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Dec 11, 2023

What Is an Ephemeral Tattoo and How Does It Work?

For centuries, tattoos have been a form of art and self-expression. But while traditional ones hold immense sentimental value for many, the idea of a lifelong commitment to a particular design can be

For centuries, tattoos have been a form of art and self-expression. But while traditional ones hold immense sentimental value for many, the idea of a lifelong commitment to a particular design can be daunting for some. Don’t worry, though! If you have been contemplating on getting inked but are hesitant about its permanence, you can actually get semi-permanent tatts that will fade after a year.

Enter Ephemeral Tattoo, the first tattoo company to offer made-to-fade ink, a solution for those not quite ready to commit to etching a tattoo into their skin forever.

Even Hollywood star Victoria Justice got one herself!

Ephemeral Tattoos, also known as "fading tattoos," are a modern take on the traditional art form. These tattoos are applied using a needle, just like traditional tattoos, but with one significant difference: The ink used is specially formulated to fade over time. This revolutionary technique is ideal for those who want to experiment with body art, commemorate a special occasion, or express themselves in the moment without a lifelong commitment.

Ephemeral tattoos, also known as temporary tattoos, are designs that are applied to the skin but fade away after a certain period, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Unlike traditional permanent tattoos that involve inserting ink into the skin's dermal layer, ephemeral tattoos are non-invasive and use special ink and application techniques to adhere to the skin's surface.

The made-to-fade ink is composed of medical-grade bio-absorbable ingredients, designed to break down naturally within the body. Unlike permanent tattoo ink, which remains embedded in the deeper layers of the skin, Ephemeral Ink is applied to the top layer of the dermis. Over time, the bio-absorbable particles in the ink gradually shrink until they are small enough for the body to eliminate naturally.

Factors like skin type, location of the tattoo, and exposure to water or friction can influence the longevity of the Ephemeral Tattoo. For instance, tattoos on areas with frequent movement, like hands or fingers, may fade faster than those on less active parts of the body.

The fading process is gradual and natural. As the skin's outermost layer sheds, the tattoo design starts to fade away. The ink particles used in ephemeral tattoos are designed to be broken down and eliminated by the body over time, ensuring a safe and gentle removal process.

While hennas are another form of temporary body art, their application differs significantly from traditional and made-to-fade tattoos. Hennas involve using henna plant powder mixed with water to create a thick paste, which is then delicately applied to the skin using a small piping bag. On the other hand, Ephemeral Tattoos are created by etching designs into the skin using a needle.

According to the website, a fading tattoo costs $175 (P9,574) to $450 (P24,620), depending on the size and design. Here’s the catch, though: Ephemeral Tattoos are not available in the Philippines just yet! The Brooklyn-based company has eight studios across the US, but is yet to expand outside America.

While not currently available in the country, it's a relief to know that there's an option for those of us who aren't ready to commit to a tattoo design permanently. Would you consider trying it out?

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