Tattoos: Decorative Facet Of Self-Expression

Skin tattoos have been present for the longest time now and are more famous today than they were back then. This for of art has been around for more than a thousand year already. Anyone can see them just everywhere. Certain studies presented that approximately 35 percent of the American population aging between 18 to 30 years old have tattoos. People get a tattoo or tattoos for different reasons. For the most part, tattoo represents a statement of one’s individuality and self-expression. Majority of the adults feel a lot sexier with a tattoo at some part of their body.

A tattoo, or otherwise known as dermal pigmentation, is a permanent mark, pattern, or design created by inserting pigments into the second layer of the skin. It is done by pricking the skin with specially designed needles dipped into indelible ink. Tattoos on human are some form of artistic body modification, while tattoos found on animals are used for branding or identification.

Tattooing is practiced worldwide. Japan’s indigenous people called the Ainu have been wearing facial tattoos. Polynesians, and particular tribal groups in Borneo, North America, Philippines, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, Cambodia, Europe, China, and Japan are into tattoos. Albeit some taboos surrounding the creative world of tattooing, the art still manage to be popular and in demand all throughout the world.

The human skin is constituted of three layers namely: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissues. The epidermis is the topmost layer with no blood vessels and serves as a protective barrier. Second to the epidermis is the dermis. This is a thick layer and this is where the tattoos are formed. Since the epidermis is constantly replenished, with the top skin continually shedding off in a lifetime, the tattoo is pushed deeper into the dermis where it is expected to stay undeterred the whole time.

Tattoo needles penetrate into the skin for about 1.5 millimeters or 1/16 of an inch deeper. The tattoo artist must ensure that the ink goes just enough to be permanent and not deeper than necessary. The depth differs in certain areas of the body, like it is thinner on places like the genitals and deeper on the feet’s soles.

If a tattoo is too deeply made reaching the subcutaneous tissues, it causes bleeding and pain. It will also appear blurry even after it has healed. And if just a few millimeters beneath the epidermis, it leaves scratches and just wear off.

Learning about tattooing may take several years to master if you really intend of becoming a tattoo artist. Therefore, it is vital that you carefully choose a tattoo artist with more experience and already with a great portfolio of his or her works that clearly show excellent quality. There are aspiring wannabes in this field, so be very cautious. Take note that no matter how attractive the design is, but the tattoo artist’s skill is not as appealing, the outcome may possibly be devastation. A tattoo is as pretty and captivating as the artist who did it.

Margo Tuazon is a dermatologist and an expert author who writes for HealthContent.net. A site specialized in health information and tips. Visit us to read more Tattoos & Skin Care articles.