Do You Really Want a UV Tattoo?

I've been curious about UV tattoos for awhile. The fact of possibly being able to get one and not be able to see it anywhere except under a UV light might be neat as well as getting a normal tattoo highlighted with UV ink would be extraordinary. Although I am not often near or under UV lights this may be good for the raver side of you. But nonetheless the idea of a UV tattoo is very intriguing which is why I felt the need to research it and find what I can about it.

A few thing s to consider before getting a UV tattoo is that they still fade. Just like normal inked tattoos. But they also can turn yellowish/brownish after being exposed to the sun for a long time. Also colored UV inks have been known to over time just end up appearing as a normal coloured tattoo permanently.

With UV tattoos they have to use a specific type of ink which has been linked to some allergic reactions from the ingredients in the ink being just itchy all the way to dermatitis. The ingredients in UV tattoo ink aren't 100% safe because there has been reported numerous cases of skin rashes, blisters and infection. As well there is some concern that they may contribute to cancer. The risks of these UV tattoos has been linked to the phosphorus in the ink. Phosphorus is a chemical that's known to cause severe blistering, pain, a burning sensation and skin rashes. There's been tattooists that have said that they've removed the phosphorus from the ink and it has made it safer but others disagree saying that phosphorus isn't the only issue. Also, unrelated to tattoos but related to phosphorus, read this article about Milk and see what phosphorus does to you.
Cows Milk vs Soy Milk

Here's something I read that kinda shocked me..advertisements "suggesting" that UV ink has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Where in actuality it hasn't been approved for human use but is approved for agriculture and fishing industries. That kind of disturbed me..especially because there are people out there with UV tattoos. I just hope they were aware of the risks involved with UV tattooing.. and if they were and still got it then great that's fine. But the fact to be basically lied to about it, being made to think it is safe because its in parlours and has been done before. Just makes me want to continue researching everything before I delve into it.

If you are still choosing to have a UV tattoo here is something else to keep in mind. If your are wanting any highlighting or anything to do with a regular tattoo. Get the regular tattoo first, allow it to heal completely then go in and get your UV tattoo highlights or add on. Because regular tattoo ink on top of UV ink can dull the UV ink. Obviously making it duller to see under a black light. So if you get it after your regular tattoo it will be nice and vivid. Also for any NON color UV work, any outline or what not the artist uses can become part of your tattoo, if they are not careful.

So after researching these UV tattoos I have come to the conclusion that I do not think that they’re for me. I think I will stick to my regular tattoos and just get a bunch more of them. At least I can see them anyway ;).