Tattoo When You Get Old?
When you have a tattoo, you will often hear people ask you a number of questions. They may ask you why you have that and how it felt when you had the tattoo for the first time. One of those frequently asked question is, “What will you do about your tattoos when you get old?” Your skin will sag with time, which will make tattoo look blurred after you grow old.
Your body will break down the pigment grain over time, which is another reason why your tattoo not looks the same after years. These processes take place quite slowly that you don’t notice any change until one day you look in the mirror only to discover that you and your tattoo have aged.
However, if you never had a tattoo in your life but want it now in your old age, should this stop you to have your favorite tattoo designed on your body? Not really, because you can find several people who use specific ways to take care of their tattoos and make them look great even after years.
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What happens to a tattoo when you get old?
They’ll Change – If you really think about it, the idea that your tattoo will likely change over time probably isn’t as surprising as you initially thought, but some people might not have really ever considered that their tattoo would look any different than the way that you’ve always envisioned it.
Do tattoos look good when you get older?
What Will My Tattoos Look Like When I’m Older?
Beauty Set yourself up for success. 
Shutterstock Updated: May 25, 2021 Originally Published: Sep. 18, 2018 Tattoos can yield all sorts of different results as the years go by. Some of the tattoos that look coolest in the short-term — white ink and watercolor tattoos , anyone? — may end up drastically changing over time. (Some people, sadly, have to l earn this lesson the hard way.
- ) Luckily, there are a few types of tattoos that look better with age , and tattoo artists told Bustle all about them;
- Getting inked is a complicated enough decision without thinking about what will happen to the design 10, 20, or 40 years from now;
Whether you opt for a full sleeve , a finger tattoo , or a micro tat , remember: You’re getting a permanent piece of artwork on your living — and changing — body, so thinking about how aging might affect your tattoo is actually really important. “Your skin is a giant organ,” Louie Campopiano, tattoo artist at Traditional Tattoo in San Luis Obispo, CA, tells Bustle.
“Taking care of yourself by staying hydrated and moisturized will help your skin age so much better. But we are all victims of time and gravity, and as your body changes, your tattoo will, too. ” If you talk to professional tattoo artists about it, they’ll likely be able to draw from their experience to advise you on what will and won’t look good, as well as things like the best and worst placements.
Unfortunately, some of the trendiest tattoos are the most difficult to keep up over time. “There are two main reasons some tattoos age better than others: the size of the tattoo and long-term sun damage ,” tattoo artist Jordanne Le Fae tells Bustle. But other little variables, like line thickness and color, also end up making a difference.
Why do tattoos hurt when you get older?
Age and weight – While not supported by research, it’s possible that age and weight may make tattoos more painful. Older skin may be more likely to bruise or feel pain than younger skin. Heavier people may have looser skin, which could also be more sensitive to tattoos.
Do people regret tattoos?
It’s not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. But the good news is there are things you can do before and after getting a tattoo to lower your chances of regret.
Is it hard to tattoo older skin?
June 02, 2016 The social stigma surrounding tattooing is fading away, and with it fades the notion that older adults can’t enjoy ink themselves. Because the last two generations of young adults have so widely embraced tattoos as a form of self-expression, getting a tattoo has rapidly become about as normal as having pierced ears. In fact, more than one in three young adults has a tattoo. Perhaps that’s why more and more seniors are starting to ask, why should kids have all the fun? The Rising Popularity of Ink These days, nearly one in twenty people who get their first tattoo are over the age of 60.
- If that number seems small, it’s important to remember that number would have been close to zero only a few decades ago;
- One study found that as many as 15% of Baby Boomers have a tattoo, a number that only seems to double with each passing generation;
What society once viewed as the rebellious decision of an impudent young adult has nearly become the norm, and seniors’ getting their own tattoos is the natural result. Building a career often means making sacrifices, like having to maintain a professional appearance, even if that means you can’t dye your hair or your skin the colors you’d like.
- But in retirement, concerns about what your clients, bosses, and associates might think of you quickly melt away;
- And for those who had concerns about how their dream tattoo would age over the next five decades of their life, retirement evaporates those concerns, as well;
Tattoo Tips for Seniors Find an artist who specializes: For seniors thinking of getting their first tat, the best piece of advice you can follow is to try and find an artist you trust, preferably with a strong portfolio. If you love traditional American tattoos (a la Sailor Jerry), find someone who can do that work well.
If you love watercolor design and realism, look for artists who can offer you what you need. Even more importantly, it’s also better to work with an artist who has done work on seniors before. Tattooing older skin means working with a softer, less elastic material that’s far more prone to bruising.
Choose a design that will work with you — and your skin: Fragile skin also means that the kind of intricate designs younger people get are far more difficult to do on seniors. With this in mind, it’s better to choose a design that’s bold and simple, and a design that won’t take a dozen separate sessions to complete.
- Your artist will work with you to find something you love that will translate well to your body;
- Practice good tattoo care & hygeine: In the days after getting your first ink done, it’s critical to maintain good hygiene to prevent infection;
And in the years to follow, it’s important to moisturize and use sunscreen to help preserve your tattoo. Nothing will make your new ink fade as quickly as direct exposure to the sun. Most seniors recognize that retirement is one of your last opportunities to do all the things they’ve wanted to do.
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Where do tattoos age the worst?
Worst: Areas That Rub Against Clothing – “Any area of the body that commonly rubs against other body parts, [such as] in between fingers, thighs, armpits, and [the] inner biceps will generally be likely to fade quicker,” Palomino says. “Similarly, areas where the tattoo is exposed to constant rubbing will possibly fade more quickly, such as [.
] the waistband of your pants, bras, and belts or other areas where your clothing fits tightly and rubs against your skin. ” While you can obviously get a tattoo wherever you like — and touch up any ink that starts to fade — some locations are better than others when it comes to ink that’ll look good forever.
It can help to follow these tips, and ask your tattoo artist for even more advice, when choosing the perfect placement. Additional reporting by Kui Mwai. This article was originally published on July 6, 2018.
Is 57 too old to get a tattoo?
How Old Is Too Old To Get A Tattoo? – You’re too old to get a tattoo if and when you decide you’re too old for a tattoo. Getting a tattoo is not restricted to young people only; everyone can go get a tattoo at any age they want. It is not something exclusive to young adults, so you should not be bothered by that.
If you feel like you need to express yourself or be spontaneous or rebellious, then don’t think about your age. Think about what the tattoo means and how it will make you feel. Tattoos are a form of art, so regardless of your age or who you are, getting a tattoo can only be another great thing you got to experience in your life.
Tattoos are just as valid at the age of 25 as they are at the age of 65, and you should always remember that!.
Do tattoos make you look younger?
It can reduce lines and wrinkles, hyper- and hypopigmentation, scarring and stretch marks.
Why you should not get a tattoo?
Know the risks – Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including:
- Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
- Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after tattooing.
- Other skin problems. Sometimes an area of inflammation called a granuloma can form around tattoo ink. Tattooing also can lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
- Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- MRI complications. Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image.
Medication or other treatment might be needed if you experience an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or you develop an infection or other skin problem near a tattoo.
Where should you not get tattoos?
Tattoos are a great way to express yourself. Aside from the endless designs to choose from, tattoos are also placed on different parts of the body. But it’s important to remember that they are a lifelong commitment which is why you should carefully consider their placement.
What part of the body hurts the most to get tattooed?
- Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold.
- The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins.
- The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Getting a tattoo involves an ink-filled needle repeatedly puncturing your skin. Consequently, it’s not unusual to wonder how much pain you should expect when considering a tattoo. As it turns out, pain is a highly subjective experience , and how much discomfort you feel while getting tattoed can depend on a couple of factors including your biological sex, pain tolerance, and most importantly — the area of your body getting tattooed.
What is the most regretted tattoo?
If you’re planning to get a tattoo, sleep on it. And not just for a night—at least a few months. That’s what we found when we surveyed 600 people with tattoo regret. The big takeaway: 3 out of 4 people who suffer from “tattoo regret” didn’t plan for the tattoo beyond a few weeks. – 
Still itching to get inked? Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don’t suffer from tattoo regret. In fact, 1 in 4 people who made a spontaneous decision to get a tattoo, regretted it within a few days. That said, there was still a small fraction of people (5 percent) who spent years thinking about getting a tattoo and regretted it within days.
Yikes! Read on. If you still decide that getting a tattoo is right for you, remember: location, location, location. Participants told us they regret getting tattoos on these spots: upper back, upper arms, hips, face and butt.
Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo.
- Perhaps that’s because people with full-sleeves or longer spent more time thinking about it;
- Plus, it’s easier, and faster, to get a star on your shoulder, than it is to go full-on Travis Barker;
- Some symbols cause more regret than others;
You might want to think twice before you go for something tribal, a heart or roses. People were less likely to regret inking the moon, Celtic symbols or Roman numerals, but these were still in the top twenty of most regrettable tattoo content. Your emotional state before getting the tattoo could also affect your regret level.
- Here are the most common reasons why people regret their tattoos: impulsive decision (35 percent), significant meaning (29 percent), or the idea that it would make them look cool (18 percent);
- The more thoughtful and careful you are about your tattoo, the less likely you are to regret it;
And if you do, you can always get it removed !.
Will I regret my tattoos when I’m old?
You’re Between the Ages of 18 and 21 – Roughly 37 percent of people who regret their tattoos got their unwanted ink between those ages. Another 20 percent were aged 22 to 25. But once you hit 26, the likelihood of regretting your tattoo falls into the single digits.
Why are tattoos so addictive?
– Your body releases a hormone called adrenaline when under stress. The pain you feel from the tattoo needle can produce this stress response, triggering a sudden burst of energy often referred to as an adrenaline rush. This might cause you to:
- have an increased heart rate
- feel less pain
- have jitters or a restless feeling
- feel as if your senses are heightened
- feel stronger
Some people enjoy this feeling so much that they seek it out. You can experience an adrenaline rush from the process of getting your first tattoo , so adrenaline may be one of the reasons people go back for more tattoos. Some adrenaline-seeking behaviors might resemble compulsive or risk-taking behaviors often associated with drug addiction.
- You may have even heard someone call themself an ” adrenaline junkie;
- ” But there’s no scientific evidence supporting the existence of adrenaline addiction, and the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” doesn’t list it as a diagnosable condition;
Part of the reason you want another tattoo could be that you enjoy the rush you feel when going under the needle, so you may want to take some extra time to make sure you really want that ink. If getting another tattoo doesn’t cause you distress or put anyone else at risk, go for it.
Do tattoos look worse over time?
Does Aging Change How My Tattoo Looks? – Our bodies change a lot as we go through life. The signs of ageing are evident upon our skin. Wrinkles, sagging and loosening skin. Add in the wear and tear of the years, and you can expect some changes over time. A tattoo is part of your skin, any significant deterioration that happens to your skin affects the ink.
- Generally, the change is slow and the better care you take of your skin, the better the tattoo’s appearance remains;
- The location of your tattoo changes how much the tattoo wears over time;
- Somewhere like the upper leg, which is usually covered and has a lot of friction will receive more wear than somewhere that is usually unrestricted;
The size of the tattoo is another factor here. Having lots of small lettering or tiny, intricate details leaves more chance of distortion. The small changes in your skin can, over the decades, change the appearance of these smaller details. A large tattoo with bold lines and design is less likely to experience as noticeable distortion.
Do tattoos shrink over time?
- “Should I clean my tattoo while it is still healing? How?”
Yes. We recommend that you clean your tattoo once or twice a day during the healing process (which begins two hours after inking and ends once it has fully healed). To clean your tattoo correctly, moisten your hand with cold or lukewarm water, then gently rinse your tattoo with the SOOTHE & CLEAN cleanser.
- “Can I shower while my tattoo is still healing?”
Sure! You can (and should) shower during your tattoo’s healing process. Just make sure to cover your tattoo with some protective film, whether you take a shower or a bath. In any case, you should avoid immersing your new tattoo in water.
- “Can I sunbathe while my tattoo is healing?”
No. Sun exposure on your new tattoo is detrimental to healing. So make sure you don’t lay out in the sun for hours with your fresh tattoo in plain sight. Avoid going to the beach or sunbathing on your balcony and, of course, stay out of tanning beds. If you have to stay out in the sun for some reason, cover your tattoo with cotton cloths so that the sun’s rays won’t filter in (taking care not to irritate your skin).
- “Can I go to the swimming pool while my tattoo is still healing? And immediately after that?”
No. Your tattoo should not be immersed in water during the healing process, especially if the water contains foreign agents such as chlorine (or salt, if you’re swimming in the sea). Also, swimming pools are an ideal place for fungal and bacterial contamination: if you have an extensive wound like a tattoo, there may be some unpleasant consequences for your healing process.
During the healing process, your tattoo may drain some blood, clear fluid or ink: these will come off by rubbing the area gently with your cleanser. This is not the case for scabs, which must not be removed: disinfect them with soap and never pick them off.
So stay out of the swimming pool and your tattoo will look better. If your tattoo has healed after 7 days and you need to go to the swimming pool you can, but wear a layer of BEFORE INK , which creates a protective barrier and makes sure that your tattoo doesn’t get infected and chlorine doesn’t ruin it.
- “How long will it take for my new tattoo to heal?”
If you use the AFTER INK NATURE cream by Tattoo Defender, it will take 7 to 10 days for your tattoo to heal. It can take a bit longer for very large tattoos. However, be careful with dirt, dust, and sun exposure even the week after it has fully healed.
- “Can I go to the beach while my tattoo is healing?”
No. We highly recommend that you don’t go the beach with a fresh tattoo. Sand, sun, heat and salt water will disturb the healing process, so we advise that you go once it has fully healed. If you really have to go to the beach, be careful not to expose your new tattoo to the sun; also, cover it to protect it from the sand and avoid swimming.
- “My tattoo is itchy. Can I scratch it?”
No. Don’t scratch your tattoo! Scratching can cause damage exactly where you tattoo should heal. If it’s too itchy, clean it following the instructions described above; excessive itching could be caused by some irritation. However, some itching is normal, especially in summer.
- “What clothes can I wear over my fresh tattoo? Will it stain my clothes?”
If you are using AFTER INK NATURE by Tattoo Defender, you don’t need to use any cling film and your tattoo will not stain your clothes. We can’t tell for sure if you are using other products. In any case, wear cotton clothes (which are less likely to cause irritation) and let the tattoo breathe, so it will heal sooner.
- “My new tattoo is scabbing. What should I do? Should I pick them off?”
No. Scabs should never be pulled off until your tattoo has healed; picking them off during the healing process can ruin your tattoo forever. Keep in mind that if you are using AFTER INK NATURE you will probably avoid scabbing and discharges. If you experience scabbing anyway, we recommend that you clean it as described above, without picking the scabs, which will crumble and fall off naturally – just be patient!
- “I have very sensitive skin. Can I use Tattoo Defender products?”
All Tattoo Defender products are dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, so you can use them safely. Also, our skincare products are free of parabens, titanium oxides and any type of metal, and they are not tested on animals.
- “I have a new tattoo on my arm and I work in a dusty or dirty environment. What should I do?”
If you work in a dusty environment or spend a lot of time outdoors, you will need to protect your fresh tattoo with long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts or long cotton trousers (making sure they are not tight). If you cannot take these precautions, soften the affected area with a thin layer of AFTER INK NATURE , then cover it with cling film but be careful to keep the wrap for the shortest possible time.
- “I have a new tattoo on my feet and I work in a dirty or dusty environment. What can I do?”
As with your forearm and calf, you will need to protect your tattoo from dust and dirt; this is also why we recommend that you soften the affected area with a thin layer of AFTER INK NATURE , covering it with cling film to avoid direct contact between your shoe (or sock) and the affected area. This will prevent any scabs to be rubbed off. If possible, try to leave your tattoo uncovered, so it will heal faster.
- “Is it normal for my tattoo to bleed a little in the first 24 hours?”
Yes, it’s normal. Healing time is highly subjective; in any case, if there are still traces of blood after two days, contact your tattoo artist. Usually it’s nothing serious.
- “Is it normal to see traces of ink while I clean my tattoo?”
Yes, it’s normal. It’s dead skin mixed with ink, which heals in contact with the air and forms a coloured scab.
- “My tattoo and the area around is swollen… what is happening?”
It is quite normal. It depends on your skin type and your type of tattoo; it will usually disappear within a couple of days. Do not hesitate to contact your tattoo artist if you have any doubts.
- “I think I didn’t follow all recommendations, and now I have some redness and pus coming out of my tattoo. What can I do now?”
Talk to your tattoo artist, physician or your pharmacist before you take any action; they will give you the right advice. This short guide will show you how to keep your tattoos looking beautiful and vibrant, and what you should not do. Have you decided to get a tattoo? If you went to a trusted tattoo artist who used the best materials and met all hygiene standards, your tattoo will look perfect… But what happens next? The destiny of your tattoo is in your hands.
Once you’re done at the pool, rinse your tattoo with some antibacterial soap and apply AFTER INK NATURE by Tattoo Defender. Keep in mind that your skin should not get irritated for any reason. In any case, don’t touch your fresh tattoo with dirty hands – always wash them first.
It’s a bit like a work of art; it is up to the owner to preserve it as best as possible and to keep it from ageing badly with time. First, you will need effective aftercare (for more information, see our tattoo aftercare guide). After that, you will have to keep it beautiful over time with specific actions. What to do:
- Choose the body place where you want to get tattooed carefully. Your body will change with time – wrinkles, cellulite or stretch marks are visible signs of ageing. A tattoo on your wrists, feet, ankles, calves (and your biceps and back, to a lesser extent) is less likely to change over time. The same cannot be said for tattoos on the buttocks, thighs and stomach.
- Check your skin type carefully. On some skin types, such as very pale skins or skins with lots of moles, tattoos tend to lose their definition quickly because these skin types have a soft structure that tends to change in its layers.
- Choose a professional tattoo artist. If you want a long-lasting tattoo, you need to make sure that your tattoo artist uses high-quality ink that meets all safety standards. Quality ink is the only way to get a tattoo that will keep looking good over time; if you choose an improvised tattoo artist who uses poor quality ink, your tattoo will fade in just a few months.
- Pick dark colours. Beyond the type of ink used, keep in mind that the darker the colour, the longer it will stay dark. Black tattoos tend to stand the test of time better than colour tattoos. Tattoos made with lighter colours (which are used to create a greater contrast, for example) such as yellow, orange, white and pink, last half the time.
- Avoid chlorine. We are sorry to inform pool lovers that chlorinated water causes tattoos to fade. This is why you may want to stay out of chlorinated water as much as possible to keep your tattoo looking vibrant over time. In any case, you can still go to the pool sometimes if you feel like you really want to.
- Stay hydrated. A tattoo is an integral part of our body and changes its shape and appearance over time: it will stretch and shrink, until it looks faded. As years go by, our skin becomes drier, tattoos become duller and the edges undefined. Hydration is the answer to these problems: proper hydration of tattooed skin increases the size of the pigmented cells, increasing their visibility from the outside.
If you don’t follow these tips you may have to touch up your tattoo, which will double the money you have to spend (and the pain you have to feel). To sum it up, the more your skin is hydrated, the more beautiful and vibrant your tattoo will look.
Conversely, if your skin is dry, chapped, with thick layers of dead skin cells, your tattoo will look duller and the edges will become less defined. INK REVITALIZER is an excellent moisturiser.
- Sun and tanning beds are your tattoo’s worst enemies! Sun and UV rays tend to try the skin, damaging its more superficial layers and making tattoos look less defined. This is why it is advisable to always protect your tattoo with a specific high SPF sunscreen (see our ” SUNNY SIDE ” lotion) before exposing your skin to the sun. If you don’t take these precautions, you may end up having greyish, dull and blurred tattoos (as happens to many old lifeguards, sailors and outdoor workers, who work in the sun without wearing any sunscreen).
To keep your tattoo looking bold and beautiful over time, you can also use our INK REVITALIZER cream. This cream has a dual function: first of all, it uses a moisturising ingredient to keep skin cells plump and improve tattoo visibility; secondly, it contains Chromocare™, a patented excipient used in skincare products for treating skin discolourations such as vitiligo.
- This excipient acts on cromophores, the cells responsible for skin colour;
- Chromophores are activated by Chromocare and make the skin more reactive to the ink, making your tattoo look brighter and bolder;
Also, INK REVITALIZER contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which make your skin healthier and more elastic over time, making your tattoo last longer..
Do tattoos get ruined if you lose weight?
How Weight Gain Affects Tattoos – Only in cases of extreme weight loss or weight gain will you see a noticeable difference in a tattoo design, says celebrity tattoo artist Dillon Forte: “Weight change has virtually no effect on the tattoo unless the weight gain or loss is like 100 pounds.
- With drastic weight gain it needs to be enough to cause stretch marks, which in turn will impact your tattoo;
- ” Similar to weight loss, weight gain can affect the placement and size of the tattoo design;
During pregnancy, tattoos located directly on the body’s midsection are susceptible to change due to the rate at which the skin expands. While stretch marks can alter an existing tattoo design, the effects of the marks depend on each individual’s specific design and placement.
If you decide to touch up the area later on, seek out a tattoo artist who specializes in the area, as this skin texture can prove tricky to work with. Working out and toning your muscles shouldn’t affect your tattoo at all, but if heavy weightlifting is in fact your thing, significant muscle gain could morph the shape.
The better the placement of the tattoo in relationship to the muscle, the less chance of it changing. If you’re concerned about this before getting the tattoo (maybe you’re planning to make some lifestyle changes), discuss it with your tattoo artist.
Do tattoos wrinkle?
How Long Will Wrinkled Tattoo Skin Last? – The best tattoo artists will advise you on what to do if you’re concerned about the affected area, but generally, most tattoos will heal within six to eight weeks. Fresh tattoos can appear wrinkly, shiny, flaky, and others might look normal with minimal effects.
The best thing you can do to avoid the wrinkly look is to take care of your skin as much as possible. Keeping it clean and bacteria-free is the first order of business, followed by hydration and nourishment.
Your tattoo artist should have given you a tattoo healing lotion to use on the area twice a day or more, especially when it’s feeling dry and flaky. No matter what you do, refrain from scratching your tattoo! It will likely feel dry, tight, and itchy, and the urge to scratch at it while the scabs are forming to heal the skin can be great.
- Do not take baths and fully submerge your tattoo underwater. Take showers only and avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or the beach.
- Do not use petroleum-based products to apply onto your tattoo as these are too heavy and will hinder the healing process.
- Keep your tattoo uncovered but avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities like working out or other forms of labor that will cause you to sweat excessively.
