it.
Lastly, the American Academy of Dermatology states that petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade. After all the pain and hard work you had to endure to get that beautiful new piece, surely you're not too keen on it just fading from something as simple as petroleum jelly, would you?
Sun damage
You can't avoid the sun forever and you probably want to show off your artwork, but you can protect your skin and tattoo by using an SPF with a high UVA and keeping it covered in intense, direct sunlight. Anything that affects or damages your skin will make your tattoo fade quicker.
Salabrasion is the method of removing a tattoo by rubbing salt and water on a tattoo. This method removes the top layers of skin to rub out the ink in a tattoo. This treatment is done multiple times until the ink in a tattoo is gone or can no longer be reached.
Laser removal is the most effective way to remove a tattoo, but there are also other methods that can help, including surgical removal, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.
Natural methods like exfoliation, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide can offer gradual fading but carry risks of skin irritation and inconsistent results. For safer and more effective tattoo removal, professional treatments such as the advanced Phantom™ Laser technology are highly recommended.
It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.
For the best results and to speed up the tattoo removal process, it's recommended to combine laser treatments with proper aftercare and lifestyle changes. Maintaining good skin hydration is crucial; well-hydrated skin heals faster and is more resilient, enhancing the effectiveness of each laser session.
Lemon, lavender, frankincense, helichrysum, and tea tree essential oils are the best options for fading tattoos. To use essential oils for fading tattoos, dilute the oil, use a carrier oil, and apply the mixture to the tattoo regularly.
Other Tattoo Removal / Fading Options:
Hydrogen Peroxide and Exfoliation - Exfoliation paired with hydrogen peroxide can do wonders to gradually fade tattoo ink naturally.
Because it can be used to lighten stains in clothing or cookware, it is a common misconception that it can also be used bleach out and lighten a tattoo as tattoo removal at home. Sadly, this is an urban myth and there is no science behind it.
And the UV frequencies in sunlight are energetic enough to break down the ink molecules over time, so tattoos that are always exposed – such as on the fingers or face – fade quicker than those covered by clothing.
How to lighten a tattoo effectively? Laser removal is by far the best way to fade a tattoo. This is the quickest, safest, and most efficient removal process, says Cooper Ferreira, a Removery technician and experienced RN. “This is a process that utilizes your immune system to remove ink in a safe way,” he emphasizes.
Your best bet is to begin daily applications of a mild skin-lightening agent like hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. If you're looking for a faster, more direct approach, you could also try exfoliating the tattoo thoroughly 2-3 times a day with a homemade salt scrub or similar abrasive mixture.
There are rumors that Aquaphor makes tattoos fade, but from our experiences and many others, this just isn't true. If a tattoo is done correctly and the ink is where it needs to be, ointment should only help your tattoo heal correctly.
The Final Takeaway. Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.