Tattoos and Skin Absorption

When you get a tattoo, the tattoo artist uses a needle to puncture the skin and inject ink into the skin’s layers. The needle creates tiny holes in the skin, and the ink is deposited into these holes. The ink then settles into the skin’s dermis layer, which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

The skin’s primary function is to protect the body from harmful substances, but it can also absorb certain substances, including medications. When medication is applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin’s layers.

The skin is made up of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is the outermost layer and provides a barrier against the environment. The dermis is the middle layer and contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and hair follicles. The subcutaneous tissue is the deepest layer and contains fat and connective tissue.

When medication is applied to the skin, it must first penetrate the outermost layer, the epidermis. The epidermis contains several layers of skin cells, including the stratum corneum, which is the top layer. The stratum corneum acts as a barrier to prevent substances from entering the body. However, the stratum corneum is not impenetrable, and some substances can still pass through it.

Once the medication has penetrated the epidermis, it enters the dermis layer. The dermis contains blood vessels, which allow the medication to enter the bloodstream. The medication then circulates through the body, where it can have its desired effect.

Tattoos do not significantly impact the skin’s ability to absorb medication. However, other factors can impact the skin’s absorption rate, including the medication’s formulation, the location of the tattoo, the age of the tattoo, and the healing process. If you have concerns about medication absorption, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider.

Research has also shown that tattoos do not affect the skin’s ability to absorb medication and that if you have a tattoo, your skin will still be able to absorb medication in the same way as if you did not have a tattoo.

One study conducted in 2017 investigated whether tattoos affect the pharmacokinetics of topical medications. The study found that tattoos did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of the medication. 

However, the study did note that the tattoo’s location could potentially impact the absorption rate of the medication. For example, medication applied to the skin overlying a tattoo on the back of the hand was absorbed more slowly than medication applied to the same area on the other hand without a tattoo.

It’s worth noting that the skin’s ability to absorb medication can vary depending on the medication’s formulation, the location of the tattoo, and the age of the tattoo. For example, medications with a high molecular weight, such as some biologic drugs, may not be able to penetrate the skin effectively, even in areas without tattoos. The age of the tattoo can also impact the skin’s absorption rate, as older tattoos may have more scar tissue and thicker skin than newer tattoos.

Another factor to consider is the healing process of a tattoo. When a tattoo is first applied, the skin is disrupted, and the body begins the healing process. During this time, the skin’s natural barrier function is disrupted, making it more challenging for the skin to absorb medications. In addition, the use of certain topical medications during the healing process can increase the risk of infection or other complications.

Conclusion

Tattoos do not impact the skin’s ability to absorb medication. However, other factors such as the medication’s formulation, the location of the tattoo, the age of the tattoo, and the healing process can all impact the skin’s absorption rate. If you have concerns about medication absorption, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider.