how do tattoos work?
Dear MOM, The human skin is made up of two principal parts: the epidermis and the dermis. The outer, thinner epidermis consists of four or five cell layers. The inner dermis is made up of two portions: the upper, papillary region and the reticular region. Tattoos are made by inserting ink into the deepest layers (the dermis portion) of the skin, which shed cells at a much slower rate than layers closer to the surface. That is why tattoos can last a lifetime. That is also why getting a tattoo may sometimes pose a health risk. Inserting needles deeply into the dermis layer can lead to a skin infection, or even a blood infection, if the tattoo parlor conditions are unsanitary. For more information on tattoos, call your state Department of Health for information about the legality and sanitary procedures for tattoos in your state. In New York City, tattoo artists (but not tattoo parlors) are licensed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Columbia students and others living in
Tattoo pigment is inserted by a puncture made with a needle. The pigment is inserted under the epidermis to the dermis. The epidermis is almost transparent so the pigment is easily seen. The pigment sort of mixes with the cells of the dermis. The dermis does not shed and therefore the tattoo is there for life. Read more about how tattoos work at HowStufWorks.
