The inks contain naturally fluorescent pigment which makes them glow. In a normal dark room or at night, these tattoos don't actually glow. However, they still look pretty rad even in normal light as you can see from the pics below... Vanessa uses both UV-reactive ink and neon to create the glowing effect.
Safety concerns about UV tattoos remain. The chemicals that compose UV ink are not considered 100% safe due to the number of reported skin irritations. Numerous skin rashes, blisters and infections have been reported with UV ink. In addition, there is some concern that these inks may contribute to cancer.
Use sunscreen and moisturizer often.
Always apply sunscreen on your tattoo, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
UV or blacklight ink manufacturers often erroneously label their products as “FDA-approved.” The FDA has never approved of any inks for tattooing humans. The agency has only approved of UV ink for branding seafood for marketing purposes. Tattoo artists use phosphorescent ink to create glow-in-the-dark designs.
A typical blacklight ink formula includes microspheres of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) containing fluorescent dye. Another example of a commercially-available ink contained a coumarin-based fluorescent dye in a polymer matrix containing melamine formaldehyde.
Potential Side Effects of Glow-in-the-Dark Tattoos
Phosphorus-based inks aside, getting a glow-in-the-dark tattoo also poses the risks that come with any tattoo. Peeling, redness, itchiness, and/or inflammation are all common results of the skin trauma created from the insertion of needles.
Yellows and Greens with Cadmium
Yellows and bright greens often contain cadmium, which can cause skin irritation and has been associated with other health risks. They also tend to fade or change color over time when exposed to sunlight.
The inks contain naturally fluorescent pigment which makes them glow. In a normal dark room or at night, these tattoos don't actually glow. However, they still look pretty rad even in normal light as you can see from the pics below... Vanessa uses both UV-reactive ink and neon to create the glowing effect.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.
+ Magic Ink is a groundbreaking tattoo technology that lets you rewrite, erase, and reprogram your tattoos. Utilizing UV-reactive ink technology, Magic Ink enables users to change the image or design within their skin instantly, painlessly, thousands of times.
The Science Behind UV Ink:
The specific chemicals used in UV inks vary, but they are designed to be safe for skin application. UV tattoo ink can contain phosphors – substances that emit light when exposed to UV radiation.
Cost Comparison
Normal tattoos typically cost $100-300 per hour, with larger pieces offering better value. UV tattoos are more expensive, costing 20-50% more due to the specialized ink and skill required. Hybrid designs combining normal and UV ink may also cost extra.
DON'T WORRY, THIS IS NORMAL. THE LAST STAGE OF HEALING IS WHEN THE TATTOO LOOKS HEALED BUT IS STILL WAXY OR SHINY ON THE SURFACE. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY DISSIPATE AND YOUR SKIN WILL EVENTUALLY RETURN TO IT'S NORMAL TEXTURE AFTER 3 TO 4 WEEKS.
Dermal layer: Since the epidermis is constantly healing and renewing itself, the dermis is the best place for the body to hold tattoo ink. However, depending on the location of the tattoo on your body, it may fade faster than other areas. Healing process: After getting inked, the body initiates its healing process.
Red ink is still the most likely color to cause skin problems. Why? Red tattoo inks are the most likely to cause health complications, including rashes and pseudolymphomas, both symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The primary pigments under restriction are Pigment Blue 15 and Green 7. The ban took place in January 2023 following an additional one-year derogation period granted for these two pigments. The European Union ink ban allowed the derogation period to allow businesses more time to find safe alternatives.
Unlike traditional tattoo inks that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, organic tattoo ink offers a safer and healthier option for both tattoo artists and clients. Using organic ink not only reduces the risk of adverse reactions but also promotes sustainability and ethical practices within the tattoo industry.
Because UV ink tattoos don't use phosphorous, they're actually a slightly safer option for those who want the experience of glowing tattoos but are apprehensive about the potential health risks.
In darker skin tones, the ink may spread more superficially due to higher melanin levels, affecting the overall clarity and definition of the tattoo. Conversely, individuals with lighter skin tones may experience less ink spread, leading to sharper, more defined lines and colors.
Research suggests that UV tattoos may last a lifetime, but this could depend on tattoo exposure to UV light. According to Tattoo Health, people can opt for UV tattoo removal in the same way as regular tattoos. People may choose laser tattoo removal, which breaks up the ink to remove it from the skin.