We live in an era where body art and self-expression are celebrated. This is why tattoos have become very popular for sharing personal stories and showcasing individuality. However, you may need to alter or remove these markings for some reason in the future. Although there are ways to remove tattoos professionally, these can be expensive. Also, most of them require multiple sessions.
Are you looking for an alternative solution to remove tattoos at home? If that’s the case, you have come to the right place. Today, we will look at 7 DIY methods for removing or fading tattoos. Ensure that you read the details from start to finish. You are just a few steps away from understanding how to remove tattoo at home.
Why tattoos are so popular?
Before revealing how you can think about removing a tattoo at home naturally, let’s talk about why they are very popular. As said above, tattoos are an excellent way for people to share their own stories. Today, they are used to send different messages across. You can showcase your beliefs, milestones, passion, and even memories through them. With this, it’s easy to say that every tattoo you see is significant in a unique way.
Designs that are more intricate and personalized have evolved over the years. This ensures that the needs and expectations of those who prefer specific techniques are met. Social media has played an integral role in the normalizing of tattoos today. For instance, it hasn’t just highlighted their beauty. Also, it has underlined the stories behind them.
This has helped remove every negative impression some people may have about such artwork. Having said all this, you must understand that tattoos will become even more popular in the future.
Is it Safe to do Tattoo Removal at Home?
Although removing your tattoos at home is possible, you must understand the risks involved. This is why experts in the field of dermatology, as well as skincare, do not recommend it. For instance, your skin consists of dermis and epidermis layers. It is complex, and DIY methods can cause side effects like pigmentation, infection, and scarification.
People use various techniques such as topical creams, abrasion and exfoliation. These may seem appealing but aren’t effective as compared to professional treatments. Overall, you need a method that is tested and proven to work while removing tattoos at home. Also, don’t forget to apply some skincare routine after the process to avoid complications.
Step-by-Step Guides for Each Method
Method 1 - Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can help erase your tattoos gradually. It can also be referred to as chemical resurfacing. You need a highly acidic chemical to be applied to your skin’s top layer. After some time, the skin will become clear and smooth.
Before light-based procedures came on board, using chemical peels was one of the most popular DIY tattoo removal techniques. Note that this method has some risks, like chemical burns and scarification. Here are the steps:
- Research the various chemical peel options available. This helps you know their cost, potential risks, and effectiveness.
- Speak with a professional before proceeding. You need to talk with a skincare expert who knows about chemical peels.
- Start applying the acidic chemical on the tattooed areas as directed by the expert.
- Take care of your skin after every chemical peel session - applying ointments and keeping the area clean.
Method 2 – Salabrasion
This is another traditional method that you can use to remove a tattoo at home naturally. This process will sand off your skin’s top layer. The steps are:
- The tattooed area should be cleaned with water.
- Create a saline solution by mixing water with table salt.
- The solution should be applied to the tattooed area using an abrasive device like a sponge.
- Rinse and repeat. Sometimes, you may have to do it repeatedly to see results. It all depends on the depth and age of your tattoo.
Method 3 – Dermabrasion
The first step you need to take before using this method is to consult a skincare specialist or dermatologist to determine whether your tattoo is suitable for dermabrasion. Here are the steps:
- Clean the tattooed area.
- After that, a local anesthetic should be applied in order to numb your skin.
- With a dermabrasion device, you will sand off your skin’s top layer (where the tattoo ink is).
- After completing the process, the scrubbed area should bandaged.
Method 4 – Fading Creams
Removing tattoos naturally at home with a fading cream is relatively easy. You only need to choose a cream with positive reviews from users. The steps are listed below.
- Choose the right tattoo lightening cream.
- The tattooed area should be cleaned using mild soap and water to remove oil and dirt.
- Do a patch test. This involves applying the cream on a small skin area to check for side effects.
- Applying the cream. Once the patch test is successful after 24 hours, you can use the cream on other tattooed areas.
Method 5 – Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains acidic properties that can fade tattoos gradually once used consistently. Let’s look at the steps involved.
- Clean the tattooed area with soap and water.
- Fresh lemon juice should be squeezed into a bowl. If you’ve sensitive skin, diluting the lemon juice is recommended. In other words, mix it with water.
- A cotton ball should be soaked in the lemon juice.
- Apply on your tattooed areas for about 3-5minutes. Keep rubbing it in a circular motion.
- Allow the lemon juice to remain on your skin for 7-10 minutes to ensure deeper penetration. You can even use a plastic wrap to cover it.
- The lemon juice should be rinsed with water once the time’s up. Clean with a dry towel.
After everything, don’t forget to use a moisturizer on the affected areas. This can help prevent dryness.
Method 6 – Salt Scrubs
Do you know that salt is naturally abrasive and can remove layers of your skin? Through this, you can reduce the tattoo appearance on your skin. Here are the steps:
- Tattooed areas should be cleaned using mild soap and water.
- Start making the salt scrub. Mix sea salt (tablespoon) with water. Your mixture should form a thick paste. Rather than using water, the sea salt can be used with olive oil or even coconut oil.
- The salt scrub should be applied on your tattooed skin in a circular motion. Do this gently to avoid any irritation.
- Let the salt scrub remain on your skin for about 5-10mins. Such will give the salt enough to draw out some ink from your skin’s upper layer.
- The salt scrub should be rinsed using lukewarm water.
Method 7 – Aloe Vera
If you don’t know, aloe vera contains skin-soothing as well as mild lightening properties. For instance, it includes a depigmenting component that can lighten dark patches on your skin. See the steps below to use aloe vera for DIY tattoo removal at home.
- The tattooed area should be cleaned with mild soap and water. After that, pat it dry using a towel.
- You can purchase aloe vera gel. It is also possible to make use of fresh aloe vera leaf. Just have it sliced open and then scoop out the gel.
- The gel should be massaged gently into your skin.
- Allow it to dry before rinsing to ensure the properties affect the tattooed area.
The efficacy of this method depends on how constantly it is used. Therefore, as explained above, ensure that the aloe vera gel is applied twice daily.
Understanding Your Skin Sensitivity
It is always very crucial to understand the sensitivity of your skin. When compared to professional methods, natural treatments and home remedies are known to offer non-invasive approaches.
Talking about the efficacy of solutions on your skin, you must understand that they can vary significantly. For instance, what has worked for one person may prove ineffective for you.
Therefore, all of the methods explained above must be approached with utmost caution. Your skin’s healing process must also be prioritized.
Overall, it is recommended that a patch test is conducted for any DIY tattoo removal method. This will enable you to choose a method that can align with your skin’s tolerance. It can also avoid possible side effects.
Potential Risks Associated with DIY Tattoo Removal
At this point, you must remember that exploring any DIY methods explained above for tattoo removal, like herbal remedies or chemical formulations, has some risks. Although they’re homemade solutions that promise some quick fixes, they can have serious consequences.
There is usually variation regarding how the skin reacts to these unregulated substances. This leads to the formation of scar tissue or even irritation. All of these can make skin regeneration very complicated. There is also the potential risk of hypopigmentation, whereby areas that have been treated will appear lighter compared to the surrounding skin.
Without guidance from an expert, you could expose yourself to lots of danger without knowing. It is recommended that you seek tattoo removal options that are safe and effective.
Understanding Limitations of Home Methods
It is also very crucial to understand the limitations of DIY methods for removing tattoos. For instance, the ink tends to reside in the dermis and epidermis layers. Natural treatments or home remedies don’t penetrate them easily. Compared to professional techniques used to remove tattoos, these methods are known to lack precision.
Also, natural treatments or home remedies can cause scarification, damaging your skin’s healing process. Therefore, it is vital to conclude that although DIY tattoo removal methods may sound appealing, their outcomes can fall short of your expectations. In a worst-case scenario, your epidermis and dermis may be damaged.
Aftercare and Monitoring
Pay attention to aftercare and monitoring in your DIY tattoo removal journey. This is because it can ensure a smooth healing process and minimize irritation. The application of topical solutions can help as a skincare treatment. They tend to soothe your skin and also help in skin regeneration.
Non-invasive methods of tattoo removal are indeed safer. However, aftercare is still required for the prevention of complications. Treated areas should be kept clean, protected from direct sunlight and moisturized.
It is crucial to monitor your skin for any side effects. Seek professional advice if irritation becomes worse or persists. Always remember that patience and proper care are significant to get the desired results/outcomes.